In a thought-provoking lecture held at the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Wednesday, former Permanent Secretary in Lagos, Chief Babatunde Fanimokun has urged civil servants and youths to exhibit selfless service and avoid corrupt practices, stressing that public service entails public trust.
Delivering the first Annual Distinguished Service Lecture at the institution, Fanimokun emphasized the importance of integrity and selflessness in building a positive legacy.
“The message is loud and clear; the bond between me and YabaTech will not end. It is going to be one of the foremost universities in Nigeria,” Fanimokun stated, highlighting his long-standing commitment to the institution. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for approving the upgrading of Yaba College of Technology to a university, describing it as one of the greatest birthday gifts he received from the President.
The title of the lecture: “Excellence, Integrity, Resourcefulness, and Selflessness: The Hallmark of Lagos State Public Service as a Case Study in Progress, Unity, and Prosperity 1967-2025,” served as a wake-up call for public servants to uphold these values.
The Agba Akin of Iru land said: “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,” he said, reflecting on his experience in the public service.
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The occasion brought together distinguished individuals to reflect on the journey of Lagos State and the importance of excellence, integrity, resourcefulness, and selflessness in public service. Fanimokun’s donation of 150 hectares of land from his new megacity to YabaTech demonstrates his commitment to supporting education and development in the state. “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,” he said.
In his welcome address, the Rectory, Dr Ibraheem Abdul highlighted YabaTech’s commitment to these core values.
He said: “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.”
Abdul said the event marked the beginning of institutionalizing a platform for celebrating leadership excellence.
“Today marks the beginning of what we intend to institutionalise as a platform for celebrating leadership excellence, examining public service values,” Abdul said, highlighting the significance of the occasion.
Abdul praised Fanimokun, describing him as a respected icon in the Lagos State Public Service. “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,” Abdul stated.
Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Funso Afolabi, praised Fanimokun’s exemplary achievements and looked forward to the intellectual wealth he would share. “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,” Afolabi said.
The event showcased YabaTech’s commitment to excellence, integrity, resourcefulness, and selflessness, reflecting its dedication to progress and development. As Fanimokun emphasized, “If we are serious in this country, Yabatech should have become a university based on the record achievements.” The upgrading of YabaTech to a university is a testament to the institution’s growth and potential, he said.