Chief Babatunde Fanimokun, a former Permanent Secretary in Lagos State and a Development Economist, has called on public servants and young people to embrace integrity in their professional and personal lives.
He made this call while delivering the inaugural Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) Annual Distinguished Service Lecture, held at the institution on Wednesday.
Themed “Excellence, Integrity, Resourcefulness and Selflessness: The Hallmark of Lagos State Public Service as a Case Study in Progress, Unity and Prosperity 1967–2025,” the lecture explored the enduring values that have shaped Lagos State’s governance.
Fanimokun emphasised that public service is a trust and should be executed with selflessness and zero tolerance for corruption. He commended past Lagos governors – Mobolaji Johnson, Lateef Jakande, and Bola Tinubu – for exemplifying principled leadership that helped the state distinguish itself nationally.
“Lagos is a story of what Nigeria can become. The DNA of Lagos includes integrity. We need incorruptible leaders like Jakande. Lagosians are enterprising and thrive under unity in diversity,” he said.
In his welcome address, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, Rector of YABATECH, said the lecture marks the beginning of efforts to institutionalise a platform for celebrating leadership excellence and promoting core public service values.
“This event should renew our commitment to service, not just in our professions, but in contributing to the greater good of our communities and nation,” he said.
Dr. Abdul praised Chief Fanimokun for consistently embodying the values of excellence, integrity, resourcefulness, and selflessness throughout his decades of service to Lagos State.
Chairman of the Governing Council of YABATECH, Professor Funso Afolabi, described the lecture as both an intellectual engagement and a celebration of excellence.
“Today’s event is an opportunity to engage with new ideas, challenge assumptions, and celebrate outstanding staff whose dedication exemplifies the values that make this institution exceptional,” Afolabi said.
