Reported by: Puis Althea | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has sworn in six new Permanent Secretaries, reinforcing his administration's commitment to building a professional, efficient, and responsive public service capable of driving sustainable development across the state. The swearing-in ceremony took place on Wednesday, July 16, 2026, at the Executive Council Chamber, Governor's Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, with the governor describing the occasion as another significant milestone in his administration's efforts to strengthen the state's public service. The newly inaugurated Permanent Secretaries are Dr. Solomon Sokunbi, Mr. Abiodun Oladunjoye Akinwunmi, Mr. Adedeji Sowunmi, Mr. Olumide Ogunbo, Mr. Dolamu Idowu-Agida and Tpl. Musinat Ayodele, according to reports from multiple news outlets. The appointments were made in line with Section 208(c) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), following due consideration of merit, professionalism and inclusiveness.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Abiodun emphasised that the appointments were a celebration of "merit over mediocrity, service over self-interest, excellence over expediency and character over convenience". He stressed that the elevation of the new Permanent Secretaries was not accidental or ceremonial but the culmination of years of discipline, competence, integrity, diligence and steadfast devotion to public service. "The appointment is the celebration of merit over mediocrity, service over self-interest, excellence over expediency and character over convenience. This administration affirmed its commitment to equipping the public service that would be inherited by future generations," the governor said. He further charged the appointees to exhibit exemplary leadership, integrity, dedication and selflessness in the discharge of their duties, noting that they were expected to contribute meaningfully to the continued transformation of the State Civil/Public Service and support the delivery of effective governance for the benefit of the people.
Governor Abiodun lauded the Head of Service, Mr. Olarenwaju Saka, whose strategic policy initiatives and exemplary leadership had helped in transforming and strengthening the state's public service. He noted that the swearing-in was also aimed at renewing a covenant with the people that governance would continue to be anchored on competence, availability, professionalism, continuity and institutional excellence. "This is the standard we have deliberately institutionalized because the future we seek cannot be built on anything less than excellence," he declared. The governor also emphasised that the appointment validates one of the key reforms of his administration—the Executive Leadership Development Pipeline Programme. Through this initiative, his administration had successfully built a succession framework that prepares officers for strategic leadership as vacancies arise, ensuring that the state's civil service remains a dependable vehicle for sustainable development.
According to the Head of Service, Mr. Iskeel Saka, who announced the appointments earlier in July, the new Permanent Secretaries were selected from a pool of officers who had successfully completed the Ogun State Pipeline Leadership Development Programme, a mandatory prerequisite for appointment into the state's top public service leadership positions. Before their elevation, the appointees served in various critical roles within the state's public service. Dr. Sokunbi was Director of Hospital Services in the Ministry of Health; Mr. Akinwunmi was Director of Chieftaincy Affairs in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Mr. Sowunmi was Director of Investments in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investments; Mr. Ogunbo served as Project Manager of the Ogun State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWATSAN); Mr. Idowu-Agida was Director of Administration and Supplies in the Bureau of Government House and General Services; while Tpl. Ayodele served as Director of Urban Development in the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
Governor Abiodun, who has been in office for seven years, noted that his administration has remained steadfast in its resolve to build a virile and responsive civil service through the implementation of the ISEYA development agenda, with particular emphasis on continuous capacity building, professionalism and effective service delivery. He assured public servants in the state of his administration's continued support for initiatives that would enhance their productivity, welfare and professional development, stressing that a motivated workforce is essential to achieving the government's vision for inclusive growth and sustainable development. The governor urged the new Permanent Secretaries to remain diligent, innovative, and committed to advancing policies and programmes that would further position the state as one of the most competitive and economically vibrant states in the country.
The event was attended by dignitaries, including members of the state executive council, government functionaries, and members of the public. The swearing-in ceremony marks the formal integration of the six new Permanent Secretaries into the leadership cadre of the Ogun State public service, where they are expected to play key roles in advancing ongoing reforms and improving service delivery for the benefit of residents. The appointments, which fill vacancies created by the statutory retirement of former Permanent Secretaries, reflect the Abiodun administration's commitment to strengthening institutional capacity and building a more efficient, responsive and result-oriented public service. Governor Abiodun expressed confidence that their experience and dedication would deepen institutional efficiency, uphold transparency and professionalism, and further establish the Ogun State public service as a dependable vehicle for sustainable development.
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