In a move aimed at strengthening administrative efficiency, operational capacity and effective policy implementation across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has approved the appointment of nine new Permanent Secretaries in the state public service.

The appointments were announced in a statement issued by the State Head of Service, Mr Kehinde Onasanya, who said the governor acted in line with Section 208(c) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

According to Onasanya, the appointments were based on merit, professionalism, inclusiveness and cognate experience in the civil and public service of the state.

He explained that the Permanent Secretary-designates were carefully selected from the pool of directors who successfully completed the Ogun State Executive Leadership Development Pipeline Programme, which serves as the source for top-level public service appointments.

The newly appointed Permanent Secretaries are: Mr Abdul-Azeez Oludare Ajidele; Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Ministry of Justice

Mrs Olufunmilayo Yetunde Soyoye-Baker; Director of Agriculture and State Coordinating Director, Cash Transfer Unit, Mrs Adebimpe Foluso Obienu, Director of Public Prosecution; Ministry of Justice, Dr (Mrs) Kafayat Modupe Lawal, Executive Secretary; Alternate Medicine Board, Mr Ahmed Bayo Adetona, Director of Audit; Office of the Auditor-General (State), Mr Idowu Oladapo Onasanya, Director of Administration and Supplies; Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Olalekan Peter Taiwo, Director of Payment, State Treasury Office.

Others are: Mr Akintomiwa Oluwagbeminiyi Osibodu, Director of Administration and Supplies, Teaching Service Commission, Engr. Kehinde Olukayode Akintomide, Director of Industrial Promotion, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.

In the same vein, Governor Abiodun also approved the appointment of two Principals-General and four Headteachers-General to fill vacant positions within the Teaching Service Commission and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), as part of efforts to further strengthen administrative processes in the education sector.

The newly appointed Principals-General are: Mr Matthew Adeyinka Osilesi (Remo Division), Mr Yakubu Olorunyomi Lamidi (Ijebu Division).

The Headteachers-General are:

Mr Benjamin Olusegun Alonge (Ijebu Division), Mrs Aminat Folake Busari (Remo Division), Mr Olusegun Nathaniel Akapo (Yewa Division), and  Mrs Folake Omolara Onabanjo (Egba Division).

Onasanya noted that the education sector appointees emerged from a rigorous selection process that included oral interviews, comprehensive screening and inspection of schools. He said the assessment criteria covered academic performance in external examinations and competitions, school tone, statutory records, staff relations, facility maintenance and personal attributes.

While congratulating the new appointees, the Head of Service urged them to exhibit dedication, selflessness and excellence in service, stressing the need for them to contribute meaningfully to the development of Ogun State under the “Building Our Future Together” agenda of the Abiodun administration.

He added that the swearing-in ceremony of the appointees would be conducted by the governor in due course.