Professor Tunji Olaopa’s leadership of the Federal Civil Service Commission ( FCSC) was commended yesterday, as a former federal permanent secretary and erstwhile Chairman of Access Bank Plc, Dr Dere Awosika, paid a courtesy visit to him in his office in Abuja.
 
Awosika said she decided to visit the commission in acknowledgement of the positive changes that had begun under Olaopa’s leadership.   According to her, the commission is the fabric of the country’s governance, as the private sector depends on the government, which is being managed by the civil service. 
 
She added that the commission builds the public service and that the private sector depends on the government for its operational success.  Awosika said civil servants understand the issues that the private sector wants the government to address.             
 
Consequently, she said she was glad to be a civil servant because it allowed her to serve anywhere.   Earlier, Olaopa acknowledged Awosika as his senior in the federal service and as an accomplished federal permanent secretary.  He described her as a role model not just for women, but also for career and professional civil servants.

Olaopa said: “I specifically celebrate you for being a chip off the old block, who embodies the values of a renowned Nigerian family with a pedigree that stands tall in the annals of public service in Nigeria. 
 
“Your exemplary achievements post-retirement, wherein you progressed to assume the position of the chairperson of the board of directors of one of Nigeria’s leading banks, Access Bank Plc, and an honorary consul of the Czech Republic should be a source of inspiration to upcoming civil servants that beyond years of toiling as bureaucrats, there can be a distinguished life after retirement.”
 
According to Olaopa, at a personal level, he knows Awosika as a woman of strong Christian values, “who lives her life with the fear of God. In this regard, you indeed inspired me during the many times I related with you in service.”