Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on Monday swore in a new Commissioner, Dr. Debo Ladipo, charging him and other members of the State Executive Council to remain focused on delivering quality service to the people in the closing phase of the administration.
The governor also announced the redeployment of Professor Solihu Adelabu, who will now serve as Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, while Dr. Ladipo takes over the Ministry of Establishment and Training.
Speaking shortly after administering the oath of office held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Makinde described public service as a privilege, noting that appointments and redeployments in government should not be interpreted as a verdict on the performance of affected officials.
According to him, government assignments are determined by the needs of the moment and the expertise required to achieve specific objectives.
He said, “When we get people to come and serve the state, it is a privilege.
“There are so many qualified people, and at any particular time, you have to pick and choose.
“If I ask a commissioner or an appointee to leave a position, it does not necessarily mean that the person has done anything wrong. Sometimes, when you want to farm, the type of implement you need is different from when you want to harvest.
“Depending on what we are trying to achieve at any point in time, we have to deploy individuals that best fit our objectives.”
Makinde explained that Dr. Ladipo’s earlier exit from the cabinet was not due to any wrongdoing but because his services were required elsewhere within the state administration.
He noted that following his return to the mainstream civil service, where he served in key positions, including Permanent Secretary General Administration, Ladipo had acquired additional administrative experience that would be valuable in his new assignment.
The governor said the administration was committed to consolidating the reforms already introduced in the state’s civil service, particularly in the areas of institutional strengthening, capacity building and staff development.
He maintained that before his administration came on board, opportunities for training and international exposure for civil servants were limited, adding that the achievements recorded in that regard were verifiable despite contrary political claims.
Makinde urged the new commissioner and all members of the cabinet to remain committed to the administration’s mandate, stressing that there was still much to accomplish before the expiration of the government’s tenure.
“We promised the people of Oyo State that we would serve them until the very last hour of the very last day. With the little time we have left, there is still a lot that we can achieve,” he said.
The governor also challenged members of his team to focus on building a lasting legacy rather than the length of time spent in office.
Drawing inspiration from the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, former Premier of the old Western Region, Makinde said Awolowo’s impact continued to be celebrated more than six decades after leaving office because of the enduring value of his leadership.
“It is not how long we serve at the end of the day, but how we apply ourselves in the service of the people,” the governor said.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by top government officials, including political office holders, permanent secretaries, heads of ministries, departments and agencies, as well as other invited guests.