The Governor of Ondo State, Honourable Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has sworn-in new Head of Service, 6 Commissioners and 8 Special Advisers on Friday as new members of the State Executive Council at the International Culture and Events Centre popularly known as The Dome in Akure, the Ondo State Capital along with their different portfolios.

Addressing the new Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip; the 6 Commissioners whose names are Mr Emmanuel Igbasan, in charge of the Ministry of Budget & Economic Planning; Engr Razaq Obe for the Ministry of Energy & Mineral Resources; Mrs. Omowumi Isaac for the Ministry of Finance; Mr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN in charge of the Ministry of Justice & Attorney General’s office; Akogun Akinwumi Sowore as Commissioner to overseer the Ministry of Lands and Housing and Mr. Oyeniyi Oseni in charge of the Ministry of Environment in Ondo State, the Governor charged the new cabinet members to see their appointment as a call to service, to deliver good governance to the people of Ondo State.

The Governor also announced the portfolios for the Special Advisers as follows: Honourable Olugbenga Omole in charge of Information; Professor Simidele Odimayo for Health; Dr. Olawunmi Egbayelo-Ilawole for Education; Mrs. Olamide Falana for Gender; Abduganiyu Muhammed as the Special Duties and Strategy; Mr. Summy Smart Francis for Entrepreneurship; Innovation and Mr. Alabi Johnson for Energy and Pastor Babalola Joseph Ayoade to supervise Infrastructure, Lands and Housing.

Speaking further, Governor Aiyedatiwa 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 urged all officials to draw upon their diverse experiences to contribute meaningfully to the administration’s goals of transparency and accountability.

The governor said; “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.

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 make meaningful contributions to governance in the state.

Those in attendance included the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, APC chairman in Ondo State, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon Abayomi Akinruntan, traditional rulers, religious leaders and party leaders.