Ogun: Abiodun swears in four new Permanent Secretaries, charges them to be diligent, prudent

The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Friday, swore-in four new Permanent Secretaries and charged them to brace up to meet public expectations by diligently applying themselves to the “Building our Future Together” Agenda of his administration.

The new Permanent Secretaries are Timothy Ayoola Olatunji; Samuel Adeogun; Moriamo Oluwatosin Oloko and Wasiu Kuye.

Addressing them at a ceremony held at the Executive Chambers, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun noted that the new Permanent Secretaries were appointed from a pool of erudite members of different cadres in the Ogun State Public Service, as part of his administration’s efforts to reform and strengthen the service for optimal performance.

While noting that hard work, dedication, sacrifice and commitment will always be rewarded, he disclosed that his administration on resumption of office in 2019, developed a template that has enabled it to identify well-deserving individuals whilst upholding the principle of equity.

Abiodun disclosed that he has not had any form of interaction with any of the appointees and emphasized that his administration has ensured that deserving public servants don’t need to know anyone before they can be made permanent secretaries in the state civil service.

“As governor, I have no prior physical or personal interaction with any of these appointees being sworn in today.

“You shouldn’t have to know anybody before you are appointed into any deserving position in the public service of Ogun State

“This event is yet another symbolic representation of our Administration’s commitment towards a continued strengthening and reform of the Public Service. It is believed that this continuous process will also place the Public Service in good stead so that it will perform its duty as the engine room of the government.

“The challenge staring us in the face is not just that of sustaining our delivery capability, but improving on it so as to meet the ever increasing expectations of our people. This task pre-supposes that all stakeholders are conscious of the high public expectations and are committed to meeting them”, he stated.

The governor pointed out that Ogun has been lucky in attracting high quality personnel into its public service, adding that it was imperative to follow the natural course and progression expected in the career of persons who have consistently given their best in the service of their fatherland.

While congratulating the new Permanent Secretaries for being found worthy of their new positions, he said, “I must say that by your deeds, on and off the statutory duties, as public servants, you have demonstrated that you are of excellent parentage and thorough bred.

Abiodun added: “Without mincing words, you are joining a group that has carved an enviable niche for itself in our Administration with its superlative performance. You have all demonstrated uncommon commitment to the successful implementation of the “Building our Future Together” Agenda. I must also say that you must do more than what you did to merit these appointments”.

He further admonished them to continue distinguishing themselves as they have greater individual and collective responsibilities to ensure efficient and effective service delivery of their various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), to sustain the tempo of good governance that would engender development of the state and increased individual prosperity for the people.

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While imploring the new appointees to make probity their watchword and be prudent in the management of both human and material resources under their care, the state helmsman charged them to provide leadership, be exemplars of virtues, integrity and consciously mentor their subordinates, to achieve the greatness of their MDAs as they have been empowered to perform greater tasks as a reward to their dedication and hard work.

Governor Abiodun, however, disclosed that his administration had cleared the backlogs of the 2018, 2019 and 2020 promotion exercises, while the year 2021 and 2022 promotion exercises were ongoing.

He added that his government was working towards off-setting all outstanding dues and other workers’ entitlements as the financial status of the State improves.

“Let me use this opportunity to reassure our public servants that we have not, and will not renege on all our promises. We are developing all sectors of the state economy through the creation of needed ambience for the optimal development of our dear state”, Abiodun submitted.