Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Monday swore in Dr. (Mrs.) Adenike Ayobami Fasina as the new Head of Service, along with Dr. Lateef Idowu Oyeleke and Hon. (Barr.) Ayobami Oluwaseun Ojo as commissioners. The ceremony took place at the Executive Chamber of the Governor's Office in Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
Call for Commitment
Speaking at the event, Governor Makinde charged the appointees to put in their best and collaborate with others for the benefit of the people and the state. He emphasized that their appointments were based on competence, performance, and recognition of years of diligent service to Oyo State across various fields. The governor noted that his administration has thrived on merit and excellence rather than sentiment.
Portfolio Assignments
Governor Makinde congratulated the new appointees and urged them to be loyal to the government, discharge their duties effectively, and contribute to the continuous growth and development of the state. Immediately after the swearing-in, portfolios were assigned: Dr. Oyeleke will serve as Commissioner for Special Duties, while Barrister Ojo will head the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. Meanwhile, Alhaja Faosat Joke Sanni, previously Commissioner for Special Duties, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry.
Affirmative Action and Merit
Inaugurating the 19th Head of Service, who is also the seventh female to hold the position, Governor Makinde noted that his administration continues to fulfill the 35 percent affirmative action policy on women inclusion in governance and public office. He stated that while Dr. Fasina's appointment was based on merit, it also enabled the state to transition from having no Permanent Secretary from Ibarapa Zone when he assumed office in 2019 to now having a Head of Service from that zone. The governor reiterated his administration's commitment to improving the civil and public service while advancing the broader development agenda for the state.
Security and Abduction Update
Reaffirming his administration's dedication to securing lives and property, Governor Makinde urged residents to use the Oyo State Toll-Free Emergency Number 615 to report suspicious activities. He also reassured the families of the Oriire Local Government Area abductees and Nigerians that the government is working assiduously to ensure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.
Dignitaries Present
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including former Governor of Oyo State and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Sen.) Rashidi Ladoja, represented by Oba Tajudeen Ajibola; Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Hon. Justice Iyabo Yerima, represented by Hon. Justice M.O. Ishola; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; and Chief of Staff, Otunba (Dr.) Segun Ogunwuyi. Others present included the immediate past Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni; Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Kazeem Adeniyi; Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal; Chairman and Co-Chairman of the Oyo State Elders' Council, Dr. Saka Balogun and Chief Wole Oyelese; Chairman of the Oyo State Advisory Council, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde; commissioners, permanent secretaries, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and labour union leaders.
