Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has sworn in a new set of Permanent Secretaries in Ondo State, urging them to improve performance and strengthen service delivery across government institutions.

The ceremony took place on Friday at International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Akure, where the governor said the appointments were part of wider reforms aimed at making the public service more efficient.

He said the civil service remains the backbone of governance, responsible for implementing policies regardless of political changes.

“The Public Service is a time-tested institution that drives the delivery of government policies and programmes. Government changes hands from time to time but the Public Service remains constant,” the governor said.

Why the appointments matter

The swearing-in comes as the Ondo State government seeks to modernise its public sector and strengthen policy implementation.

Permanent Secretaries are the most senior career officials in ministries and agencies, responsible for managing budgets, coordinating programmes and ensuring government decisions are carried out.

Governor Aiyedatiwa said many of the newly appointed officials had served for years in acting capacities without the full benefits of the position.

“You have distinguished yourselves through hard work, diligence and perseverance,” he told the officials.

“A significant number of you have acted in the capacity of Accounting Officers for considerable periods without commensurate remuneration, yet you continued to give your best.”

He described their appointment as recognition of their service and dedication.

Push for stronger civil service

The governor said his administration has prioritised strengthening the state workforce.

According to him, the government has recruited more than 4,000 personnel across teaching, medical, legal, agricultural and administrative sectors.

He also said the state has maintained regular staff promotions and cleared salary obligations.

Aiyedatiwa added that his government was working to clear inherited gratuity liabilities owed to retired workers.

“We remain committed to offsetting outstanding retirement benefits within the shortest possible time,” he said.

The governor also urged the new permanent secretaries to demonstrate transparency and professionalism in their roles.

“You must be exemplary in conduct, uphold transparency and accountability, and remain politically neutral in line with the Public Service Rules,” he said.

Call for humane leadership

Governor Aiyedatiwa reminded the officials that their roles involve managing people as well as policies.

He urged them to show empathy toward junior officers and avoid harassment in the workplace.

Permanent Secretaries, he said, serve as the key link between political leaders and career civil servants.

Their performance, he added, will determine how effectively government policies reach citizens.

Public service leadership reacts

The Head of Service in Ondo State, Bayo Philip, said the appointments mark the beginning of a new phase of responsibility for the officials.

“Your appointment marks the beginning of a new phase of responsibility and service to the state,” he said.

He urged them to justify the trust placed in them by demonstrating diligence, loyalty and commitment.

Philip also praised the governor for continuing reforms aimed at strengthening the public service.

Permanent secretaries pledge commitment

Speaking on behalf of the newly appointed officials, Steven Rotimi Aworere thanked the governor for the opportunity.

He described the appointments as a call to greater responsibility.

“We fully understand the weight of the duties entrusted to us,” he said.

Aworere added that the new officials would work to advance government policies and improve public service delivery.

What’s next

Governor Aiyedatiwa said this was the third promotion exercise in the state civil service since he assumed office.

Within two years, about 57 officers have been elevated to the position of Permanent Secretary.

The government says the promotions are part of a broader effort to boost morale and ensure continuity in governance.

Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has commissioned a six-kilometre road in Igbokoda and flagged off construction of an 8.5-kilometre dual carriageway in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The projects, unveiled on Sunday, form part of what the governor described as a broader push to improve transport links and economic activity in the state’s riverine communities.

Speaking at the commissioning of the NDDC Road in Igbokoda, Aiyedatiwa said the development would ease daily life for residents.

“The project we witness today transcends the mere pouring of asphalt or laying of stones; it is about easing the burdens of daily life for every man, woman and child across the Ilaje axis,” he said.

“By commissioning this vital road, we are unlocking new vistas of opportunity for our coastal communities and reinforcing our resolve to connect our people to progress.”

He said the road was designed to withstand the terrain and seasonal flooding common in the coastal area.

“Our primary objective has always been your comfort and safety. We envisioned a road that would endure the test of time, minimise recurrent maintenance, and guarantee secure and swift journeys for all who use it.”

Why it matters

Ilaje is one of Ondo State’s oil-producing and fishing hubs, but poor road access has long slowed trade and raised transport costs.

Upgrading road networks could reduce travel time, lower vehicle maintenance costs, and make it easier for businesses to move goods between riverine communities and urban centres.

At the flag-off of the 8.5km dual carriageway from College Road through Okoga Junction to Irewole Roundabout, the governor described it as a strategic urban corridor.

