The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has inaugurated new permanent secretaries and tutors general in the state.
It would be recalled that on the 5th of March, 2024, 16 permanent secretaries, made up of 14 in the core civil service and 2 in the local government service. Were appointed, following the recommendation of the Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip.
The new Permanent Secretaries in the civil service are; Mr Igbekele Jatuwase, Mr Ogundipe, O.T, Mrs Tunde-Daramola, F.O, Mr Akinkuotu, T.O, Mr Ogunlade, S.S, Mr Omoba, S.O, Mr Ayodele, O.F, Mr Omomowo, F.A, Dr Asere, O.O, Mrs Akinola, A.F, Mr Ogundele, O, Mrs Olufunmilayo Adejumo, Mr Asonja, F.O, Dr. Adiji, A.
Permanent Secretaries for Local Government Service are; Mrs M.O. Idris and Dr. Bayo Ilawole.
Tutors general are; Mr Ojo Olatunde Rufus and Mrs Abe Adenike Angela.
Governor Aiyedatiwa in his remarks congratulated the new permanent secretaries and tutors general, adding that there’s no doubt that going by their track records, their elevation will spur them to greater productivity in the Service by deploying their wealth of experience in the discharge of their. Schedules.
He reiterated that appointment of Permanent Secretaries and Tutors-General is not a once-and-for-all thing, as it will happen whenever the occasion demands. “No undue politics about it and there shouldn’t be any at all! I therefore wish to charge those who are yet to be considered to keep giving their best, for in due season, fortune will smile at them”.
According to Governor Aiyedatiwa, the present administration will never downplay the relevance of the Public Service. “The Public Service has the onerous responsibility to ensure quality service delivery. This is a veritable way of transforming our State. The system must regain its passion and be repositioned for effectiveness and efficiency. It must be made more resourceful and professional, imbibing global best practices”.
He stressed that the government will keep supporting and reinvigorating the system and meeting its obligations on all fronts, to both serving and retired officers.
“I wish to mention for information that plans are underway to shore up the staffing position in the critical sectors of health, education and others. In fact, in teaching alone, government will recruit not less than two thousand fresh hands, to start with, in the course of the current year.
Ladies and gentlemen, this Administration is committed to legacies projects, programmes and policies that will impact positively on the lives of the people. Our focus is to bring good governance to bear on all sectors of the economy of the State. We are determined to frontally confront our challenges and maximize available opportunities to take our State to a greater height. I see this as a way to immortalise our late Governor and pathfinder, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, CON.
The focus of this Administration in the last seven years has been to ensure sustainable development of the State. Our emphasis has been to put the people at the centre of our programmes and policies, ensure prudent management of resources for a balanced development, embark on public sector reforms, reduce cost of governance, engage with development partners, maximally and grow the economy of the State, for sustainable development”.
Governor Aiyedatiwa urged them to have a clear understanding of the present administration’s vision and key into it, immediately.
“As Accounting Officers, you are to provide the required administrative leadership in your respective MDAs to ensure prompt but effective service delivery, devoid of unnecessary red tape. You are advised to work well with your political heads in the overall interest of this Administration. You are to imbibe our extant doctrine of One Administration and apply same, always. In total, you are to add value to this Administration. You are to imbibe our extant doctrine of One Administration and apply same, always. In total, you are to add value to this Administration and justify your appointment”.
He noted that his administration will not condone any form of infraction that can erode the confidence of the Public in it.
Governor Aiyedatiwa assured that despite the prevailing economy constraints in the country, the State will continue to apply its resources to promote the welfare of the people. “We are resolved to continue to dispense dividends of democracy across the State as we see this as an abiding contract, not politics! God willing, we shall not fail”.
He appeal to all and sundry to let peace reign, as election draws near. “Democracy allows for divergent opinions but not undue insinuations, mis-representations, acrimony and violence. I plead with all political gladiators not to destroy the very State we intend to serve”.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, expressed gratitude to the governor for swiftly appointing the permanent secretaries.
He commended the governor for his dedication to workers’ welfare, noting that the governor has consistently upheld the legacy of excellence established by the Akeredolu/Aiyedatiwa administration.
He emphasized the governor’s commitment to enhancing workers’ well-being by implementing various initiatives to improve their quality of life and that of the citizens at large. Additionally, he urged the governor to persist in his commendable efforts, stressing the importance of continuous improvement and progress.
Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated Permanent Secretaries, Mr Somo Ogunlade Appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for finding them worthy of their various positions. He promised that they will do their best for the good of the State and would not steal the state’s money.
Present at the event were ; The Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, Hon. Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, State Chairman of APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, former chief of staff to Late Governor Akeredolu, Chief Olugbenga Ale, former head of service, Mr Ajose Kudehinbu, the immediate past head of service of Ondo State, Pastor Kayode Ogundele, members of the State executive council, members of Ondo State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, Traditional rulers, Labour leaders, top government functionaries.