Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared that the era when someone had to know a governor before becoming a Permanent Secretary has ended in the state.
Makinde made this declaration while speaking at the 2025 annual interfaith thanksgiving service held at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, on Monday.
While addressing the gathering, the governor commended the state’s workforce and the labour union leaders for their support and cooperation since the inception of his administration.
He used the opportunity to charge them to put in more effort towards upholding their values as civil servants.
Makinde further emphasised that civil servants no longer need to know anyone or the governor before they can become permanent secretaries.
He also took the opportunity to congratulate the 45 newly appointed permanent secretaries.
Makinde, who spoke further, maintained that most of them merited the appointments after undergoing rigorous examinations and screening exercises.
He added that the outcome of the exercise was a testament to the fact that the system has changed for the better.
The governor advised them to see their appointments as the beginning of good things in their lives.
He said: “To the workers, your disposition and support have given us a lot of encouragement, and I want to urge you to keep it up. The way we lay our bed is the way we will sleep on it. Don’t relent, and I believe tomorrow will be better.
“To the new permanent secretaries, I want to say congratulations to all of you. I can say it openly, and you are there to validate this—80 per cent of you emerged strictly based on merit.
“Gone are the days in Oyo State when permanent secretaries were appointed based on who you knew or who knew the governor. You have done exams, passed with flying colours, and have been appointed permanent secretaries.
“By the grace of God, on Monday, I will swear you in. Take this as the beginning of good things in your life. This is also a validation of what the Oyo State Civil Service stands for. We have said everyone will be rewarded for their hard work. So, those of you striving, your time will also come.”
