IBADAN, NIGERIA — Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has sworn in four new permanent secretaries, urging them to demonstrate professionalism, competence and dedication as his administration intensifies efforts to strengthen the state’s civil service.
The swearing-in ceremony took place on Tuesday at the Executive Council Chambers of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, bringing together senior government officials, members of the appointees’ families and other stakeholders. The newly appointed officials took the oaths of office and allegiance, formally marking the beginning of their responsibilities as permanent secretaries.
Speaking at the ceremony, Makinde said the appointments reflected his administration’s commitment to merit, fairness and competence in public service. He maintained that appointments into strategic government positions must be guided by professional qualifications, proven performance and an individual’s record of service rather than considerations unrelated to institutional effectiveness.
The governor emphasised that his administration remained committed to building an inclusive public service that reflects the diversity, interests and aspirations of Oyo State residents.
Makinde challenged the new permanent secretaries to justify the confidence placed in them by delivering measurable results and contributing meaningfully to governance. He stressed that their positions carried significant responsibilities, particularly in ensuring that government policies and programmes translate into tangible benefits for the people.
“You have been chosen because you are the best among your peers. I expect you to hit the ground running. The people of Oyo State deserve nothing but the best,” the governor said.
He urged them to bring their professional experience, administrative knowledge and leadership abilities to bear on their respective assignments, adding that effective public administration requires discipline, accountability and an unwavering commitment to service.
The newly appointed permanent secretaries expressed appreciation to the governor for the opportunity to serve at the highest administrative level of the state’s civil service. They pledged to discharge their responsibilities diligently and support the administration’s development agenda.
One of the appointees described the appointment as a motivation to work harder, while another pledged to contribute to the actualisation of the governor’s vision for Oyo State.
Their appointments come amid ongoing efforts by the Makinde administration to strengthen the state’s public service and improve institutional performance.
Since assuming office in 2019, the governor has identified workers’ welfare and civil service reforms as important components of his administration’s governance agenda. His government has approved the payment of outstanding salary arrears, implemented the minimum wage and invested in capacity-building initiatives designed to improve workers’ efficiency and professional competence.
These interventions are aimed at improving the working environment, strengthening institutional capacity and positioning the civil service to respond more effectively to the needs of residents.
Permanent secretaries occupy critical positions within the public service structure, providing administrative leadership, supervising departmental operations and ensuring continuity in government policies and programmes. Their responsibilities also include supporting the implementation of government decisions and maintaining professional standards across ministries and departments.
The appointment of four additional permanent secretaries is therefore expected to reinforce administrative coordination and provide experienced leadership within the state’s government institutions.
The newly appointed officials are expected to assume their duties immediately, with the responsibility of translating government policies into effective administrative action.
Their performance will be important in determining how effectively the state’s civil service supports the implementation of ongoing programmes and delivers essential services to residents.
For the Makinde administration, the appointments also present an opportunity to reinforce its emphasis on merit-based advancement, professional accountability and institutional development.
As the new permanent secretaries settle into their respective positions, attention will increasingly shift to their ability to demonstrate the competence and commitment that the governor says informed their selection.
Ultimately, the success of the appointments will be measured not only by the qualifications of the individuals selected but also by their contributions to efficient governance, improved service delivery and the broader development of Oyo State.
