Fagbemi swears-in as Chairman of Kwara retired permanent secretaries’
By Mahmood Olayinka Alaya
A retired Permanent Secretary, Government House, Ilorin, Prince Suleiman Ayo Fagbemi, has been inaugurated as the new Chairman, Association of Retired Kwara State Permanent Secretaries.
The inauguration ceremony held today at the association’s Secretariat, GRA, Ilorin.
Fagbemi, who was swore-in alongside eight other members of his executive, expressed concern over what he described as ridiculous pension some members of the association receive monthly.
He said his leadership would promptly address the disparity using diplomacy, connection, roundtable conference and dialogue with the state government.
Fagbemi pledged to entrench participatory democracy and inclusiveness for members to have say and voice in the running of the association in line with global best practice.
He also promised to act on all issues in the overriding interest of the association, pleading with members for timely and prompt interventions to bring them to fruition.
The retired permanent secretary disclosed that his executive would also pursue vigorously acquisition of a standard secretariat for the association.
Fagbemi, who once served as permanent Ministry of Information, Agriculture and Natural Resources before his retirement from service, said the perusal of the association’s constitution revealed lacuna but promised to address it urgently through setting up of a constitution review committee in accordance with Section 24 (i-iv) to handle the exercise promptly.
Also speaking, the immediate past Chairman of the association of retired Kwara state permanent secretaries, Mrs Bosede Ikeoluwa Orunmuyi, recalled that the association under her leadership achieved remarkable milestones, fostered a spirit of comrade and upheld the values that define the association.
She urged the new executive to continue to prioritize the welfare of members, saying that the association serves as a platform for networking, social engagements and intellectual stimulation.
Mrs Orunmuyi explained that the association would strengthen the bond that unites it when the new leadership fosters a supportive and vibrant community.
The first Head of Service of the state and Chairman, Board of Trustees of the association, Elder M.O. Oyeyipo expressed delight that the election that ushered in the new executive was devoid of rancour and acrimony.
He noted that the association should be a think-tank for any government in power, pointing out that retired permanent secretaries have always remained the engine room of the government.
The first state Head of Service urged the new leadership to do the best it could and ensure that the association is peaceful at all times.
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