Governor Seyi Makinde on Tuesday swore in 17 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries into the Oyo State Civil and Public Service, charging them to serve the state with loyalty, integrity and professionalism.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Executive Council Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, in Ibadan.
According to a statement issued by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olarenwaju, Makinde urged the new permanent secretaries to manage their offices with probity and transparency while ensuring that personal interests do not conflict with their official duties.
Speaking shortly after the Oaths of Office and Allegiance were administered, the governor explained that the selection process followed the merit-based system earlier introduced by his administration.
“When we came in, we instituted a system of rewarding excellence,” Makinde said.
“So all of you took examinations, and you were selected from that list. We also tried to balance the geopolitical zones of the state and, where possible, the religious interests, but most of you were chosen based on competence.”
Makinde stressed that the state government remains committed to strengthening the civil service through merit-driven appointments and professional standards.
He also reminded the newly sworn-in officials that their roles were critical to the effective implementation of government policies and programmes aimed at improving service delivery across the state.
The governor further urged them to uphold the values of accountability and dedication in the discharge of their responsibilities.
