Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has called for a renewed commitment to transparency, teamwork, and technological innovation within the state’s civil service. The call came during the swearing-in ceremony of four new permanent secretaries on Monday in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.
The newly appointed permanent secretaries are Mrs. Funke Ajibola, Mr. Michael Boluade, Mr. Foluso Akinwumi, and Mr. Rotimi Akomolede.
Governor Oyebanji addressed the new appointees, emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct and fiscal responsibility in their leadership roles. “You are not only managing human resources, but also the material resources of the government,” he said. “Therefore, a commitment to probity, transparency, and prudence is essential, especially at this time.”
The Governor’s remarks come amidst ongoing national efforts in Nigeria to improve efficiency and transparency in governance. Ekiti State, with a population exceeding 3 million, plays a significant role in the country’s southwest region.
A Focus on Ethical Conduct and Collaboration
Governor Oyebanji went on to highlight the significance of collaboration and strong leadership within the civil service. “As human resource managers, you are expected to foster an atmosphere of teamwork, confidence building, and collective responsibility,” he stated. “You should be leaders who inspire others and find solutions to challenges.”
This emphasis on collaboration aligns with broader trends in public administration, where fostering teamwork and knowledge-sharing are seen as crucial for effective service delivery.
Embracing Technology for Progress
The Governor also stressed the need for the new permanent secretaries to leverage technological advancements. “You must embrace innovation and technology,” he said. “In a few months, our administration will reach its second year. We need to accelerate our progress. As a result, all permanent secretaries must redouble their efforts and increase the pace of service delivery to achieve the government’s shared prosperity agenda within their respective ministries, departments, and agencies.”
Governor Oyebanji’s call for technological adoption reflects the growing importance of digitalization in government processes. By embracing new technologies, the Ekiti State civil service can potentially streamline operations, improve communication, and enhance service delivery to citizens.
A Collaborative Effort for Success
The swearing-in ceremony included remarks from the Head of Service, Mr. Sunday Komolafe. Mr. Komolafe expressed his gratitude to the Governor for the opportunity to serve and commended him for his various employee welfare initiatives. These initiatives, aimed at improving the lives of civil servants, can contribute to a more motivated and productive workforce.
Mr. Boluade, speaking on behalf of his fellow appointees, thanked Governor Oyebanji for their selection and pledged their dedication to Ekiti’s development. Their leadership and experience are expected to be instrumental in achieving the state government’s goals.
The swearing-in ceremony marks a new chapter for Ekiti’s civil service, with an emphasis on innovation, collaboration, ethical conduct, and technological advancement. The success of the new permanent secretaries in implementing these priorities will be vital in driving the state forward.Â
Source: Punch
