Oyebanji swears in 10 Perm Secs, says no politics with appointment into critical positions

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji on Thursday sworn in 10 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries into the State Civil Service, urging them to discharge their duties effectively and maintain the tempo of development in the state.

Speaking at the event, which took place at the Lady Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado- Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji urged the new Permanent Secretaries to work hand in hand with his administration to realize his government’s shared prosperity agenda.

He told the audience which include the Deputy Governor, top government functionaries that the new permanent secretaries emerged through a highly competitive process, stating that he will not play politics with appointment into critical positions, including the teaching profession.

The governor, who revealed that the process of their selection and appointments followed their success in the highly competitive examination and based on objectivity, merit and free from any interference, said the exercise was in a bid to strengthen the leadership of the civil service and reposition it for effective service delivery.

While commending the Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi for being diligent and discreet in handling the selection and appointment process.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to merit, transparency, and fairness in the state civil service, insisting that appointments and promotions will no longer be influenced by politics, religion, gender, or personal connections.

Those sworn in are S.O. Ibijola, Olaonipekun Eweje, Sunday Omoya, Morakinyo Akilo, Adelusi Lateef, Peter Ejimokun, Olufemi Adediran, Ayoola Clement, Bayode Lawrence, and Toyin Ojelabi-Pedro.

The governor said, “This administration has consistently upheld a merit-based mechanism in the selection and appointment of key officers in the civil service. Out of the 141 eligible candidates invited for a computer-based test facilitated by UMA Capital Partners, only 28 emerged on the shortlist for the final interviews, from among which the first 10 were selected, so we still have 18.”

In an apparent reference to clamouring for waivers for some candidates that failed to meet the cut off marks in the recent teachers recruitment exercise, the governor said here is no going back on the merit – based approach used for the selection process .

He assured other candidates who made the cut off point and were not invited to be rest assured that as long as there is vacancies, government will still pick from them.

“I would like to remind you all that the position of Permanent Secretary is a call to service, I charge you to not only serve with diligence and excellence, but to equally inspire and motivate the staff you work with. Your appointment is not a suggestion that you are an imperial boss, but a mandate to be team leaders that inspire their subordinates,” he added.

Earlier, the Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi commended the Governor for prioritizing the development of the public service through capacity building, welfare enhancement, and consistent recognition of outstanding performance.

Also present at the event are members of the state House of Assembly, Secretary to the State Government Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, members of the state executive council, former Heads of Service and other top government officials