By Adedotun Ajayi

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Wednesday swore in three newly appointed members of the state’s Civil Service Commission, who were recently confirmed by the state House of Assembly.

The swearing-in event, held at the Cocoa Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Akure, witnessed top government functionaries, dignitaries, and well-wishers.

The commissioners are; Mr. Mathew Ayorinde Imoru, Mr. Sunday Abiodun Agbotoba, and Barr. Iyabo Toboukepere Akpoebi.

Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed his delight in appointing these well-qualified bureaucrats, emphasizing that their selection aligns with Section 197 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). He praised the Civil Service Commission for its role in promoting high moral values, efficiency, and responsiveness within the state’s civil service system.

“It is a great delight for me to inaugurate the three newly appointed commissioners of the State Civil Service Commission. The appointment of these distinguished and well-qualified bureaucrats is in accordance with Section 197 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended,” he added.

“A perusal of the profile of these personalities shows that the interest of the Civil Service structure of the state is in our hearts, and as such, I have deliberately approved the nomination of retired bureaucrats. They all have civil service backgrounds and have been selected based on their

excellent antecedents,” he noted.

Highlighting his administration’s commitment to the welfare of public servants, the governor outlined various measures taken to enhance their welfare, including regular promotions, prompt salary payments, recruitment into critical sectors, and the provision of official vehicles to appointed permanent secretaries. He reassured the public that the administration would continue to prioritize the well-being of civil servants.

“Our administration knows the critical relevance of the State Civil Service in the delivery of its mandate to the good people of the Sunshine State. We know for sure that no government can rise higher than the altitude of its bureaucracy,” he said.

Governor Aiyedatiwa urged the new commissioners to prioritize the state’s interest and maintain fairness, justice, equity, and transparency in their duties. He emphasized the importance of a rigorous selection process to ensure competent and productive officers within the civil service.

“One of the major reasons for the decline in productivity of the service is a poor selection process leading to an army of incompetent and unproductive officers,” he remarked. “You must be dedicated, up and doing, and focused in the discharge of the duties and responsibilities expected of your office.”

The governor also thanked the Ondo State House of Assembly for their prompt screening and confirmation of the nominees, underscoring the cooperative relationship between the executive and legislative arms of the government.

Governor Aiyedatiwa concluded his address by urging public servants to uphold the sanctity of the state civil service and to act as good ambassadors both in and out of the office environment. He wished the new commissioners a successful tenure and prayed for wisdom and ability to further uplift the state’s civil service.

“Finally, let me reiterate my regular charge to public servants not to be directly or remotely connected with anything that can bring the government into disrepute or jeopardize the sanctity of the State Civil Service,” the governor concluded.

The newly filled positions became available following the expiration of the tenures of three commissioners on June 13, 2024. Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed his gratitude to the outgoing members, Chief Joel Magi, Mr. Isaac Itiola, and Hon. Rotimi Okeowo, for their five years of dedicated service.

Speaking on behalf of the other newly sworn-in commissioners, Mr. Mathew Ayorinde Imoru appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for counting them worthy to serve the state in this capacity and for the trust reposed in them, with a promise to support the government of Ondo State at all levels.

Also in attendance were the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; the Secretary to the State Government, Tayo Oluwatuyi; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Chief Judge of Ondo State, Olusegun Odusola; President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Eunice Alade; Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Olamide Oladiji; and members of the state executive council.