By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has declared today, Tuesday, 16 June, as a work-free day in the state in commemoration of the beginning of the Islamic New Year, Hijrah 1448AH.
The governor has also congratulated the Muslim Ummah in the state and across the country on witnessing Hijrah, praying to God Almighty to grant them the opportunity to celebrate many more on earth.
In the same vein, Makinde swore in a new Chief of Staff (CoS) at the weekend.
His spokesperson, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, said in two separate statements that a memo signed by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Musibau Babatunde, indicated that the governor enjoined all Muslims to use the occasion of Hijrah to pray for the peace, unity and prosperity of Oyo State in particular and Nigeria in general.
He also charged all residents of the state to be alert and observant before, during and after the Hijrah celebrations, urging them to always report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies and through the state’s Emergency Number, 615.
In another statement by Olanrewaju, the governor swore in the new HoS, Dr. (Mrs.) Adenike Ayobami Fasina; and the duo of Dr. Lateef Idowu Oyeleke and Hon. (Barr) Ayobami Oluwaseun Ojo, as Commissioners on Monday.
“Speaking at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, venue of the event, Makinde charged the three of them to put in their best and work with others for the interest of the people and the state.
“He maintained that their appointments were based on competence, performances and recognition of years of diligence and distinguished service to Oyo State across different fields, stating that his government has thrived on appointing individuals based on merit and excellence rather than sentiments.
“While congratulating the new appointees, Governor Makinde urged them to be loyal to the government, discharge their duties effectively and put in their best for the continuous growth and development of the state.
“The new Commissioners were immediately assigned portfolios, with Dr. Oyeleke to serve as Commissioner for Special Duties, while Barrister Ojo will man the Budget and Economic Planning Ministry.
“Meanwhile, Alhaja Faosat Joke Sanni, who hitherto was the Commissioner for Special Duties, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry.
“Inaugurating the 19th Head of Service, who is also the seventh female to occupy the position, Governor Makinde noted that his administration had continued to fulfil the 35 per cent affirmative action policy on women inclusion in governance and public office.
“According to the governor, though the appointment of Dr. Fasina was based on merit, it has enabled the state to transit from a situation in which there was no Permanent Secretary from Ibarapa Zone when he assumed office in 2019, to a situation where the zone has now produced a Head of Service,” Olanrewaju said.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Gov. Makinde.
