We’ll maintain zero tolerance for wastage, misapplication of public – Gov Aiyedatiwa

…….. Swears in new Permanent Secretaries

……Be diligent, committed, loyal in discharge of your duties – HoS

By Precious Oluwole

Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to zero tolerance for wastage, misapplication of public funds, or any conduct inconsistent with statutory norms and ethical standards.

The Governor made his emphasis at the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed Permanent Secretaries, Auditor-General for Local Governments and Statistician-General, held at the International Center for Culture and Events (The Dome) on Friday.

 

 

The Governor said the newly appointed accounting officers must uphold transparency, accountability and prudence in the management of government resources, stressing that any conduct inconsistent with statutory norms and ethical standards would not be tolerated.

According to him, the public service remains the institutional memory of government and plays a critical role in the implementation of policies and programmes, regardless of changes in political leadership.

He noted that the appointment of the new Permanent Secretaries was part of his administration’s efforts to strengthen the bureaucracy and reposition it for effective service delivery to the people of the state.

Governor Aiyedatiwa said this was the third such elevation in the civil service since his assumption of office.

While congratulating the new appointees, the governor said their elevation was a recognition of their diligence, discipline and dedication to duty over the years.

Aiyedatiwa, however, reminded them that the new positions come with enormous responsibilities, urging them to raise the standard of performance in line with the administration’s development blueprint, the OUR EASE Agenda.

“As Accounting Officers in your respective Ministries, Departments and Agencies, you represent the vital link between policy formulation and implementation.

You must facilitate effective communication and coordination to ensure that government objectives are achieved,” he said.

The Governor urged them to demonstrate humane leadership, avoid harassment of subordinates and remain politically neutral in line with the public service rules.

He added that his administration has continued to prioritise the welfare of public servants through regular promotions, prompt payment of salaries and the implementation of the new minimum wage with its consequential adjustments.

Aiyedatiwa also noted that the government had recruited over 4,000 personnel across various cadres, including teaching, medical, legal, agricultural, administrative and tax services, to strengthen manpower within the public service.

The governor further reiterated the government’s commitment to settling outstanding retirement benefits and sustaining programmes aimed at improving the welfare of workers in the state.

He commended public servants in the state for their contributions to the government’s achievements in infrastructure development, education and the health sector.

Governor Aiyedatiwa charged the newly sworn-in Permanent Secretaries to see their appointments as a call to serve with integrity and dedication in order to advance quality service delivery in the state.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip said the appointment of the new Permanent Secretary marked the beginning of a new phase of responsibility and service to the state, urging them to justify the confidence reposed in them.

He noted that the public service demanded greater industry and dedication from them, stressing that they must prove the system right for choosing them from among several qualified officers.

“You have been chosen from the rank of several qualified officers. You are to prove the system right in choosing you. Work with the consciousness that the public service matters and that your diligent service matters,” he said.

Philip explained that the swearing-in ceremony was a significant moment for the state public service, describing it as part of the continued effort of the present administration to strengthen the system.

According to him, the appointments covered for both the state and local government services.

He added that the Accountant General and the Surveyor General were upgraded to the status of permanent secretary, while the Auditor General for Local Government and the Statistician General were also sworn in.

Philip said the role of permanent secretaries remained crucial in policy implementation and in ensuring that government programmes translated into tangible benefits for the people.

He said as custodians of administrative leadership in their respective ministries, departments and agencies, permanent secretaries were expected to provide effective leadership in the public service.

The Head of Service also appreciated the Governor of Ondo State, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, FCA, for his commitment to the development of the state bureaucracy.

He said the governor had continued to demonstrate confidence in the public service through policies and initiatives aimed at strengthening the system.

Philip noted that the regular appointment of permanent secretaries to fill vacancies in the top echelon of the service, as well as the support for prompt promotion across levels and cadres, had served as motivation for workers.

According to him, nothing motivates public servants more than steady career progression.

He added that the present administration had also introduced several welfare initiatives for workers in the state.

The Head of Service, who disclosed that he would be retiring in the next few weeks, described the approval of the appointments as a landmark event during his tenure.

He said the development reflected the governor’s understanding, sensitivity and commitment to building a virile workforce in the state public service.

He charged the newly sworn in Permanent Secretaries to demonstrate diligence, commitment and loyalty in the discharge of their duties.

Speaking on behalf of other Permanent Secretaries, Pastor Stephen Aworere lauded the governor for achieving what no predecessor had in the state.

He described the appointments as a call to greater responsibility, emphasising that they fully understood the weight of the duties entrusted to them.

Aworere pledged that the new Permanent Secretaries would demonstrate utmost diligence and loyalty in executing their responsibilities.

He also paid tribute to the former leaders in the civil service whose mentorship shaped them into the professionals they are today.

The newly appointed Permanent Secretaries are Mr. Olusegun Orisabinone, Surv. Idowu A. Owolabi, Mrs. Tayo Ogundare, Mrs. Morayo M. Bayo-Philip, Mr. Adeyemi Sule, Mrs. Olufunso Tunji-Omoniyi, Mr. Olanrewaju Abiodun, Mr. Tope Lebile, mni, Mr. Stephen R. Aworere, Mr. Omotayo Akeju, Mr. Olufemi Moyinolorun, Mr. Olakunle Ajibade, Mrs. Oluwakemi Akinyemi, Mr. Bamidele Daisi, Engr. Akinluyi Omotola, Mr. Olumide Kinga, Mrs. Victoria Opeyemi Adetoye, Mr. Olusiji Olatunji, Mrs. Oluseyi Odusola and Mrs. Funke Adelayi.

Other are Dr. Akindele Ige, Mr. Olanrewaju Akarakiri, Dr. Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole, Tpl. Abimbola Tofowomo, Mr. Kolawole B. Kayode, Dr. Peter Akingbade, Mr. Ayodeji Ogundare, Mr. Adeduro Niyi Akinbola, Engr. Ibidapo Ojo, Mr. Adeoye O. Atibioke, Mrs. Toyin O. Awotoye, and Barr. Ayodeji Ayeku. Also appointed were Dr. Charles Tunde Ojuolape as Auditor-General for Local Governments and Mr. Olusola Sunday Ayodele as Statistician-General.

In attendance were; The Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Members of the State Executive Council; Ekiti State Head of Service, Mrs Folakemi Olomojobi; Traditional rulers; Chairman, SUBEB, Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan; Director – General, OSRC Media Group, Mr Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson; former Members of the State Executive Council; Labour Leaders;