Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared that the era when someone had to know a governor before becoming a Permanent Secretary has ended in the state.

Makinde made this declaration while speaking at the 2025 annual interfaith thanksgiving service held at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, on Monday.

While addressing the gathering, the governor commended the state’s workforce and the labour union leaders for their support and cooperation since the inception of his administration.

He used the opportunity to charge them to put in more effort towards upholding their values as civil servants.

Makinde further emphasised that civil servants no longer need to know anyone or the governor before they can become permanent secretaries.

He also took the opportunity to congratulate the 45 newly appointed permanent secretaries.

Makinde, who spoke further, maintained that most of them merited the appointments after undergoing rigorous examinations and screening exercises.

He added that the outcome of the exercise was a testament to the fact that the system has changed for the better.

The governor advised them to see their appointments as the beginning of good things in their lives.

He said: “To the workers, your disposition and support have given us a lot of encouragement, and I want to urge you to keep it up. The way we lay our bed is the way we will sleep on it. Don’t relent, and I believe tomorrow will be better.

“To the new permanent secretaries, I want to say congratulations to all of you. I can say it openly, and you are there to validate this—80 per cent of you emerged strictly based on merit.

“Gone are the days in Oyo State when permanent secretaries were appointed based on who you knew or who knew the governor. You have done exams, passed with flying colours, and have been appointed permanent secretaries.

“By the grace of God, on Monday, I will swear you in. Take this as the beginning of good things in your life. This is also a validation of what the Oyo State Civil Service stands for. We have said everyone will be rewarded for their hard work. So, those of you striving, your time will also come.”

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has declared that vandals arrested by security agents in connection with the removal of sewage manhole covers on highways in Abuja will be made to face the full wrath of the law.

Wike explained that such a measure would serve as a deterrent to others.

The minister also warned that all buyers and users of the vandalised manhole covers and other vandalised public infrastructure will be arrested and prosecuted for economic sabotage and putting the lives of Nigerians at risk.

This was contained in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, on Monday.

He commended the security agencies for their prompt and decisive actions while describing their collaborative efforts as “fantastic” and a further assurance to the residents of the capital territory that their lives and properties are protected.

He also commended Nigerians for showing patriotism in speaking out against the vandalisation, adding that “safeguarding public amenities is, first and foremost, the duty of Nigerians, who are the owners and users of the amenities.”

Wike said: “Those stealing and buying amenities meant for the use of Nigerians are Nigerians themselves. They live among us and they are known. It is therefore important that patriotic Nigerians begin to expose them even before they carry out their devilish acts.”

About 50 suspected vandals have been arrested for theft of manhole covers within the FCT.
Twenty-five vandalised manhole covers have been recovered by security agents.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Adeola Olamilekan, has affirmed January 31, 2025, as a provisional date for the passage of the 2025 ₦49.7tn budget as the committee prepares to begin budget defence on Tuesday.

He made this disclosure on Monday during a meeting with the chairmen of relevant committees on the template for the 2025 Budget Defence Session to guide the budget process towards its eventual signing into law.

Olamilekan further revealed that upon the resumption of plenary by the 14th of January 2025, the Senate would immediately commence a two-week break for the seamless continuation of the budget defence process.

He equally revealed a planned retreat on Thursday on the budget consideration which will involve ministries, departments and agencies, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders in the polity for further consultation and insight into the content of the budget proposal.

According to the timetable, from the 15th to the 18th of January, it is expected that the committees would report back on their documents, after which collation and tiding of documents by the Appropriation Committee.

Acknowledging the limited timeframe, Olamilekan emphasised the need for lawmakers to intensify their efforts. He also urged his colleagues to forgo their holidays and begin immediate work on the proposed budget estimate, underscoring the importance of timely and efficient handling of the budget process within the stipulated timeframe.