L-R: Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Agbaje; Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; a recipient of the 2026 Long Service Merit Award for Unified Local Government Service, and the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, at the Award Ceremony held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja on August 18, 2026.
By Peace Udugba
The Lagos State Government has honoured 506 officers of the Unified Local Government Service for their dedication and years of service at the 2026 Long Service Merit Award Ceremony.
The event, held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, highlighted the contributions of public servants who have served the state for decades, with the government assuring workers of continued support, training and career development.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu commended the awardees for their dedication, perseverance, commitment and professionalism, describing their years of service as an important part of Lagos State’s institutional history.
The governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, assured public servants that the present administration and successive governments would continue to support them in discharging their responsibilities and improving service delivery.
He said the recognition was not only for the awardees but also for the residents whose lives had been positively impacted by their years of service.
“Thirty years, 31 years, and even more is a career spent showing up through changes in leadership, changes in technology, and changes in the very shape of the communities that you serve. So, let me tell you this: Lagos sees you. Lagos appreciates you,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He added that the Unified Local Government Service remained critical to grassroots governance, noting that residents interacted directly with government through the state’s 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas.
Sanwo-Olu also called for a stronger and more professionally equipped public service capable of meeting the needs of Lagos’ growing population and increasing demand for government services.
He urged younger officers to learn from the experience of the senior officers being honoured, stressing the importance of mentorship, training and knowledge sharing in strengthening the public service.
According to him, the government would continue to invest in workforce development through training programmes and initiatives such as the planned e-library, to equip public servants with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively to emerging challenges.
In his address, the Head of Service, Mr Bode Agoro, commended the state government for sustaining the Long Service Merit Award, describing the recognition as evidence of its commitment to rewarding selfless and effective public service.
Agoro congratulated the awardees and urged other officers to remain committed to continuous learning and professional development in response to changing socio-economic realities, public policies and technological advancements.
He also encouraged public servants to prioritise their health and make regular use of the Ilera Eko health insurance scheme.
“Endeavour to always leverage your Ilera Eko policy, visit your designated hospitals for frequent check-ups to ascertain your health status. Don’t forget that government is contributing its part to this policy every month, while deduction is made from you as well,” he said.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Local Government Establishments and Training, Ms Toyin Ogunlana, described the 2026 Long Service Merit Award as a significant occasion for celebrating officers who had dedicated more than three decades to serving Lagos State.
Ogunlana commended the awardees for remaining committed through various reforms and changes in the public service, while embracing new ways of working and mentoring younger officers.
She said their contributions had strengthened the growth, stability and effectiveness of the Unified Local Government Service.
The permanent secretary further emphasised the importance of integrity, diligence, accountability and excellence, describing the values as essential to sustaining an effective and people-oriented public service.
