By Afolaranmi Damilare, Ayanlakin Qudus
The Africa Civil Service Week, themed “Federal Civil Service and Sustainable Development in a Developing Economy,” took place from June 24th to 26th, 2025, at the National Library in Osogbo, Osun State. The three-day event featured a range of activities, including an endurance trek, interdenominational service, excursion, exhibition, lectures, and entertainment.
The guest speaker, Professor Akinwale Richard Olutayo, a Professor of Plant Breeding and Biometrics at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, delivered a keynote address on the theme. He discussed indicators and indices of national development, the role of civil service in national development, challenges facing the civil service, and strategies to enhance excellence in Nigeria’s civil service.
The Osun RMRDC State Coordinator, Mr. Adeyemi Saheed A., emphasized the importance of innovation and sustainability in driving national development. He noted that embracing new technologies and approaches can significantly enhance productivity and performance in the civil service. Mr. Adeyemi highlighted the potential of raw materials development in promoting economic growth and sustainability, citing RMRDC’s efforts in promoting research and development in the sector.
“We must prioritize innovation and sustainability in our development agenda,” Mr. Adeyemi said. “By leveraging technology and modern tools, we can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the overall quality of service delivery. This is particularly crucial in the development of our raw materials, which holds great potential for driving economic growth and sustainability.”
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Other notable speakers included Dr. Mrs. Akinbo-Ajifowowe Oladunni, Vice Chairman of NAFOHEAD; Engr. Sunday Atoyebi, Patron of NAFOHEAD; and Mrs. Grace Oyebade, Matron of NAFOHEAD. They praised the government for its initiatives and called for prioritization of workers’ welfare.
The chairman of National Forum of Heads of Federal Government Establishments in Nigeria (NAFOHEAD), Mr. Samuel Adodo, thanked participating federal government establishments in Osun for making the event a success. He stressed the need for synergy among agencies to drive national development, particularly in Osun State.
The RMRDC stand showcased annual journals on raw materials, research, and development, as well as samples of available solid and agro raw materials in the country and state. This exhibition highlighted the Council’s commitment to promoting innovation and sustainability in the development of Nigeria’s raw materials.
The event provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss strategies for enhancing the civil service and driving sustainable development in Nigeria. With its focus on innovation and sustainability, the Africa Civil Service Week underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving national development goals.
