By Precious Oluwole

Following the retirement of Pastor Kayode Ogundele, Mr Bayo Philip has been sworn in as the 16th Head of Service Ondo State on Friday.

It would be recalled that he was appointed as the Acting Head of Service, few days ago.

The newly sworn in commissioners includes ; Pastor Emmanuel Igbasan, Engr. Razaq Obe, Mrs Omowunmi Isaac, Dr. Olukayode Abraham Ajulo, Mr. Akinwunmi Sowore, Mr. Oyeniyi Oseni.

Special Advisers are: Hon. Olugbenga Omole, Mrs. Olamide Falana, Hon. Alabi Johnson, Dr. (Mrs) Olawunmi Ilawole, Summy Smart Francis, Mr Bablola Joseph Ayoade, Comrade Abdulganiy Muhammed, Prof. Simidele Odimayo.

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa in his remarks congratulated the new Head of Service, Commissioners and Special Advisers, noting that the event marks a major milestone in the first leg of the last lap of the journey to the conclusion of the present administration’s second term.

He appreciated the members of Ondo State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji for the speedy screening and confirmation of the Commissioner nominees.

Governor Aiyedatiwa enjoined them to see their appointment as a call to service, to deliver more, in the delivery of good governance to the people. “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.

“The entire State is looking up to you to bring to bear your wealth of experience, skills and competencies in your new assignments. It is no more news that our country is facing hard times economically and as a State, we are not immune to these challenges. 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.

“Let me charge you to see yourself as an ambassador, holding the office in trust for public servants in Ondo State. Besides, you are to provide the required leadership for the entire public service and see your appointment as a call to service. The oath of allegiance which you have taken is very significant in many ways; one of which is higher commitment to ideals of service. You are, therefore, implored to put the interest of the State first in all that you do.

“Having worked and garnered varied experiences in different capacities across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), it is hoped that you will adroitly bring your wealth of experience to bear on your new appointment to further add value to our Administration, not only in terms of accountability but also in transparency.

“You are to ensure that the resources of the State are not misappropriated, while ensuring the continued optimal generation of revenue by the public service. I wish you the best of luck. Let me, once again, express our appreciation to the immediate past Head of Service, Pastor Kayode Olaniyi Ogundele for his services to the State. I wish him the best in his future endeavours”.

Governor Aiyedatiwa stressed that as part of his government’s continued commitment to the educational development of students, the sum of N550million has been approved for the payment of Year 2024 West African Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) registration fee for all suitably qualified public secondary school candidates in the State. “These are some of the people-oriented programmes of our administration. We have also continued with the payment of monthly wage award of N10,000.00 only to our pensioners and N35,000.00 only to public servants in the State.

“In order to ensure the safety of lives and property of residents in our dear State, 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. To this end, we shall continue to support all security agencies with necessary tools and resources with a view to making our roads, farms and forests free from criminal elements”.

Governor Aiyedatiwa appreciated President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for the support the State has been receiving since taking over the reins of governance consequent upon the passing of our late boss and leader, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON. “ I cannot but continue to salute our late Governor for his commitment, dedication, energy and purpose which he deployed to governance during his time as Governor of Ondo State. Undoubtedly, he had laid a solid foundation upon which we shall continually build.

“I enjoined all political gladiators in the State on the need to maintain peaceful conduct as we begin to solicit votes from our teeming parties’ men and women ahead of the forthcoming gubernatorial primaries and ultimately the governorship election billed for November this year. Kindly endeavour to eschew violence, maintain good conduct at all times as well as keep a tight rein on our supporters. Ondo State is bigger than any individual’s politics”.

Earlier in his remarks, the Head of service, Mr Bayo Philip appreciated Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for finding him worthy of the posting, pledging to use his office for the development of the State.

He 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.

In attendance were: Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Chairman of APC, Egnr. Ade Adetimehin, Chief Judge of Ondo Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, Traditional rulers, Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Abayomi Akinruntan.