By Precious Oluwole

The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has inauguated 12 new Commissioners on Friday at the Cocoa Conference hall, Alagbaka, Akure, the State capital.

It would be recalled that last week, Ondo State House of Assembly confirmed the 12 as Commissioners at a plenary presided over by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji.

The commissioners are ; Mr. Adewale Akinlosotu, Mr Olayato Aribo, Mr Saka Yusuf Ogunleye, Pastor Segun Ayerin, Mr. Olaolu Akindolire, Alhaji Hamidu Takuro, Dr. Banji Ajaka, Mr. Boye Ologbese, Mr. Sunday Akinwalere, Deaconess Lola Fagbemi, Mr. Rasheed Badmus and Mr Gbenga Olaniyi.

In his address, Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that the forum was the third in the series of performing the swearing-in of new Commissioners to advance good governance in line with the mandate of his administration, adding that his administration is determined not to allow the interest of the people suffer neglect in anyway.

Governor Aiyedatiwa applauded the people of Ondo State for their steadfastness, support and loyalty to his administration. “I can visualize your huge patriotism; I can see that you are ever-ready. I must confess that you have been our source of inspiration, fortifying us with the required tonic, drive, commitment and energies to carry on the art of good governance. Without you, we dare not imagine coming this far and being impactful on many fronts.

“As a government we shall keep to our sacred resolve to preserve the enormous goodwill you have bestowed on us and to always champion your yearnings and aspirations.

“It is a thing of pride that in spite of the many hurdles we have weathered through together, God has really positioned and strengthened our administration to advance the course of good governance. On several fronts, we continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to the good people of Ondo State. Limitation of time and space may not permit us to chronicle all that we have done within the limited time of my assumption of office”.

Governor Aiyedatiwa congratulated the newly inaugurated appointees for being worthy of consideration as Honourable Commissioners in Ondo State. He said “some of you are returning, while others are new Commissioners. In the main, you have a duty to justify your appointment or reappointment as the case may be”.

He urged them to guard your loins and hit the ground running in their various offices, they must foster a good working relationship with the workers, especially the Permanent Secretaries and other Accounting Officers. He added that they must excuse corruption or any act that is not nurturing to good governance and overriding public interest.

Governor Aiyedatiwa further implored all friends, families and well-wishers of the new appointees to refrain from putting undue pressures on them so that they can concentrate and discharge their duties in the overall best interest of the State.

He stressed that his administration is in a hurry to deliver on its mandate and make life more meaningful to the people, as the torch of accelerated development that his administration holds aloft in trust for the people is irreversible.

Highlighting the administration’s accomplishments in various sectors, Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized the strides made in addressing salary arrears, gratuity payments, employment opportunities, infrastructure development, and security enhancement. He stressed the administration’s focus on collaboration with federal and corporate entities to stimulate economic growth and ensure food security in the state.

He commended the Ondo State House of Assembly for always playing a pivotal role in enriching good governance in the State and their spectacular discharge of their legislative duties, most especially in the screening and confirmation of the newly inaugurated Commissioners.

He enjoined all political gladiators and their followers to refrain from stoking the embers of discord with campaigns of calumning, unwarranted mudslinging and blackmails. “We must avoid all acts that can promote violence and make us less-meritorious in the eye of the world”.

Earlier in his address, the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi urged them to hold the position they have taken with Justice and equity and work for the betterment of the State.

He also encouraged them to carry out their duties with unwavering dedication and fairness, stressing that the power and office they hold is not for personal gain but for whom they represent and they should do all they can to promote the agenda of Governor Aiyedatiwa.

Speaking on behalf of other inauguated Commissioners, Dr. Banji Ajaka appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for finding them worthy of the position. He added that they would not disappoint him and the people of the State, noting that they’ll use their experiences for the development of the State.

In attendance were; The Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Head of service, Mr Bayo Philip, State Chairman of APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, members of Ondo State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, Former Ondo House of Assembly members, Traditional rulers, among other top government functionaries.