The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has approved the appointments of nine permanent secretaries in the public service of the state.

Abiodun, in a statement signed by the Head of Service of the State, Kehinde Onasanya, said their appointments were to further strengthen the operational capabilities, administrative stability to guarantee the smooth implementation of government policies across the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

Their appointments were made by the Governor in line with the provision of Section 208 © of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and having considered merit, professionalism, inclusiveness and cognate experience in the Civil/Public Service of the state.

The HOS explained that the Permanent Secretary designates were carefully selected from the pool of Directors who were successful in the Ogun State Executive Leadership Development Pipeline Programme, from which top-level appointments are made.

Those appointed were Mr Abdul-Azeez Oludare Ajidele, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Ministry of Justice; Mrs Olufunmilayo Yetunde Soyoye-Baker, Director of Agriculture and State Co-ordinating Director, Cash Transfer Unit; Mrs Adebimpe Foluso Obienu, Director of Public Prosecution, Ministry of Justice;

Dr. (Mrs.) Kafayat Modupe Lawal, Executive Secretary, Alternate Medicine Board; Mr Ahmed Bayo Adetona, Director of Audit, Office of the Auditor-General (State).

Mr Idowu Oladapo Onasanya, Director of Administration & Supplies, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Mr Olalekan Peter Taiwo, Director of Payment, State Treasury Office; Mr Akintomiwa Oluwagbeminiyi Osibodu, Director of Administration & Supplies, Teaching Service Commission; and Kehinde Olukayode Akintomide, Director of Industrial Promotion, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.

Similarly, Governor Abiodun also approved the appointment of two (2) Principals-General and four (4) Headteachers-General to fill the vacant positions within the top echelon of the Teaching Service Commission and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), and to further strengthen administrative processes in the education sector of the state.

The new Principals-General are: Mr. Matthew Adeyinka Osilesi – Remo Division; Mr. Yakubu Olorunyomi Lamidi- Ijebu Division while the Headteachers-General were Mr. Benjamin Olusegun Alonge- Ijebu Division; Mrs. Aminat Folake Busari, Remo Division; Mr. Olusegun Nathaniel Akapo, Yewa Division and Mrs. Folake Omolara Onabanjo,Egba Division.

The Head of Service explained that the appointees were selected from among candidates who were earlier shortlisted, following a rigorous selection process which included an oral interview and a comprehensive screening exercise which involved inspection and assessment of the schools of the shortlisted candidates based on criteria such as academic performance in external examinations and competitions, the tone of the school, statutory records, staff relations, maintenance of facilities and personal attributes. (Nigerian Tribune)