The Lagos State Government on Thursday distributed 100 vehicles to Substantive Directors on Grade Level 17, in the Lagos State Public Service through an e-ballot system at an event held at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa-Ikeja.
In his address, the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola congratulated the winners, some of whom participated virtually, noting that the cars are not gifts but what has been earned as work tools. He added that 40 vehicles were allocated to Director on GL 17 in the Teaching Sector, while 30 each were allocated to the Health and Mainstream sectors.
He commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his Deputy for the initiative, revealing that Mr. Governor has also promised that the State Government will continue to hold the initiative periodically based on the availability of funds.
Muri-Okunola, therefore, urged all Directors that did not to win this time around, not to despair but hope that it will be their turn to celebrate when next the initiative would be repeated.
His words, “Let me, first of all, congratulate the winners today, however, I must also reiterate that you should rededicate yourselves to duty because to whom much is given, much is expected. For those who did not win today. You must take heart and hope that it would be your turn next time as the State Government intends to hold the event periodically as well as expand its scope based on the availability of funds”.
The Head of Service averred that the choice of the use of e-ballot was to give every substantive Director equal opportunity in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu Administration.
The Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Mrs. Sunkanmi Oyegbola stated that the process streamed live on Twitter and Facebook was transparent, adding that winners would be verified to ensure eligibility.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, Lagos State Branch, Comrade Olusegun Balogun, commended the State Government for the initiative, noting that the initiative was a landmark achievement by the present administration led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Some of the winners were so thankful and excited for the unexpected gesture of the State Government. They equally commended the e-ballot method of distribution.