The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has sworn in newly appointed Permanent Secretaries, urging them to strengthen performance and enhance service delivery across the state’s public service. The swearing-in ceremony took place on Friday at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome) in Akure, where the governor described the appointments as part of ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the state bureaucracy for greater efficiency and accountability.
According to the governor, the public service remains the backbone of governance, responsible for implementing government policies and programmes regardless of changes in political leadership. He commended the newly appointed officials for their commitment and perseverance, noting that several of them had previously served in acting capacities as accounting officers without full remuneration.
Aiyedatiwa said the appointments represent formal recognition of their dedication and urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by upholding transparency, professionalism and integrity in their roles. The governor also reminded the new Permanent Secretaries that their offices come with significant responsibility, describing them as the critical link between government policy decisions and their implementation in Ministries, Departments and Agencies. He further urged them to demonstrate humane leadership in their dealings with subordinates, avoid harassment of junior officers and maintain political neutrality in line with public service rules.
Highlighting his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, the governor said regular promotions have been sustained and that the government currently owes no outstanding salaries, allowances or promotions to workers.He also revealed that over 4,000 personnel have been recruited across key sectors including education, healthcare, agriculture, administration and taxation to strengthen the workforce. Aiyedatiwa added that within two years of his administration, about 57 officers have been elevated to the rank of Permanent Secretary, describing the move as part of efforts to boost morale and encourage career growth within the service.
Earlier in his remarks, the Head of Service, Bayo Philip, charged the new appointees to demonstrate diligence, loyalty and commitment, noting that their elevation marks a new phase of responsibility in service to the state.Speaking on behalf of the newly sworn-in Permanent Secretaries, Steven Rotimi Aworere expressed appreciation to the governor, describing the appointments as a call to greater responsibility and pledging their dedication to improved service delivery.
The event was attended by top government officials, including the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers and labour leaders