By Adedotun Ajayi

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Monday inaugurated four mainstream permanent secretaries and three tutors-general in the secondary school sub-sector at the Cocoa Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Alagbaka, Akure.

The occasion marked the second edition in the series of appointments and inaugurations of officers at the topmost echelon of the State Bureaucracy since the governor’s assumption of office.

The permanent secretaries include Mrs Yemi Pirisola, Mr Idowu Ojo, Mr Olaleye Philip, and Alhaji Mudashiru Adegbegha, while the tutors-general are Mr Adebayo Ajimuda, Mrs Owoka Adedamolola, and Dr Mrs Akanke Idowu Asogbon.

Addressing the newly appointed permanent secretaries and tutors-general, Governor Aiyedatiwa reiterated his administration’s commitment to the revitalisation and efficiency of the State’s public service.

He highlighted the significance of the appointments, emphasising that they are in line with the administration’s goal of fostering a robust and dynamic public service.

“A decision like this, which is in the best interest of the State Public Service, is anchored on several considerations. First is the necessity to fill consequential sensitive positions in the rank of the Accounting Officers arising from the exit of officers who have met the requisite statutory requirements for retirement.

“Second, appointment at that level requires that State character must be reasonably served, and that is what is being done, gradually. Third, nothing motivates the Bureaucracy more than opportunities for promotion for the operators. That, in no small measure, inspires hope and spurs industry and diligence. Furthermore, the injection of fresh hands holds a lot of promise for the reinvigoration and growth of the system generally,” he added.

The Governor stressed the importance of the public service as a key ally in the execution of his administration’s development agenda. He emphasised the need for a competent, accountable, and transparent public service that effectively utilises resources and delivers measurable results.

“As the statutory delivery platform of government, the Public Service must be oiled and repositioned for the effective discharge of its role,” Aiyedatiwa remarked.

Aiyedatiwa charged the newly inaugurated officials to lead by example and ensure the delivery of quality services in their respective areas. He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to the education sector, citing ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure, staffing, and the provision of instructional materials. “Our children are our future, so we cannot afford to do less,” he said.

Governor Aiyedatiwa also expressed his gratitude to the State’s workforce for maintaining industrial peace, promising continued efforts to promote their welfare. He highlighted the timely payment of salaries, pensions, and arrears of gratuity, despite limited resources, as evidence of the administration’s commitment to worker welfare.

The Governor also touched on the State’s financial prudence, urging public servants to support efforts in generating and conserving funds for development. He called for the elimination of waste and leakages in order to free up resources for impactful projects.

“This imposes the duty to block waste and leakages; to be frugal in overheads and other less important expenditures in order to free more funds for impactful development,” he noted.

Looking ahead, Aiyedatiwa assured the newly inaugurated officials and the entire workforce that promotions and other incentives would continue to be a priority. He also hinted at a forthcoming review of the New Minimum Wage, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the welfare of both serving and retired workers.

Earlier in his welcome address, Head of Service Bayo Philips 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.

Speaking on behalf of the other permanent secretaries and tutors-general, Mrs Yemi Pirisola commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for the trust reposed in them, with a promise not to embezzle state revenue, and pledged to support the government of Ondo State in all capacities.

Also in attendance were the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, the Secretary to the State Government, Tayo Oluwatuyi, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, APC State Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, members of the State Executive Council, permanent secretaries, tutors-general, traditional rulers, religious leaders, among others.