Ajimobi warns new cabinet members against backbiting, frivolities

…as SSG, 15 commissioners take oath of office

Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has sworn in Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Olalekan Alli and 15 commissioners, with a warning that there would be no room for backbiting, character assassination and frivolities in his administration.

The governor handed down the warning while addressing the new cabinet members at a ceremony held at the Executive Council Chambers of the Governor’s Office, in Ibadan, on Friday.

He charged the new commissioners to see themselves as ambassadors holding their offices in trust for the people of the state.

Ajimobi expressed delight that his cabinet had finally been inaugurated, saying this had laid to rest long time speculations and apprehensions among the people.

Among the commissioners swore in were Mr. Abimbola Adekanmbi, who would take charge of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Budget; Mrs. Atinuke Osunkoya (Women Affairs and Social Welfare), Mr. Abimbola Kolade (Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs); and Mrs. Taibat Adeyemi-Agaba (Trade, Industry and Cooperative).

Others are Mr. Oyewole Oyewumi (Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development) and Mr. Abayomi Oke (Youths and Sports); Mr. Wasiu Dauda (Works and Transport); and Mr. Ajiboye Omodewu (Lands, Housing and Physical Development).

Also on the list are Chief Isaac Isola (Environment and Water Resources), Mr. Abdul-Ganiy Bamidele (Special Duties); Mr. Toye Arulogun (Information, Culture and Tourism); Mr. Oluseun Abimbola (Justice).

A former Chairman of Ido Local Government, Prof. Adeniyi Olowofela was also appointed into the ministry of Education, Science and Technology; Dr. Azeez Adeduntan (Health) and Mr. Fatai Salawu (Liaison Affairs).

Ajimobi charged the commissioners to see their appointment as a call to service, especially at a period when Oyo, like any other state, was having difficulties in providing basic necessities for the people due to low federal allocation.

He said, “Today, I congratulate our newly sworn in commissioners as they assume office to take up the challenge of leading their various ministries. It is a special day, not only for those of you gathered here but for all the stakeholders in the progress of our dear state.

“I must warn that there will no room for backbiting, mudslinging, character assassination and undue frivolities that can erode the respect that people will ordinarily accord your offices.

“Your first assignment is to go back to your various communities and spread the information that the state has no intention of selling our schools but to partner willing members of the society like alumni associations, mission bodies and corporate organizations to rejuvenate our education system.

“Even the free education policy of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo attracted interventions from private bodies. During former Governors Rashidi Ladoja and Adebayo Alao-Akala’s administrations, there was what they called ‘Adopt-a-School’ policy.’

“So there is nothing new in what we set out to do. We have nothing in mind other than the ultimate goal of re-invigorating our education system.’’

He said that government would not shirk its responsibility of providing qualitative education for those he called the future of the state.

The governor called on people to always embrace dialogue and consultations on issues bothering on the progress of the state rather than unnecessary confrontation.

He governor attributed the delay in selecting and inaugurating the commissioners to the need for wider consultations and putting round pegs in round holes.

Ajimobi charged them to join the transformation train by tightening their belts in building a new Oyo State as his administration had enjoyed an unprecedented second term in office.

The governor called on them not to disappoint their constituents and the entire people of the state, adding that they should be the best they could be in the discharge of their duties.

The occasion was witnessed by the Deputy Governor, Chief Moses Adeyemo; Senator representing Oyo North Senatorial District, Senator Abdul-fatah Buhari, State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Akin Oke; National Chairman of Afenifere Renewal Group, Hon. Wale Osun; and Senator Gbenga Obadara among others.