— Swears in new cabinet members, sets governance priorities

By Adedotun Ajayi

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to swift and effective governance, stressing that his team is in a race against time to fulfill electoral promises.

Speaking at the Cocoa Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Akure, during the swearing-in of newly appointed and reappointed members of the State Executive Council, Aiyedatiwa charged the officials to hit the ground running and deliver tangible results.

The newly inaugurated officials include Dr Taiwo Fasoranti as Secretary to the State Government, Dr Olukayode Ajulo, OON, SAN, as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mrs Omowumi Isaac as Commissioner for Finance, Engr Johnson Alabi as Special Adviser on Power, Dr Seun Osamaye as Special Adviser on Women Affairs, Comrade Bola Taiwo as Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties, Prof Simidele Odimayo as Special Adviser on Health, and Engr Abiola Olawoye as Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Lands, and Housing.

Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasised the need for efficiency and accuracy in governance, urging the appointees to align with the administration’s seven-point developmental agenda, OUR EASE, which is aimed at accelerating the state’s growth.

“We must combine speed with accuracy to fulfil our electioneering promises. This is crucial to our resolve to elevate our dear Sunshine State,” he declared.

He further tasked the new cabinet members with fostering teamwork and collaborating effectively with career officers, Permanent Secretaries, and Accounting Officers in various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). According to him, a unified administration with a shared vision is key to achieving meaningful progress.

To ensure accountability, Aiyedatiwa announced plans to introduce performance evaluation mechanisms, warning that his government would not tolerate corruption, incompetence, or disloyalty.

“We demand excellence from all appointees because that is what the people of Ondo State voted for,” he asserted.

The governor also commended the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, and other lawmakers for their swift confirmation of commissioner nominees, describing their cooperation as a demonstration of their commitment to the state’s progress.

Acknowledging the support of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the people of Ondo State, Aiyedatiwa assured that his administration would remain focused on its developmental goals.

He urged the new officials to see their appointments as a call to service and work collectively to transform the state.

“Once again, I congratulate all the newly sworn-in Executive Council Members, trusting that we shall collectively rewrite the development story of our dear state,” he concluded.

Speaking on behalf of the appointees, the new Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, expressed gratitude to the governor for the confidence reposed in them. He pledged unwavering commitment to the administration’s vision and assured that they would work tirelessly to deliver impactful governance.

Dignitaries at the event included Deputy Governor Dr Olayide Adelami, Chief of Staff Prince Segun Omojuwa, Head of Service Mr Bayo Philip, Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola (represented by Justice Adegboyega Adebusoye), the Olu of Ilu Abo, Oba Oluyemi Falae, Grand Imam of Akure, Alhaji Yayi Akorede, Chairman of SUBEB, Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan, labour leaders, and other top government functionaries