On Thursday, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, administered the swearing-in of eight new permanent secretaries, comprising four males and four females. This brings the total number of permanent secretaries in the state to 59.
During the inauguration ceremony held at Lagos House, Ikeja, Governor Sanwo-Olu charged the appointees to bring additional levels of commitment, loyalty, and service to the state in their respective capacities. He informed the new permanent secretaries that their appointment was merit-driven, as the state’s government has instituted standards for the selection process that bring out the best among personnel within its workforce.
The governor urged the new appointees to exhibit excellent and result-oriented leadership in their respective posts, as he expected nothing less from them. He also charged them to discharge their duties with minimal supervision while justifying their appointments to the positions.
Governor Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the significance of the role of the civil service in Lagos State’s growth and development, promising to invest in capacity building, motivation, and reward systems for its workforce. He also noted that the rapid elevation of personnel in the top cadre has created a pathway for career advancement, especially for young people in the civil service.
In his response, the Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Olu, explained that the process of appointing permanent secretaries, instituted by the Sanwo-Olu administration, is not only fair and transparent but also rigorous and at par with best practices globally. He added that the procedure was in line with the governor’s commitment to repositioning the state’s public service for improved service delivery.
The newly appointed permanent secretaries include Adewale Adewuyi, Adebowale Bashir, Adejoke Yusuf, Mustapha Amuni, Olushekun Olayide, Obadina Akinbode, Olayinka Patunola-Ajayi, and Ganiat Akanbi.
Patunola-Ajayi pledged to work with Governor Sanwo-Olu to achieve his Greater Lagos vision for the state. She gave a vote of assurance on behalf of the new appointees, vowing to live up to the governor’s expectations.
The appointment of Adewale Adewuyi as Permanent Secretary and Auditor General of the State is subject to clearance and confirmation by the House of Assembly. Pending confirmation, Mr. Adewuyi will remain a Permanent Secretary in the state’s civil service.
