Workers in Ondo State will have a merry Christmas, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu pledged on Monday in Akure, to pay them a substantial amount of their salary before the Festival.
Specifically he assured civil servants in the State that they would smile home this Christmas, with the promised payment of their salaries.
He stressed that his administration is determined to remain focused and resolute on the chosen path, even as it proceeds on the political journey towards the fulfilment of its pledges to the people of the State.
He made the promise at the swearing-in of 14 new commissioners, seven special advisers and a director general in Akure the state capital.
The governor disclosed that his administration has been engaging members of the young generation on whose tender shoulders the future of this great country rests.
He promised to continue to engage worthy youths regardless of the degree of affinity or otherwise, adding that his second term would be devoted towards pursuing a totally repackaged programmed christened REDEEMED.
He said that the people of the State expect quality service from the newly sworn-in members of the State Executive Council, stressing that his administration would not hesitate to sanction, with speed, any aberrant attitudes which may likely portray it as reckless and insensitive.
His words: “Consequently, all accounting officers in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the government must exercise a lot of care in managing the affairs of their respective charges. They must be able to account for all staff actively engaged by the State. This Administration will ensure that the people of the State receive services for the huge sacrifices.
“The need to recalibrate our development agenda has given rise to the establishment of the Performance and Project Implementation Monitoring Unit (PPIMU). This will assist us in ensuring value for all resources being deployed by our government.”
According to him, the PPIMU has been charged with a number of mandates which include: to design and implement a project management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation platform for the office of the governor to coordinate, monitor and evaluate the execution of the Ondo State 8-point agenda, state development plan and its approved programmes and projects.
He swore in all the 14 newly appointed Commissioners who were recently confirmed by the State House of Assembly.
Also, he inaugurated seven Special Advisers and the Director-General of the Performance and Project Implementation Monitoring Unit (PPIMU).
The event held at the International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome), Igbatoro road, Akure.
The new Commissioners are: Mrs Bamidele Ademola Olateju – from Akoko South East; Otunba Adefarati Adegboyega – Akoko South West; Rt. Hon. Fatai Olotu- Akoko North East; Dr. Julianah Oshadahun – Akoko North West; Otunba Dele Ologun -Akure North; Mr. Sunday Adekunle – Idanre and Engr. Razak Obe -Ifedore.
Others are: Dr. Banji Awolowo Ajaka- Ilaje; Pastor Emmanuel Igbasan – Irele; Mrs Yetunde Adeyanju- Odigbo; Mr. Femi Agagu – Okitipupa; Hon. Akinlosotu Adewale- Ondo East; Deaconess. Lola Fagbemi- Ondo West and Chief Olayato Aribo- Ose.
The Special Advisers include: Chief (Dr) Victor Ategbole; Dr. (Mrs) Wunmi Ilawole; Barr Tobi Ogunleye; Dr. Jibayo Adeyeye; Mrs Olamide Falana; Dr . Francis Adedayo Faduyile and Mr Niyi Oseni. The DG PPIMU is Mr. Babajide Akeredolu.
The Governor, while charging the newly sworn-in cabinet members to show leadership in whatever positions they find themselves, asked them to shun acts which stand at variance with the expectations of the people.
He congratulated the appointees for being found worthy of the appointment, reassured the people of his administration’s commitment and focus to fulfill its pledges.
Speaking on behalf of the new appointees, Mr. Femi Agagu appreciated Akeredolu for the trust reposed in them with a promise to support the Governor to make his second term a great legacy tenure.