The leadership of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) under Professor Tunji Olaopa has received commendation from former Federal Permanent Secretary and former Chairman of Access Bank Plc, Dr. (Mrs.) Dere Awosika.
Dr. Awosika, who paid a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, said her visit was prompted by the positive changes already visible under Professor Olaopa’s leadership.
According to her, the Commission remains the backbone of governance in Nigeria, as the private sector depends on an efficient public service for its operational success.
“The Commission builds the public service, and the private sector depends on government for effective operations. Civil servants understand the issues that the private sector wants addressed, and that synergy is critical for national development. I am proud to have been a civil servant because a true civil servant can serve anywhere,” she stated.
Responding, Professor Olaopa described Dr. Awosika as a distinguished role model, not only to women but to all career civil servants, noting her exceptional contributions to the public and private sectors.
He further lauded her achievements after retirement, highlighting her rise to the position of Chairperson of Access Bank Plc and her role as Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic in Nigeria.
Olaopa also described Awosika as a woman of deep Christian values who lives and leads with integrity. “You inspired me personally during our time together in service,” he said.
The Commissioner representing Adamawa, Gombe, and Taraba States, Dr. Ibrahim Jalo Daudu, described her as “the queen of the civil service,” noting that stakeholders are proud of her continued advocacy for the service even after retirement.
Similarly, the Commissioner representing Jigawa and Kano States, Ambassador Aminu Nabegu, commended her for maintaining strong ties with the civil service despite her busy corporate engagements.
The Commissioner representing Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, Ededet Eyoma, expressed delight at meeting Awosika in person after long admiring her from afar, while the Commissioner representing Kogi and Kwara States, Rukiyat Odekunle, said Awosika’s career remains a source of inspiration to young women in public service.
