Aiyedatiwa swears in six commissioners, eight special advisers

Lucky Aiyedatiwa, governor of Ondo, has sworn in the six commissioners that were recently screened and confirmed by the state house of assembly.

The governor also swore in eight special advisers, and Bayo Philip as the new head of service.

The commissioners are Emmanuel Igbasan, Razaq Obe, Omowumi Isaac, Olukayode Ajulo, Akinwumi Sowore and Oyeniyi Oseni.

The special advisers are Olugbenga Omole, Olamide Falana, Alabi Johnson, Summy Francis, Olawunmi Ilawole, Babalola Ayoade, Abdulganiy Muhammed and Simidele Odimayo.

Speaking on Friday at the event which was held at the International Culture and Events Centre in Akure, Aiyedatiwa charged the new cabinet members to see their jobs as a call to service and ensure delivery of good governance to the people.

“You must be dedicated, up and doing and focused in the discharge of the duties and responsibilities expected of your office,” he said.

“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.

“This time requires us as political leaders to lead by example and be prepared to make necessary sacrifices by shunning ostentatious lifestyle.

He pleaded with the people to allow the new cabinet members to perform their duties without hindrance or distraction.

Aiyedatiwa also highlighted the efforts of his government to reduce the impact of the economic hardship on residents.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

The governor 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.

“Additionally, ongoing initiatives include monthly payments of N10,000 to pensioners and N35,000 to public servants, highlighting the administration’s people-oriented programs,” he said.

In his remarks, the new head of service urged the state workers to rededicate their time to the civil service.

He said his tenure will encourage promotion based on merit but will not tolerate lateness and laxity.