Oyo State governor, Engineer ‘Seyi Makinde, has assured the people of the state of quality service delivery under Omituntun 2.0.
He said he and the political appointees and top civil servants, sworn-in today, would serve the state to the best of their abilities.
The governor stated these in a press release by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Sulaimon Olanrewaju.
Makinde dismissed the notion that administrations are often lax and non-committal during second terms. He said his government is looking to leave a strong legacy in the state. He added that it would not let the people of the state down.
The governor said this while speaking at the swearing-in of the Secretary to the State Government and Head of Service.
Others sworn are the Accountant-General of the State,16 commissioners and 14 permanent secretaries. It was held at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
Makinde charged the newly sworn-in to see their appointments and elevations as a call to greater work and responsibility.
“To you all, this is a call for more work. Some of the commissioners worked with me during the first tenure. Some of you already know how I work and nothing is going to change.
“Some people have said that the second term administrations are usually very lax because they are not looking for anything. Well, we are looking for a strong legacy to give back to Oyo State. So, we are not going to let our people down.
“I want you to know that we have a lot to do for our people. We already prepared the roadmap for sustainable development 2023-2027. Please, key into it.
“These are very difficult periods. A lot has happened in this second tenure. From what we have seen, a lot will be required from us.
“Please, there should not be laxity. You have all taken the oath of office. I expect you to deliver according to the oath you have just taken,” the governor added.
A former Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Ibadan, Professor Olanike Kudirat Adeyemo, was sworn-in as the SSG. The Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni (mni), was also sworn-in, following her appointment in May.
Governor Makinde further spoke on the appointment of the permanent secretaries in the state Public/Civil Service.
He said the state government would continue with the conduct of the examinations.
The governor urged those interested in becoming permanent secretaries to get ready for examinations.
Makinde disclosed that the list of successful applicants for the top civil service posts has been exhausted.
He maintained that his administration has continued to follow through on its commitment to run an all-inclusive government.
He declared that no zone was left behind. He said all 14 federal constituencies in the state have at least one commissioner among those sworn-in.
Makinde charged residents of the state not to distract the administration with criticisms that are not constructive. He urged them to rather allow the government to serve the best interest of the people.
“Since we sent the names of commissioner-nominees to the House of Assembly, we have been inundated with all sorts of analyses. Like who is from where? Who brought who and all that?
“Well, let me state it clearly that we started it during our first tenure. This is the first administration that had commissioners from all the 14 federal constituencies of Oyo State. I know who came from where.
“I read a story where people from Oyo criticised the fact that the governor is from Ibadan. Deputy governor from Oke-Ogun, Chief of Staff from Ogbomoso and the Speaker from Ibarapa. And now, the SSG is also from Oke-Ogun. But have we forgotten Oyo Federal Constituency?
“Well, in front of me today, we have three commissioners being sworn-in from Oyo Federal Constituency. So, if you say one commissioner per constituency, Oyo Federal Constituency has three. So, when people do these analyses, I wonder why.
“This is a government that is still being formed. I will appeal to our people; if they cannot help us by criticising us constructively, they should not distract us. Let us serve the interest of the people of the state to the best of our ability.
“I think we should be talking about service delivery to our people. What we have demonstrated is that all these people are eminently qualified.
“That means if we look very well, there is no part of Oyo State that cannot contribute its quota to the progress and well-being of our state.
“As a government, we will continue to search for such people from all the nooks and cranny of Oyo State to serve the state.”
Responding on behalf of the appointees, the newly sworn-in SSG, Professor Adeyemo promised to work with the vision of Governor Makinde. They promised to deliver the agenda of Omituntun 2.0 to the people of Oyo State.
The commissioners and their portfolios are as follows: Mr Akinola Ojo (Finance); Professor Tunji Babatunde (Budget and Economic Planning);
Barr. Seun Ashamu (Energy and Mineral Resources); Mr. Biodun Aikomo (Justice/Attorney-General); Mrs. Toyin Balogun (Women Affairs and Social Inclusion);
Mr. Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola (Environment and Natural Resources); Mr. Williams Akin-Funmilayo (Lands, Housing and Urban development);
Mr. Wasiu Olatunbosun (Culture and Tourism); Prince Dotun Oyelade (Information); Mr. Segun Olayiwola (Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters);
Alhaja Faosat Joke Sanni (Special Duties); Professor Daud Shangodoyin (Public Works and Transport); Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye (Agricultural and Rural Development) and;
Mr. Ademola Ojo (Trade, Investment, Industry and Cooperatives); Professor AbdulWaheed Soliu (Education, Science and Technology); Adeniyi Adebisi (Establishments and Training).