Gov Sanwo-Olu swears in 10 new permanent secretaries

…says appointments come with greater responsibility

 Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday swore in 10 newly appointed permanent secretaries, describing their appointments as well deserved which also come with a greater responsibility and “a reminder that in Lagos, true leadership is about purpose, not privilege.” 

Governor Sanwo-Olu gave this charge, while speaking at the event which took place at the Banquet Hall, Governor’s Office State, Alausa, Ikeja, witnessing the new batch that made the total number he had appointed to 121, since he came into office.

He said that as permanent secretaries, they occupied positions that were vital to the government’s effectiveness, describing them as the bridge between vision and action, connecting political direction with administrative execution. 

The governor, while congratulating the newly swore in perm secs, said their performance would play a crucial role in determining how far the state government could go in adapting to new realities globally.

Sanwo-Olu noted that Lagos was not just expanding in size, but becoming more complex, amid people’s expectations of “a public service that is responsive, transparent, and driven by technology.” 

“We cannot keep doing things the old way and hope for different outcomes. 

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“That is why my administration is committed to strengthening institutional reforms from digital transformation to performance management, and from re-engineering processes to developing our workforce.

“As permanent secretaries, you are expected to lead these reforms in your ministries, departments, and agencies,” the governor stated. 

“Let me be clear: this role calls for courage, creativity, and a strong sense of ethics. It requires the ability to challenge inefficiency and inspire productivity.

“It requires you to think strategically, manage resources wisely, and uphold the values that have long been the backbone of the Lagos State Public Service. 

“Our THEMES+ Agenda lays out the framework. However, it is your everyday choices  the systems you create, the culture you embody, and the people you uplift  that will truly bring that agenda to life,” he added. 

Governor Sanwo-Olu, however, noted that the task remained a collective journey for the Cabinet members, the Head of Service, and all senior public service officers, saying that all concerned needed to foster a work culture that prioritizes merit, accountability, and teamwork at every level. 

This was just as he commended and congratulated the families and mentors who have stood by the new appointees, saying that their “support has been vital in shaping the kind of leaders our public service requires.” 

“As you take your oath of office today, keep in mind that you are making a commitment not just to the government, but to every Lagosian who relies on us for opportunities, justice, and hope. Serve with a clear sense of purpose. Lead with empathy. And always remember the trust that comes with this role.

“This administration will keep providing the right tools and supportive environment to help you thrive. But ultimately, the strength of our public service rests on the integrity and excellence of its leaders.

“I want this new chapter to signify a renewed spirit of collaboration between our permanent secretaries and their political counterparts. The power of government lies in the synergy between policy and administration between vision and execution.

“When respect, open communication, and a shared mission guide your efforts, success is bound to follow,” Governor Sanwo-Olu said. 

The HOS, Mr. Bode Agoro, in his remark, also congratulated the newly swore in permanent secretaries, describing their appointments as well-deserved, but quickly noted that “to whom much is given, much is expected.” 

Agoro stated that their selection for the new office was necessitated by the vacancies in the leadership of some Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), following the statuory retirement of the permanent secretaries of those MDAs.

Agoro, who tagged the new appointees as G10, said they were carefully selected from the list of successful candidates who had been interviewed by Mr. Governor in Year 2022 and Year 2024, having crossed the hurdles of the Computer Based Test, Executive Training Development Programme and the Walk for Fitness, adding that the step was taken in a bid to sustain the tradition of equity and transparency. 

The HOS, therefore, charged them to make positive impact, regardless of the ministries of their deployment, saying that such became imperative “as you are expected to continue your meaningful contributions to the plans and programmes of this administration.” 

“Mr. Governor sir, let me assure you that this G10 Permanent Secretaries are fantastic set of leaders desirous to hit the ground running at any MDA of deployment. 

“I have had cause to interact with them on numerous occasions since their appointment, and I have noticed that they are full of zeal and enthusiasm to make their contributions towards the  development of our public service and the state as a whole.

“I am very sure they will work harmoniously with their Honourable  Commissioners/Special Advisers in order to facilitate acceleration of the achievement of their MDAs’ mandate,” Agoro said. 

“While I congratulate the families of our appointees, I like to admonish you to give them necessary support to excel in their new roles and show understanding more than ever before,” he added. 

The newly swore in newly permanent secretaries are: Omololu, Olufemi Motunolani; Sanni, Omotayo Layemo;  Alaka, Monsurat Titilope; Onigbanjo Muhammed Thanni Babatunde; Oyenuga, Olutokunbo Olayode; Ojikutu, Rafiu Olawale; Paseda, Olufemi Bamidele; Garbadeen-Adedeji, Oluwakemi Amudat; Ogunlana, Toyin Rahmat and Pitan, Adesola Ayodele. 

 

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE