By Dupson Collins, 6th September, 2024
The newly sworn-in Permanent Secretary in the service of Ondo State, Alhaji Mudashiru Adegbeha has described his appointment as Permanent Secretary as a divine arrangement, thanking Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for considering him worthy to be so elevated.
The Owo born Accountant disclosed this while chatting with the PATH Correspondent at the Inauguration of the four Permanent Secretaries and three Tutors-General held at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office on Monday, 2nd September, 2024.
Speaking, Adegbeha who could not hide his joy said he feels fulfilled to be appointed as Permanent Secretary saying the dream and aspirations of any civil servant is to reach the pinnacle of his or her career as Permanent Secretary.
His words: ” The day I was enlisted into the civil service, I was looking at the position of the Permanent Secretary as a mountain that is difficult to climb but I thank God today that I am able to climb it successfully. I give all praises to Almighty Allah”.
He added that his appointment and promotion was divine, describing it as one of the most competitive selections where only four officers were picked into position of Permanent Secretary.
” I can’t deny it that, it was a divine arrangement because this is one of the most competitive selections; it has never be on record that they picked just four officers into position of Permanent Secretary”.
Adegbeha added that God has used his appointment as Permanent Secretary to lay a precedent because since the creation of Ondo State, no accountant has been elevated to the position of Permanent Secretary.
” My colleagues use to tell me and called me a Story Changer because since the creation of Ondo State in 1976, precisely about 48 years ago, it has never happened that an Accountant has become Permanent Secretary. I give glory to God”.
He implored all civil servants to wait for their time saying it is his time to be promoted and appointed as Permanent Secretary, asking them to be diligent, hardworking and value integrity in whatever they are doing while serving the state meritoriously.
Adegbeha promised to discharge his duties diligently according to the dictates of his office while assuring Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa led administration of loyalty to whatever will promote his government and people of Ondo State.
Addressing the newly-appointed Permanent Secretaries and Tutors-General, Governor Aiyedatiwa reiterated his administration’s commitment to the revitalization and efficiency of the State’s public service.
He highlighted the significance of the appointments, emphasizing that they are in line with the administration’s goal of fostering a robust and dynamic public service.
“A decision like this which is in the best interest of the State Public Service is anchored on several considerations. First, is the necessity to fill consequential sensitive positions in the rank of the Accounting Officers arising from the exit of officers who have met the requisite statutory requirements for retirement.
“Second, appointment at that level requires that State character must be reasonably served and that is what is being done, gradually. Third, nothing motivates the Bureaucracy more than opportunities for promotion for the operators. That, in no small measure, inspires hope and spurs industry and diligence. Furthermore, the injection of fresh hands holds a lot of promises for the reinvigoration and growth of the system, generally”, the Governor added.
Governor Aiyedatiwa stressed the importance of the public service as a key ally in the execution of his administration’s development agenda. He stressed the need for a competent, accountable, and transparent public service that effectively utilizes resources and delivers measurable results.
The Governor charged the newly inaugurated officials to lead by example and ensure the delivery of quality services in their respective areas.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philips, appreciated the governor for his commitment to enhancing workers’ well-being by implementing various initiatives to improve their quality of life.
Speaking on behalf of other permanent secretaries and tutors-general, Mrs Yemi Pirisola commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for the trust reposed in them, with a promise to serve diligently and support the government in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Ondo state.
Other Permanent Secretaries are Mrs Yemi Pirisola, Mr Idowu Ojo, Mr Olaleye Philip while the Tutors-General are Mr Adebayo Ajimuda, Mrs Owoka Adedamolola and Dr. Akanke Idowu Asogbon.
