Makinde swears in 48 new Permanent Secretaries, urges productivity

By Deborah Oladejo

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has sworn in 48 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries, urging them to work diligently and contribute their best to the development of the state.

Speaking on Monday at the Executive Council Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, after administering the Oaths of Office and Allegiance to the appointees, Makinde called on the new officials to collaborate with his administration to achieve its vision of sustainable development for Oyo State.

The governor described the event as historic, noting that the selection process for the appointments was based on merit, objectivity, and free of external interference.

He explained that appointing Permanent Secretaries in the education and local government sectors was aimed at encouraging and motivating silent achievers while institutionalizing the public service in these areas.

Makinde said:
“History is being made today because appointing 48 Permanent Secretaries is no small feat, but these are vacancies that needed to be filled. We didn’t play politics with this process. These positions have existed, but over time, we’ve had mostly Coordinating Directors. Now, we’ve filled these roles with Permanent Secretaries.

“When this administration took over, the appointment of Permanent Secretaries was discretionary. However, we introduced a new culture, where candidates underwent examinations, and appointments were made from the resulting list.

“When you work hard, the reward is more work. This appointment is just the beginning. You must justify this elevation by putting in your best. Remember, you have sworn an oath to be fair to all. Let this guide your decisions and actions as you serve. Please do your best for our state.”

The appointments include three Permanent Secretaries previously appointed, 15 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries from the mainstream civil service, 15 from the education sector (comprising Inspectors-General of Education and Tutors-General), and six from the health sector.

In addition, seven Permanent Secretaries were drawn from the local government sector, along with the Permanent Secretary/Clerk of the House and the State Surveyor-General.