Six commissioners, eight special Advisers and a new Head of Service for Ondo state were today sworn in by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The international center for culture and events the Dome Igbatoro road Akure, venue of the event was filled to capacity with dignitaries who dressed gorgeously for the event.
The newly inaugurated commissioners included Pastor Emmanuel Igbasan, Engr Razaq Obe; Hon. Oyeniyi Oseni; Mrs Omowunmi Isaac; Dr Kayode Ajulọ and Mr Akinwunmi Sowore.
The special advisers are; former State Lawmaker, Hon. Gbenga Omole (SA on Information & Media); Mrs Olamide Falana, Mr Alabi Johnson, Mr Smart Francis, Dr (Mrs) Olawumi Ilawole, Mr Babalola Ayoade, Mr Abdulganiyu Muhammed, Prof. Simidele Odunayo and the Head of Service, Mr Bayo Phillips.
Mr Bayo Phillips is the sixteenth Head of Hervice in Ondo state.
In an acceptance speech, the Head of Service, called on the state workers to rededicate their service to the civil service as his tenure would not tolerate lateness, laxity to work but there would be promotion based on merit.
Pastor Emmanuel Igbasan who spoke on behalf of other appointees promised to give their best.
In an address, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa charged the appointees to see their new offices as a call to service urging them to redouble their efforts.
The Governor said he was aware of the present hardship but that several measures were being put in place to make life meaningful for the people.
This he said included the construction of rural roads to farm sites ,prompt payment of workers’ salary gratuities to workers, free shuttle bus for students, payment of WASSCE for 2024 and plans to procure more gadgets and vehicles for security personnel in the state.
Governor Aiyedatiwa appealed to political gladiators to maintain peace while going about thier campaign stressing that the state is bigger than individual political ambition.
Aiyedatiwa said, “to our new Commissioners and Special Advisers, I congratulate you on your new appointments and for being found worthy to be preferred from amongst thousands of other equally qualified individuals. I want to enjoin you individually to see this appointment as a call to service, to deliver more, in the delivery of good governance to our people.
“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.
“The entire State is looking up to you to bring to bear your wealth of experience, skills and competencies in your new assignments. It is no more news that our country is facing hard times economically and as a State, we are not immune to these challenges.
“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.
“This event equally marks a new phase in the annals of the Ondo State Public Service which has unarguably been playing very vital roles in governance, especially since our Administration came on board in February 2017. As the hub of decision making, it regularly articulates and implements development strategies.
“It follows, therefore, that the public service is the engine of government, while the Office of the Head of Service can be described as the engine room of the Public Service. For this reason, I heartily congratulate the new Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, on his appointment and subsequent swearing-in today.
“Let me charge you to see yourself as an ambassador, holding the office in trust for public servants in Ondo State. Besides, you are to provide the required leadership for the entire public service and see your appointment as a call to service. The oath of allegiance which you have taken is very significant in many ways; one of which is higher commitment to ideals of service. You are, therefore, implored to put the interest of the State first in all that you do.
“Having worked and garnered varied experiences in different capacities across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), it is hoped that you will adroitly bring your wealth of experience to bear on your new appointment to further add value to our Administration, not only in terms of accountability but also in transparency.
“In spite of paucity of funds, our administration, since coming on board, has taken decisive steps towards placing the State on a pedestal of economic development and with a view to reducing the hardship of our people. As can be seen by all and sundry, contractors handling various road projects in the State are now back to sites, we have paid the outstanding January 2017 salary of our civil servants.
“We also released N1.2billion for the settlement of gratuity liabilities of 2014 State Pensioners. Our workers and pupils/students have continued to enjoy free shuttle buses to and fro their offices and schools every morning and evening, since the service was reintroduced in September 2023 not minding the prevailing economic situation in our land.
“Furthermore, as part of our continued commitment to the educational development of our children, we approved the release of the sum of N550million for the payment of Year 2024 West African Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) registration fee for all suitably qualified public secondary school candidates in the State.
“These are some of the people-oriented programmes of our administration. We have also continued with the payment of monthly wage award of N10,000.00 only to our pensioners and N35,000.00 only to public servants in the State.
“My dear people, our administration is not oblivious of the current economic challenges that we are facing in Nigeria especially the high cost of food which has led to high cost of living for our people,” Aiyedatiwa said.
