By Abdulfatah Babatunde
Lagos, April 10, ’25 (TNZ) A former Permanent Secretary in Lagos, Chief Babatunde Fanimokun, has advised civil servants and youths to imbibe integrity and selflessness to build a positive legacy.
TheNewsZenith reports that Fanimokun gave the advice while delivering the first Annual Distinguished Service Lecture at the Yaba College of Technology, on Wednesday, in Lagos.
The theme of the lecture is: “Excellence, Integrity, Resourcefulness and Selflessness: The Hallmark Of Lagos State Public Service As A Case Study In Progress, Unity and Prosperity 1967 – 2025”
According to him, public service entails public trust. Hence, workers should exhibit selfless service and not engage in corrupt practices.
The Service Lecture, he said, is “a wake-up” call.
“I am a proud product of the public service of Lagos State. I was privileged to be among the foundation laid by the late Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson,” TheNewsZenith quotes him as saying.
Fanimokun expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for approving the upgrading of the College to a University.
“If we are serious in this country, Yabatech should have become a university based on the record achievements.
“Seeing these achievements, what I wanted to do was to partner with the institution and try to support them. I did not know that they were going into full marriage with me.
“As of now, one of the greatest birthday gifts I got from our President (Bola Tinubu) is the upgrading the YabaTech to a full university.
“I want to make the message loud and clear; the bond between me and YabaTech will not end. It is going to be one of the foremost universities in Nigeria,” TheNewsZenith quotes Fanimokun as saying.
He recalled that last year, he donated 150 hectares of land from his new megacity of 800 hectares to YabaTech.
“When your Rector convinced me to provide 150 hectares of land from my new megacity of 800 hectares, which cost N5.6 trillion, I gave it out voluntarily.
“I did not know Yabatech will become a university then.
Earlier in his welcome address, the College Rector, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, said that the event marks the beginning of institutionalising a platform for celebrating leadership excellence.
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“Today marks the beginning of what we intend to institutionalise as a platform for celebrating leadership excellence, examining public service values.
“It will foster a culture of integrity and selfless service both within our academic community and across the nation.
“We are deeply honoured to have Chief Babatunde Fanimokun as the Guest Lecturer for this maiden edition.
“Chief Fanimokun is a respected icon in the Lagos State Public Service.
“He has consistently embodied the virtues we gather to highlight: excellence, integrity, resourcefulness and selflessness.
“His illustrious service from the foundational years of Lagos State in 1967 to the present stands as a powerful reflection of what principled leadership and steadfast dedication can accomplish in the public sphere,” TheNewsZenith quotes Abdul as saying.
He noted that the event serves to reflect on the extraordinary journey of Lagos State, from its inception in 1967, a time of significant transition, to its current status as a mega-city.
“Over the decades, Lagos has exemplified excellence through visionary leadership and innovative governance.
“The state’s transformation into a thriving economic hub reflects the integrity and ingenuity of its public service.
“Lagos has maintained a vibrant cultural heritage while emerging as a dynamic economic powerhouse.
“This evolution reflects the state’s ability to harmonize tradition with modernity, symbolizing excellence and altruism in its development.
“We must also acknowledge the impactful governance of President Bola Tinubu.
“His visionary leadership as Governor of Lagos State laid the foundation for strategic reforms, institutional strengthening and sustainable development.”
As an institution, the Rector said Yaba College of Technology shared these core values of excellence, integrity, resourcefulness and selflessness.
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“Our commitment to providing quality technical and vocational education, fostering innovation, and engaging in community development projects demonstrates our dedication to these principles and to the progress of our nation.
“For example, our recent advancements in renewable energy research and our skills acquisition programs for local artisans exemplify our commitment to resourcefulness and selfless service.”
Also speaking, the chairman of the occasion, Prof. Funso Afolabi, said the occasion was one the College looked forward to with great anticipation every year.
“It serves as a time for intellectual enrichment and as a moment to celebrate excellence within our organisation.
“This year, we are gathered here to reflect on our achievements, learn from distinguished minds in our field and honour the exceptional contributions of our colleagues.
“Our annual distinguished lecture provides us with an opportunity to engage with new ideas.
“It will broaden our perspectives and insights that will propel us toward greater success,” TheNewsZenith quotes him as saying.
Afolabi, who doubles as the Chairman of the Governing Council of YabaTech, eulogised distinguished lecturer (Fanimokun) for his exemplary achievements as a super permanent secretary of Lagos State.
“His lecture today promises to challenge our thinking, inspire us, and perhaps even push the boundaries of what we know.
“We are grateful for his presence and look forward to the intellectual wealth he will share,” Afolabu added. (TNZ)
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