No more politics, religion in Ekiti appointments – Oyebanji
By Rotimi Ojomoyela
The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has declared that appointments and promotions across all sectors will no longer be influenced by politics, religion, gender, or personal connections in the state.
Oyebanji, who reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to merit, transparency, and fairness in the state civil service, made this declaration in Ado-Ekiti while swearing in 10 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries in the State Civil Service.
Speaking at the event, the Governor urged the new Permanent Secretaries to work hand in hand with his administration to realize his government’s shared prosperity agenda, as well as its vision of sustainable development in the state.
The State’s Helsman also urged them to discharge their duties effectively and do their best to maintain the state’s development tempo, stressing that the new permanent secretaries had emerged through a highly competitive process.8
The Governor, who revealed that the process of their selection and appointment followed their success in the highly competitive examination and was based on objectivity, merit, and free from any interference, said the exercise was aimed at strengthening the leadership of the civil service and repositioning it for effective service delivery.
While congratulating the new Permanent Secretaries, the Governor reminded them that the custody of public funds and the effective implementation of government policies fall within their purview, adding that they must be guided by patience, not convenience, since their everyday choices will affect the lives of thousands.
Those sworn in are S.O. Ibijola, Olaonipekun Eweje, Sunday Omoya, Morakinyo Akilo, Adelusi Lateef, Peter Ejimokun, Olufemi Adediran, Ayoola Clement, Bayode Lawrence, and Toyin Ojelabi-Pedro.
He said, “This administration has consistently upheld a merit-based mechanism in the selection and appointment of key officers in the civil service. Out of the 141 eligible candidates invited for a computer-based test facilitated by UMA Capital Partners, only 28 were shortlisted for the final interviews, from which the first 10 were selected, leaving 18 remaining.
“ I’m not going to play politics with the appointment of those who will teach our children. Whichever ones are appointed, they are indigenes and citizens of Ekiti State. I just want the best to teach our children so that they can compete globally with anybody from any part of the world.”
“I am saying it publicly, there’s a cut-off now from number 10, When there are other vacancies, we start from number 11. We will not schedule any other appointments until we reach the cut-off minimum, as the system must be seen to be fair. So, until we reach the last point on that list, I won’t schedule any other appointments.
“I would like to remind you all that the position of Permanent Secretaries is a call to service. I charge you not only to serve with diligence and excellence, but also to equally inspire and motivate the staff you work with. Your appointment is not a suggestion that you are an imperial boss, but a mandate to be team leaders who inspire their subordinates.
“As a government, we will continue to encourage professionalism and a level playing field for civil servants. Our administration, as we uphold our commitment to excellence, diligence, and fairness in public service.
“Our commitment to the different welfare packages, such as car and housing loans, is evident by the 100% increases approved for different categories. I am aware that our financial commitment to the public service forums and the Award of Excellence programme has further ignited passion for excellence as a reward for our work”.
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