Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has announced the appointment of a new Chief of Staff, Commissioners, and a Special Adviser in a series of changes aimed at strengthening the administration’s governance.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Governor Oyebanji confirmed the elevation of Mr. Oyeniyi Adebayo, the current State Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning, and Performance Management, to the role of Chief of Staff. Adebayo, who has been with the administration since November 2022, will officially assume the position on January 2, 2025. His wealth of experience in finance, management, and planning is expected to enhance the coordination of activities within the Governor’s office.
Adebayo, who hails from Usi-Ekiti, is highly qualified, holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Resources Management, a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ibadan, and an MBA from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, USA. He has also attended management courses at prestigious institutions such as Harvard Business School, INSEAD School of Management, and Kellogg School of Business. A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, Adebayo’s extensive career includes stints with global financial institutions such as Merrill Lynch, and a long tenure in Nigeria’s banking sector, including at UBA, FCMB, and Enterprise Bank.
Alongside the Chief of Staff appointment, Governor Oyebanji also approved the appointment of Hon. Femi Ajayi as the new Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, effective January 2, 2025. Ajayi, a former Commissioner for the same ministry, is currently the Special Adviser to the Governor on Independent Project Monitoring.
In another key appointment, the Governor has created the Office of Special Services, which will be headed by Prince Wole Ajakaiye as Special Adviser. Ajakaiye, who is the current Director General/Special Adviser on SDGs, will oversee the new office, which will manage SDGs, Independent Project Monitoring, and other functions as designated by the Governor.
Governor Oyebanji further appointed Barrister Tajudeen Akingbolu as the Director General of the Ekiti State Transport Agency. Akingbolu, a former member of the State House of Assembly, is tasked with managing the newly-established agency starting January 2, 2025.
Governor Oyebanji expressed confidence in the abilities of all the new appointees and urged them to deliver effective service in their new roles to further the progress of the state.
As the new appointments take effect, Ekiti State residents and stakeholders await the expected positive impacts of these changes on the administration’s performance and the state’s development.
Chioma Kalu
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