Abiodun appoints six new permanent secretaries

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has approved the appointment of six new Permanent Secretaries as part of efforts to strengthen the leadership capacity of the state’s civil service and sustain ongoing public sector reforms.

The appointments, announced on Friday by the Head of Service, Mr. Iskeel Saka, fill vacancies created by the statutory retirement of former Permanent Secretaries.

The newly appointed Permanent Secretaries are Dr. Solomon Oluseyi Sokunbi, Mr. Abiodun Oladunjoye Akinwunmi, Mr. Adedeji Akanbi Sowunmi, Mr. Olumide Olusola Ogunbo, Mr. Dolamu Isaiah Idowu-Agida and Tpl. Musinat Abiola Ayodele.

According to Saka, the appointments were made in line with Section 208(c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), following due consideration of merit, professionalism and inclusiveness.

He explained that all six appointees successfully completed the Ogun State Pipeline Leadership Development Programme, a prerequisite for appointment into the state’s top public service leadership positions, including the office of Permanent Secretary.

Before their appointments, Dr. Sokunbi served as Director of Hospital Services in the Ministry of Health; Akinwunmi was Director of Chieftaincy Affairs in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Sowunmi was Director of Investments in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investments; Ogunbo was Project Manager of the Ogun State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWATSAN); Idowu-Agida served as Director of Administration and Supplies in the Bureau of Government House and General Services; while Ayodele was Director of Urban Development in the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

Saka said the appointments reflected the Abiodun administration’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacity and building a more efficient, responsive and result-oriented public service.

He added that the new Permanent Secretaries had been charged to demonstrate exemplary leadership, integrity, dedication and selflessness in the discharge of their duties, in line with the administration’s Building Our Future Together agenda.

“The appointees are expected to contribute meaningfully to the continued transformation of the Ogun State Civil/Public Service and support the delivery of effective governance for the benefit of the people,” the statement said.

The Head of Service added that Governor Abiodun would swear in the new Permanent Secretaries on a date to be announced.