“Upgrading this corridor to dual carriageway standard reduces travel time, lowers vehicle operating costs, and fosters commerce, investment inflows, and structured urban expansion in the coastal region,” he stated.

He added that the project would create jobs during and after construction and improve access to public services.

Industry and community reactions

The Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr Ayorinde Olawoye, said the six-kilometre NDDC Road has an average width of 10.3 metres and meets modern construction standards.

Local leaders also welcomed the projects.

The Chairman of Ilaje Local Government, Moris Oripenaye, described the governor as an “exemplary leader”.

The Olugbo of Ugbo, Frederick Obateru Akinruntan, told the governor:

“You make us proud.”

Boundary clarification over Eba Island

During the visit, Mr Aiyedatiwa addressed concerns over Eba Island in Atijere community, amid reported boundary disagreements with Ogun State.

He maintained that the island remains part of Ondo State and has not been ceded.

Such clarifications are significant because oil-producing territories can influence revenue allocations and local development priorities.

What’s next

The governor also referenced ongoing road projects in the Southern Senatorial District, including the Ajagba–Iju Osun–Akotogbo Road and the Okitipupa–Igbokoda dual carriageway.

He said his administration would continue expanding infrastructure until “every nook and cranny of Ondo State experiences the tangible dividends of purposeful governance.”

For residents in Ilaje, the immediate test will be how quickly construction progresses and whether the promised economic boost follows.

The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has commissioned a series of road and health projects in Akoko and Owo, as part of activities marking his first anniversary in office.

The projects include the Aiyegunle–Iwaro Oka Road in Oka-Akoko and a cluster of rehabilitated roads in Owo Local Government Area.

The governor said road construction and rehabilitation remain central to his administration’s development blueprint.

“The commissioning of these projects is a major milestone in the activities marking our first anniversary,” he said, describing the achievements as remarkable within a short period.

Why it matters

The Aiyegunle–Iwaro Oka Road, stretching about six kilometres, is seen as a strategic agricultural corridor.

According to the governor, the road serves as a key link for transporting farm produce within and beyond the state.

Given Akoko’s agricultural strength, he said improving access would help farmers get goods to markets faster and reduce post-harvest losses.

“The corridor is critical to transportation in Akoko, especially for the movement of agricultural produce,” he said.

In Owo, he commissioned Opomulero Road, Iselu and Isuada roads, covering about 3.5 kilometres in total.

The projects, he said, would enhance connectivity, reduce travel time and stimulate commerce.

Healthcare boost

Through his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, the governor also commissioned an upgraded Primary Health Care facility and newly built staff quarters in Owo.

He said the development reflects the administration’s commitment to equitable healthcare.

“Healthcare must be accessible, affordable and continuous,” he said.

Under the OUR EASE agenda, 112 PHCs across the state are undergoing structured upgrades, with 51 already completed, according to the governor.

Dr Francis Akanbiemu, Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, said it was the first time in his years of service that a governor was building staff quarters for health workers.

Royal endorsements

Traditional rulers at the ceremonies praised the governor’s efforts.

The Olubaka of Oka, Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, said previous administrations failed to complete the Aiyegunle–Iwaro Oka Road.

He noted that though initiated by former governor Olusegun Agagu, it was completed under Aiyedatiwa.

Similarly, the Olowo of Owo, Ajibade Ogunoye, commended improvements in road infrastructure and solar lighting.

He said extended business hours were now boosting economic activity in the town.

Local government, cabinet reaction

Chairman of Akoko South-West Local Government, Ayo Ajana, described the road as a testament to purposeful leadership.

Acting Chairman of Owo Local Government, Ibrahim Ahmed, said residents had initially doubted the prospect of meaningful development after the death of former governor Rotimi Akeredolu, but were now reassured.

Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, said the projects reflected the administration’s firm commitment to infrastructural transformation.

Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, highlighted initiatives such as transactional ambulances and solar-powered water systems at health centres.

The bigger picture

Ondo State marks 50 years since its creation, and the governor said development strides have been recorded in roads, education, healthcare, agriculture and commerce.

He reiterated his commitment to inclusive governance.

“No community will be sidelined. Our administration is guided by fairness, equity and shared prosperity,” he said.

He urged communities to safeguard the projects and protect them from vandalism.

What’s next?

The governor expressed confidence that the dualisation of the Akungba–Ikare Road, flagged off last year, would be completed within the stipulated timeframe.