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.

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has commissioned 10 ambulances and received 10 patrol vehicles for security agencies, in a move aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery and public safety.

The governor also handed over official cars to newly appointed Permanent Secretaries at an event held at the Government House in Akure on Friday.

Why it matters

Access to emergency healthcare and rapid security response remains a major challenge in many Nigerian states.

Ambulances are often in short supply, especially in rural communities where road accidents and medical emergencies can quickly turn fatal.

Governor Aiyedatiwa said the investment reflects a shift from policy promises to practical delivery.

“To us, the delivery of medical services goes beyond policy statements and is not just about the building of healthcare centres,” he said.

He added that quality healthcare includes access to genuine drugs and prompt transportation to hospitals.

The governor said the state’s pharmaceutical group has ensured the supply of “quality and unadulterated drugs”.

He also linked improved emergency response to ongoing road construction and rehabilitation projects, noting that local councils are grading rural roads while the state provides ambulances and tricycles for primary healthcare services.

Despite urban renewal efforts and traffic light installations, he acknowledged that accidents cannot be completely prevented.

The new ambulances, he said, would ensure “prompt evacuation of victims from homes and accident scenes to health facilities.”

What’s in the fleet?

Ondo’s Commissioner for Health, Banji Ajaka, said the vehicles were procured to strengthen emergency services.

He explained that the fleet includes three advanced life-support ambulances and five basic medical ambulances, describing it as the first procurement of such scale in many years.

Ajaka added that additional ambulances have been included in the current year’s budget.

A GNC survey aimed at equipping hospitals is currently at the benchmarking stage before the State Executive Council, the governor disclosed.

Security reinforcement

The governor also revealed that Sunbeth Global Concept, led by Olasunkanmi Owoeye, donated 10 Toyota Hilux high-grade vehicles to support security operations.

The patrol vehicles will be deployed to the police, civil defence, the military, the air force, airport services and the anti-land-grabbing task force.

Governor Aiyedatiwa urged agencies to use the vehicles strictly for official duties.

Civil service incentives

The governor described civil servants as the “engine room of government” as he presented official cars to Permanent Secretaries.

He said incentives such as promotions, bonuses, vacations and official vehicles are necessary to enhance performance, but warned against unauthorised personal use.

Ondo State Head of Service, Bayo Philip, said the ceremony marked the second phase of vehicle distribution.

He noted that only about three retirees and a new set of Permanent Secretaries were yet to benefit.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Yemi Pirisola expressed appreciation and pledged loyalty to the administration.

What’s next?

The state government says more ambulances are included in the 2026 budget.

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.