Hours after their Inauguration, the newly Sworn-in cabinet members in Ondo State have been given different portfolios.
The State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, had earlier on Friday sworn in all the six newly appointed commissioners, who were recently confirmed by the state House of Assembly.
The governor also inaugurated the new Head of service, Mr Bayo Philip, as well as eight Special Advisers, held at the International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome) in Akure.
However, the governor in a statement through his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan revealed that the cabinet members and their portfolios are: Mrs. Omowumi Isaac – Finance; Olukayode Ajulo, SAN – Justice and Attorney General; Engr. Razaq Obe – Energy and Mineral Resources; Akinwumi Sowore – Lands and Housing; Mr. Niyi Oseni – Environment; Emmanuel Igbasan – Budget and Economic Planning.
For Special Advisers, they include, Prof. Simidele Odimayo – Health; Dr. Olawunmi Egbayelo-Ilawole – Education; Mrs. Olamide Falana – Gender; Abduganiyu Muhammed – Special Duties and Strategy; Hon. Gbenga Omole – Information; Mr. Summy Smart Francis – Entrepreneurship and Innovation; Mr. Alabi Johnson – Energy while Babalola Joseph Ayoade was assigned to Infrastructure, Lands and Housing
Earlier at their inauguration, governor Lucky charged the new cabinet members to 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.”
Aiyedatiwa while acknowledging the economic strain caused by high food prices which has lad to high cost of living, said measures are been taken which includes releasing grains from reserves.
“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.”
“we have started the process of procuring more operational vehicles and gadgets, especially for the Amotekun Corps and other security agencies in the State. We all know that it is the responsibility of government to provide an enabling environment for residents to carry out their lawful businesses”.
Besides, Aiyedatiwa announced the allocation of N550 million 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.
“Additionally, ongoing initiatives include monthly payments of N10,000 to pensioners and N35,000 to public servants, highlighting the administration’s people-oriented programs.
Earlier the Head of Service, 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.
Also speaking on behalf of other commissioners and Special Advisers, Mr. Emmanuel Igbasan appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for the trust reposed in them, with a promise to support the government of Ondo State.
Fidelis David in Akure
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