By Ayomide Otitoju
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has sworn in eight new Permanent Secretaries, bringing the total number of appointments to 111 since the inception of his administration in 2019. The move is aimed at strengthening the state’s public service for enhanced governance and service delivery.
The swearing-in ceremony, held on Thursday at Lagos House, Ikeja, was presided over by the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro. The newly appointed Permanent Secretaries are:
Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaye (Ministry of Arts, Tourism and Culture)
Dr. (Mrs.) Abiola Idowu (Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation, HEFAMAA)
Mrs. Aderinsola Olanrewaju (Citizens Mediation Bureau)
Mr. Tajudeen Mahmud (Ministry of Finance)
Mr. Wasiu Agbabiaka (Civil Service Commission)
Mr. Adebayo Olayinka (Ministry of Wealth Creation)
Additionally, Arch. Gbolahan Oki will assume office as Permanent Secretary, Urban Development, Ministry of Physical Planning, on May 19, while Mrs. Ajibike Onigbanjo will take up the role of Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, following the retirement of the current officeholder.
During the ceremony, Governor Sanwo-Olu charged the new Permanent Secretaries to uphold professionalism, accountability, and commitment to good governance in alignment with the THEMES+ developmental agenda. He emphasized the critical role they play in ensuring efficient civil service operations and delivering impactful policies.
“These appointments are crucial for maintaining the efficiency and continuity of our civil service,” Sanwo-Olu stated. “I urge you to embrace our development agenda with renewed vigor and ensure sustainable progress for all Lagosians. With your new roles come higher expectations—you must lead by example, uphold integrity, and drive impactful service delivery.”
Reaffirming his administration’s support for the newly appointed officials, the governor assured them of the necessary resources and guidance to overcome challenges and seize opportunities for the state’s advancement.
Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, highlighted the transparent and merit-based selection process, noting that the screening exercise for substantive directors on Grade Level 17 is conducted biennially to ensure fairness and competence in appointments.
“The governor’s commitment to excellence and meritocracy is evident in the structured process for appointing Permanent Secretaries,” Agoro said. “This approach minimizes lobbying and ensures that only the most qualified individuals attain these leadership roles.”
Agoro urged the new appointees to foster strong relationships with political heads and staff in their respective ministries, emphasizing teamwork and efficiency in achieving their mandates. He called on them to justify the confidence reposed in them by hitting the ground running.
Speaking on behalf of the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries, Mrs. Aderinsola Olanrewaju expressed gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu and pledged their dedication to the THEMES+ agenda, ensuring that Lagos State continues on its path of growth and development.
The swearing-in ceremony marks another milestone in Governor Sanwo-Olu’s ongoing efforts to bolster the Lagos State Public Service with capable and experienced leadership.
