Another feather has been added to the cap of the Clerk of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mr Tola Esan as he was conferred with Award of Integrity Icon of Nigeria I.I.O.N.
The award which was the first of its kind in the legislative service was conferred on the Clerk of the House
who is about bowing out of Legislative service by a Non-Governmental Organisation known as Centre for Ethics and Self- Value Orientation, a 17-year old Lokoja based International anti-corruption organisation known for exposing corruption, promoting ethical leadership, providing ethical education and Self-Value Orientation of global citizens.
Presenting the Award to the Clerk of the House, the Executive Director of the Organisation, Ethicist (Prince) Salih Musa Yakubu said the Centre was so meticulous and painstaken in the selection of the Awardee and has come to realise that Mr Tola Esan deserves the honour as efficient, incorruptible and most sustainable in Character with transformational leadership style.
“In recognition of your commitment to Humanitarian services, Integrity, National Interest, Due Process compliance,Time management culture, Office attendance, Volunteerism, Innovativeness, Emotional intelligence, Administrative efficiency, his antecedents in the last ten years, Professional conduct and Ethical uprightness in the workplace. You’re conferred with this Award as one of the best Clerk of the House of Assembly in Nigeria”, said the Executive Director.
Meanwhile, he emphasized the need to identify some individuals who have distinguished themselves in the Public service stressing that similar Awards have been conferred on some prominent Nigerians such as Senior Civil Servants at the Federal and States levels, Traditional Rulers, National Assembly Members in spite of the fact that corruption has eaten deep into the fabric of our nation.
He reiterated that Mr Esan been being discharging his administrative duties conscientiously and professionally in the past years and that he has not for once alleged of corruption, unethical conduct, maladministration and all other forms of sharp practices in the service.
However, the Executive Director of Centre for Ethics and Self Orientation also recognised the three Deputy Clerks, Deputy Clerk Administration, Mrs Modupe Ola, Deputy Clerk Legislative, Mrs Kemisola Agbede, Deputy Clerk Legal matters, Barr. Opeyemi Ajibola and the Executive Secretary of the Assembly Service Commission, Mr Tolu Afolabi with commendation of quality service delivery in the legislative service.
Seven other Directors in the legislative service were equally honoured with same letter of Commendation for outstanding professional ethics compliance, noting that the commendation letters would spur the Workers to put in their best to the service towards achieving quality public service delivery in the State House of Assembly in Nigeria.
Mr Yakubu highlighted some of the activities of the Organisation which include training of Staff, as he restated the readiness of the Centre to collaborate with the Ekiti House of Assembly in the training and re-training of Staff.
Responding, the Clerk of the House of Assembly, Mr Tola Esan said he was elated by the honour bestowed on him by the Centre for Ethics and Self Value Orientation.
He described the award as worthwhile, particularly at the period when he is about to bow out of the Legislative service having served the Government meritoriously for Thirty Five years.
“I’m happy to receive this award, I have not been receiving award in the past, but this award is different, I have seen your credibility, objectivity and submission. I commend your efforts. The award came at the appropriate time and it is a testaments to my Transparency, Open door policy, Accountability and incorruptibility”: he said he would continue to do the right thing”.
Mr Esan used the occasion to appreciate the Speaker of the House, Rt Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye for his support and understanding, and for giving him enabling environment to operate. He said they are always on the same page and advised the Management Staff to protect the image of the Assembly adding that the work of Clerk is to shield the Staff.