Ambode swears in HoS Muri-Okunola, six perm secs

Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday swore in Mr Hakeem Muri-Okunola as the state’s 21st Head of Service (HoS) as well as six new permanent secretaries.

The governor urged the new HoS to inject fresh ideas, vibrancy and more energy to take the public service to greater heights.

He said these make Lagos a globally recognised city-state with a commitment to efficiency, effectiveness, innovation and creativity in service delivery.

The new permanent secretaries, who have been deployed to various ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), are: Dr. Titilayo Goncalves (Ministry of Health), Mr Adeyemi Kosoko (Education District IV), Dr Sherifat Balogun (Ministry of Youth and Social Development), Mr Segun Adeniji (Health Service Commission), Mrs Abosede Adelaja (Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture) and Dr Lateef Lawal (Primary Healthcare Board).

Dignitaries at the ceremony included All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Deputy Governor Idiat Adebule, former Deputy Governor Femi Pedro, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, House of Representatives Majority Leader Femi Gbajabiamila, APC Southwest Women Leader, Chief Kemi Nelson and the Elegushi of Ikate land, Oba Saheed Elegushi.

Describing the appointments as thoroughly deserving, Ambode said a new chapter had been opened in the state’s public service.

The governor urged the appointees to justify their elevation by working harder to satisfy the expectations of the people.

Expressing optimism in the ability of Muri-Okunola to perform well due of his capacity, knowledge, exposure, experience and youthful energy, Ambode said it was important for him to lead by example and encourage accountability and professionalism.

He added: “Following the swearing in of the new Head of Service, a new chapter has just been opened in the history of the Lagos State public service. It is a new chapter with high expectations for the injection of new energy and vibrancy that will move our public service to new heights.”

To Muri-Okunola, he said: “As the number one civil servant in Lagos State, you must demonstrate leadership and lead by example for others, including the Body of Permanent Secretaries, to follow. You have a responsibility to provide direction and encourage accountability, transparency, professionalism and a high sense of discipline. Your actions must be based on sound and objective judgment with consideration for merit and proven record of competence and loyalty.

“I have no doubt in my mind that under your leadership, Lagos State public service will achieve great strides and record outstanding achievements as a role model for other public service institutions in Africa.”

The governor, who underscored the strategic important role of the civil service, said the extent to which any government succeeds in the implementation of its policies and programmes largely depends on the quality and orientation of its civil service.

He said there was a need for the new leadership to adopt necessary measures and initiatives to foster growth and development.

Praising Asiwaju Tinubu for laying a solid foundation for the transformation of the civl service, the governor also hailed the immediate past HoS, Mrs Folashade Adesoye, for serving meritoriously and strengthening the public service.