Oyo Government Champions Civil Service Excellence Through Induction for Cooperative Officers

…Reiterates Zero Tolerance for Indiscipline, Advocates Ethical Reawakening in the Public Sector

In a bold step towards institutional reform and capacity development, the Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to excellence, discipline, and professionalism within the civil service through a two-day induction program for newly converted and newly employed officers in the Department of Cooperatives.

Organized by the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, the program, held at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Ibadan, focused on instilling the core values, ethics, and standards expected of civil servants in a modern governance system. The induction concluded today, having delivered a rich blend of technical sessions, administrative reflections, and ethical training.

Declaring the program open, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Mamud Okesade, charged the new officers to embrace integrity, punctuality, competence, civility, and bureaucratic discipline as the foundation of their service. He described the induction as a “scientific and intellectual nourishment” designed to prepare officers for the demanding expectations of public service.

“Your opinion and output must align with the rules—not your personal sentiment,” Mr. Okesade emphasized. He urged officers to be digitally literate, warning that any officer lacking basic computer skills is “gradually becoming obsolete in a digital world.”

The Permanent Secretary also gave strict guidance on civil service decorum, stressing the importance of appearance and adherence to work protocols. Drawing a compelling analogy, he likened the civil service to a computer system—structured, logical, and guided by input.

During the technical session, Mr. Tunde Adedoja, Director of Administration and Supplies, warned against unethical practices such as signing attendance for others, calling it a “gross misconduct.” He emphasized the importance of professionalism, confidentiality, and a commitment to duty. He conducted an impromptu assessment to reinforce participants’ understanding of the core values shared.

Mrs. Arinola Adedeji, Director of Cooperatives, gave a passionate and candid address, drawing from her own experiences in the service. She urged officers to shed the mentality of entitlement, favoritism, and unethical shortcuts. “Cooperative department is not a dumping ground for miscreants or a place to make quick money,” she warned. “Do your job diligently, and you will earn respect.”

She emphasized that proper orientation was necessitated by past cases of misconduct and indiscipline in the department, noting that the government would no longer tolerate unethical behavior or negligence. She added that retired directors were still being consulted as mentors because “you don’t buy experience—you earn it.”

Adding depth to the training, former Deputy Director of Cooperatives, Alhaji I.A. Adeyemo, delivered a session on “Conflict Resolution in the Management of Cooperative Entities – Today and Beyond.” His presentation explored internal dispute mechanisms, financial and electoral conflict prevention, and the relevance of the ICA’s global cooperative principles. Drawing from real-life examples, he reinforced the importance of transparent leadership and proactive conflict prevention strategies.

He also identified common areas of conflict in cooperative societies—ranging from mismanagement, financial irregularities, poor recordkeeping, to communication breakdown—and offered proven models for resolution, including the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (1976) which outlines five resolution styles: accommodation, avoidance, compromise, collaboration, and competition.

Another key lecture was delivered by Elder M.A. Oyekanmi, a retired Deputy Director, who spoke on “Inspection and Supervision of Cooperative Societies.” He highlighted the importance of regular inspections, statutory compliance, accountability, and the supervisory roles of officers in safeguarding public trust. Elder Oyekanmi underscored the need for thorough documentation, timely reporting, and adherence to the Cooperative Laws and Civil Service Rules to ensure efficient operations and member protection.

The program closed on a high note with heartfelt appreciation from Mr. Oniye Olubunmi, who commended the Commissioner, Honourable Adeniyi Adebisi, for his visionary support, as well as the Permanent Secretary, directors, facilitators, and organizing team. The event concluded with a closing prayer led by Mrs. Ojediran.

Dignitaries in attendance included:

Mr. Idowu Olawoyin, Deputy Director of Cooperatives

Mr. Anu Adewale, Deputy Director of Cooperatives

Mr. Olayinka Raimi, Deputy Director of Trade

Mr. Olawale Olanrewaju, Assistant Director of Trade

Mr. Olayinka M.O., Assistant Director of Cooperatives

Mr. Gbadamosi W.S., Assistant Director of Cooperatives

This induction program aligns with the vision of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, who has continuously championed reform, innovation, and ethical transformation within the civil service. Quoting the Governor’s stance: “When the civil service becomes a true institution, it operates like a programmed system—structured, ethical, and accountable.”

Through this initiative, the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry has set a new benchmark for civil service orientation and capacity building, laying a strong foundation for excellence in public service delivery across the State.