By Precious Oluwole

Ondo Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Monday, swore in new Permanent Secretaries and Tutors-General of the State.

The event held at the Cocoa conference hall, Alagbaka Akure, marked the second edition in the series of the appointment and inauguration of officers at the topmost echelon of Ondo State Bureaucracy since the Governor’s assumption of Office.

The Permanent Secretaries included; Mrs Yemi Pirisola, Mr Idowu Ojo, Mr Phillips Olaleye and Alhaji Mudasiru Adegbeha, the Tutors-General are; Mr Adebayo Ajimuda, Mrs Owoka Adedamilola and Mrs Idowu Asogbon.

According to the Governor, the Public Service as the statutory delivery platform of government, must be oiled and repositioned for effective discharge of its role, hence, his administration is, therefore, resolved to emplace a capable, Public Service with manifest accountability, transparency, effective and efficient use of public resources, measurable and target-meeting deliveries, professionalism and seamless techno-political collaboration and commitment.

While congratulating the new officers, the Governor noted that their job has just begun. “You are to lead from the front to ensure quality service delivery in your respective areas of jurisdiction, both in the Mainstream Civil Service and the School Subsector. I must reiterate our total commitment to the education sector in terms of infrastructural turnaround, staffing, provision of instructional materials, payment for terminal examination, among others. Our children are our future so we cannot afford to do less.

“I advise the appointees to further roll up your sleeves and work assiduously to justify your elevation. I have said repeatedly that this type of special elevation shall be an ongoing exercise. I am aware that more senior public servants are in the frontline discharging the roles of Accounting Officers but are yet to be elevated. I want to assure you that as space and resources would permit, more preferments would be made”.

The Governor, however, called on the generality of the workforce to continue to dedicate themselves to their jobs in the overriding pursuit of the State development.

“The public service job must be seen as a mission field with unflinching commitment. Know that your work will stand you out for reward, no matter how remote your desk is located or how low your grade level is. I applaud the Service new mantra of “don’t deliver short, don’t deliver late”. Let this be your watchwords, always”.

Governor Aiyedatiwa appreciated all the workers in the State including the Local Government workers for the industrial peace in the State.

“Our openness and constant engagement would continue for purposes of mutual understanding in the interest of our State. I am glad to receive information that 2024 promotion has been concluded across board, and has been cash-backed. I have given my word to the Head of Service that the 2025 edition would even be faster. We are determined to keep motivating our workforce”, he concluded.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip appreciated the governor for his commitment to enhancing workers’ well-being by implementing various initiatives to improve their quality of life and that of the citizens at large.

While congratulating the celebrants on their swearing in, he urged them to use their new offices to contribute their quota to the development of the State.

Speaking on behalf of other celebrants, Mrs Yemi Pirisola appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for finding them worthy of their new offices, promising to work with the Governor and discharge their duties accordingly.

In attendance were; The Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, members of the Ondo State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, State Chairman of APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, members of the State Executive Council, Former Head of Service in Ondo State, Mr Akin Adaramola, former Chief of Staff, Mr Olugbenga Ale, Traditional rulers, religious leaders, labour leaders, Permanent Secretaries, among other top government officials.