By Damilare Adeleye
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has inaugurated new members of the State Executive Council including six commissioners, eight special advisers and the Head of Service.
The governor inaugurated the new cabinet members at a ceremony held at the International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome) in Akure on Friday, March 1.
The newly inaugurated commissioners are Mr Emmanuel Igbasan, Engr Razaq Obe, Mrs Omowumi Isaac, Dr Olukayode Abraham Ajulo, Mr Akinwumi Sowore and Mr. Oyeniyi Oseni.
The Special Advisers are Hon Olugbenga Omole, Mrs Olamide Falana, Hon Alabi Johnson, Summy Smart Francis, Dr Olawunmi Ilawole, Pastor Babalola Joseph Ayoade, Comrade Abdulganiyu Muhammed and Prof. Simidele Odimayo.
According to Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Aiyedatiwa charged the new cabinet members to see their appointment as a call to service, to deliver good governance to the people of Ondo State.
He also commended the new Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, urging him to provide exemplary leadership and prioritize the interests of civil servants in the state.
He also urged all officials to draw upon their diverse experiences to contribute meaningfully to the administration’s goals of transparency and accountability.
The governor was quoted as saying; “You must be dedicated, up and doing and focused in the discharge of the duties and responsibilities expected of your office. It is equally important that you see yourselves as servant-leaders and not lords in your respective MDAs. Kindly cooperate with your Accounting Officers. You are expected to work in partnership with them and ensure you are guided by relevant rules and regulations in the performance of your duties and responsibilities.
“As Commissioners and Special Advisers, you are coming on board at a very critical time. It, therefore, behoves you to come up with creative ideas and policies geared towards alleviating the sufferings of our people. We cannot afford to fail in this regard.
“This time requires us as political leaders to lead by example and be prepared to make necessary sacrifices by shunning ostentatious lifestyle. Let me use this medium to plead with our people not to mount undue pressure on these new appointees. We should let them perform their duties without let or hindrance or distraction.”
The Governor, while acknowledging the economic strain caused by high food prices which has led to high cost of living, said measures are being taken which include releasing grains from reserves and inputs for farmers.
“As part of these measures, Mr. President has directed the immediate release of about 102,000 metric tonnes of various grain types from the Strategic Reserve and the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria. It is our expectation that the positive effects of this decision will be felt across the country within the shortest time possible.
“On our own part as State Government, we have put in place the construction of rural access roads to farms across the three senatorial district of the State. You will recall that we recently flagged off the construction of the Oda Cocoa Board – Langbodo Rural Road in Ondo Central Senatorial District. Several of such roads would be constructed across the State in due course,” he added.
The governor also announced his approval of N550million for the payment of the 2024 West African Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) registration fees for eligible public secondary school candidates in the state, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to education.
Governor Aiyedatiwa urged all political stakeholders to maintain peace and civility during the upcoming gubernatorial primaries and election in November. He emphasized the importance of avoiding violence, maintaining good conduct, and keeping supporters in check.
Earlier in his remarks, Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, called on the state workers to rededicate their service to the civil service as his tenure will not tolerate lateness, laxity to work and would encourage promotion based on merit.