Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has approved the appointment of nine permanent secretaries to the state civil service, a move officials say is intended to strengthen administrative stability and ensure the smooth implementation of government policies across Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
Ogun State permanent secretaries strengthen civil service leadership
The appointments, announced in a statement signed by the State Head of Service, Mr Kehinde Onasanya, were made in line with Section 208 (c) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). The Head of Service said the selections were based on merit, professionalism, inclusiveness and relevant experience in the civil service.
According to the statement, the new permanent secretary designates were drawn from a pool of directors who succeeded in the Ogun State executive leadership development pipeline programme. The governor asked the appointees to show dedication and selflessness as they assume their new roles.
The nine appointees are:
- Mr Abdul-Azeez Ajidele, Director of Planning Research & Statistics, Ministry of Justice
- Mrs Olufunmilayo Soyoye-Baker, Director of Agriculture and State Co-ordinating Director, Cash Transfer Unit
- Mrs Adebimpe Obienu, Director of Public Prosecution, Ministry of Justice
- Kafayat Lawal, Executive Secretary, Alternate Medicine Board
- Mr Ahmed Adetona, Director of Audit, Office of the Auditor-General (State)
- Mr Idowu Onasanya, Director of Administration & Supplies, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs
- Mr Olalekan Taiwo, Director of Payment, State Treasury Office
- Mr Akintomiwa Osibodu, Director of Administration & Supplies, Teaching Service Commission
- Kehinde Akintomide, Director of Industrial Promotion, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment
In a parallel set of appointments to strengthen the education sector, Governor Abiodun also approved the posting of two principals-general and four headteachers-general to fill vacancies within the Teaching Service Commission and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
The new principals-general are Mr Matthew Adeyinka Osilesi for Remo Division and Mr Yakubu Olorunyomi Lamidi for Ijebu Division. The headteachers-general named are Mr Benjamin Alonge for Ijebu Division, Mrs Aminat Busari for Remo Division, Mr Olusegun Akapo for Yewa Division and Mrs Folake Onabanjo for Egba Division.
Officials emphasised that the appointments followed a rigorous selection process. By promoting experienced directors who completed the leadership pipeline, the administration aims to improve coordination across MDAs, streamline implementation of development programmes and bolster accountability.
Observers say the moves should help consolidate institutional capacity at a time when effective public administration is essential for state-level service delivery and development planning. The appointees will face immediate expectations to translate policy into measurable outcomes for residents across Ogun State.
The Head of Service urged the newly appointed permanent secretaries, principals-general and headteachers-general to demonstrate utmost dedication, absolute devotion and selflessness as they take up their responsibilities.
Key Takeaways:
- Governor Dapo Abiodun approved nine new permanent secretaries to strengthen administrative capacity across Ogun State.
- The appointees were chosen from successful directors in the state executive leadership development pipeline.
- Ogun State permanent secretaries will lead policy implementation across MDAs and support improved governance and service delivery.
- The governor also named two principals-general and four headteachers-general to reinforce leadership in the education sector.
