By Yetunde Ogunmola
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has swore in all the six newly appointed commissioners, as well as Eight special Advisers who were recently confirmed by the state House of Assembly.
The governor also inaugurated the new Head of service, Mr Bayo Philip, at the swearing-in event which was held at the International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome) in Akure.
The commissioners are; Mr Emmanuel Igbasan, Engr Razaq Obe, Mrs Omowumi Isaac, Dr Olukayode Abraham Ajulo, Mr Akinwumi Sowore, Mr Oyeniyi Oseni.
The Special Advisers are; Olugbenga Omole, Mrs Olamide Falana, Alabi Johnson, Summy Smart Francis, Dr (Mrs) Olawunmi Ilawole, Pastor Babalola Joseph Ayoade, Comrade Abdulganiy Muhammed and Prof. Simidele Odimayo.
Speaking at the event, Governor Aiyedatiwa charged the newly sworn-in cabinet members to see their appointment as a call to service to the good people of Ondo State and deliver good governance to them
He commended the new Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, urging him to provide exemplary leadership and prioritize the interests of the state.
He urged all officials to draw upon their diverse experiences to contribute meaningfully to the administration’s goals of transparency and accountability.
The governor said; “You must be dedicated, up and doing and focused in the discharge of the duties and responsibilities expected of your office. It is equally important that you see yourselves as servant-leaders and not lords in your respective MDAs.
“Kindly cooperate with your Accounting Officers. You are expected to work in partnership with them and ensure you are guided by relevant rules and regulations in the performance of your duties and responsibilities.
“As Commissioners and Special Advisers, you are coming on board at a very critical time. It, therefore, behoves you to come up with creative ideas and policies geared towards alleviating the sufferings of our people. We cannot afford to fail in this regard. This time requires us as political leaders to lead by example and be prepared to make necessary sacrifices by shunning ostentatious lifestyle. Let me use this medium to plead with our people not to mount undue pressure on these new appointees. We should let them perform their duties without let or hindrance or distraction.”
Aiyedatiwa while acknowledging the economic strain caused by high food prices which has lad to high cost of living, said measures are been taken which includes releasing grains from reserves.
“As part of these measures, Mr. President has directed the immediate release of about 102,000 metric tonnes of various grain types from the Strategic Reserve and the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria. It is our expectation that the positive effects of this decision will be felt across the country within the shortest time possible.
“On our own part as State Government, we have put in place the construction of rural access roads to farms across the three senatorial district of the State. You will recall that we recently flagged off the construction of the Oda Cocoa Board – Langbodo Rural Road in Ondo Central Senatorial District. Several of such roads would be constructed across the State in due course” Aiyedatiwa declared.
Furthermore, in order to ensure the safety of lives and property of residents of ondo state, the governor said “we have started the process of procuring more operational vehicles and gadgets, especially for the Amotekun Corps and other security agencies in the State. We all know that it is the responsibility of government to provide an enabling environment for residents to carry out their lawful businesses”.
The governor later announced the allocation of N550 million for the payment of the 2024 West African Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) registration fees for eligible public secondary school candidates in the state, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to education.
Additionally, ongoing initiatives include monthly payments of N10,000 to pensioners and N35,000 to public servants, highlighting the administration’s people-oriented programs.
The governor urged all political stakeholders to maintain peace and civility during the upcoming gubernatorial primaries and election in November.
He emphasizes the importance of avoiding violence, maintaining good conduct, and keeping supporters in check, emphasizing that the welfare of Ondo State surpasses individual political ambitions.
Earlier in his remarks, Head of Service, Bayo Philip called on the state workers to rededicate their service to the civil service as his tenure will not tolerate lateness,laxity to work and would encourage promotion based on merit.
Speaking on behalf of other commissioners and Special Advisers, Mr Emmanuel Igbasan appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for the trust reposed in them, with a promise to support the government of ondo state.
It would be recalled that the last Executive Council was dissolved on Wednesday, January 24, 2024.
Also in attendance are the Deputy governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, the Secretary to the State Government, Tayo Oluwatuyi, Chief of staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Chief Judge of Ondo state, Olusegun Odusola, APC chairman Ondo state, Ade Adetimehin, Deputy Speaker House of Assembly, Abayomi Akinruntan, Traditional rulers, Religious leaders and Party leaders.
Credit: The Hope
Leave a Reply