Ondo Governor Swears-in 12 Commissioners, Warns Against Corrupt Practices

The Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Friday swore-in 12 newly appointed commissioners, charging them to be diligent with the various portfolios that would be given to them.

The commissioners included Pastor Segun Ayerin, Mr Olaolu Akindolire, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, Dr Banji Ajaka, Mr Boye Ologbese, Mr Sunday Akinwalire, Deaconess Lola Fagbemi.

Others were Mr Saka Yusuf Ogunleye, Mr Rasheed Badmus, Mr Olayato Aribo, Mr Adewale Akinlosotu and Barr. Gbenga Olaniyi.

The governor had earlier sent their names to the state House of Assembly for screening and approval.

Aiyedatiwa at the swearing-in, held at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office, urged the commissioners to justify their appointments through dedicated service.

“Let me congratulate the newly inaugurated appointees for being worthy of consideration as Honourable Commissioners in Ondo State. Some of you are returning, while others are new Commissioners. In the main, you must justify your appointment or reappointment as the case may be. I must inform you that this administration is in a rush to deliver on its mandate and make life more meaningful to the people.

“The torch of accelerated development that we hold aloft in trust for the people is irreversible. You must guard your loins and hit the ground running in your various offices. You must foster a good working relationship with the workers, especially the permanent secretaries and other accounting officers.

“Let us bear in mind that the government and people of Ondo State are united in their thirst for credible performance, development, and good governance. You must excuse corruption or any act that is not nurturing good governance and overriding public interest”, he said.

The governor also implored all friends, families, and well wishers of the new appointees to refrain from putting undue pressure on them, so that they could concentrate and discharge their duties in the overall best interest of the state.

He said, “Apart from our homegrown initiatives in setting up an Agriculture and Food Security Committee that is working round the clock, we are also into an effective collaboration with the Federal Government and other corporate entities to stimulate food production, availability, and affordability in the State.

“And in keeping with the dynamics of security, we are rejigging and fortifying our security architectures such that the security of lives and welfare of the people remain on the front burner of policy implementation. We must not compromise our enviable frontline place among the league of the safest states in the nation.”

Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated commissioners, Dr Banji Ajaka, appreciated the governor for the trust reposed in them, with a promise not to disappoint the government of the state.