Date Published: 08/28/09

Oni charges new commissioners, advisers

Ekiti State Governor, Engr. Segun Oni has charged the newly appointed Commissioners and Special Advisers in the State to make positive impact on the lives of the people of their various wards and constituencies, noting that their selection was based on merit and the goodwill of the people who recommended them from their various constituencies.

Governor Oni, who was speaking during the swearing in ceremony of the newly appointed 13 Commissioners and 14 special Advisers, said the new appointees must be prepared to work extra hard in order to bring development to the State at a pace never seen before in the history of the 13-year-old State.

The governor said plans were in top gear to construct an airport and an international stadium in Ado Ekiti, the State capital, stressing that the State was on the verge of greatness.

The 13 Commissioners sworn in included former deputy governor of the state, Mrs Biodun Olujimi; former deputy Speaker of the second Ekiti House of Assembly, Mr Taiwo Olatunbosun; former majority leader and state secretary of the People Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Kayode Babade; former member of the House of Representatives, Mr George Akawa and former member of the state assembly in the Old Ondo State House of Assembly, Mr. Dapo Agbede.

Others were Mr. Femi Ige, former Special Adviser on Rural Development, Dr. Gboyega Isijola, former Commissioner for Finance, Prince Tunji Adeniyi, former Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prince Segun Ilori, Mr. Harison Olanrewaju, Mr. Oyebade Adara, former Commissioner for Health, Dr. Femi Thomas and Mrs. Mubo Boyede.

The 14 Special Advisers included former commissioner for environment, Mrs. Jolaade Onipede, former commissioner for lands and housing, Alhaji Yakubu Sanni, former National Democratic Party (NDP) Governorship candidate, Hon. Ropo Ogunbolude, former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kola Adefemi, former Commissioner for Local Government, Hon. Bayo Asana, former senior Special Assistant to the governor on Public Communications, Mr. Moses Jolayemi and former commissioner for works, Prince Tunji Olatunde.

Others were Engr. Femi Adeniyi, Chief Bosun Osaloni, Hon. Mich. Omoleye, Engr. Aanu Oni, Hon. Owoola Ogunsanmi, Mr. Gboyega Afilaka and Dr. Toyin Adefolalu.

Governor Oni commended the state House of Assembly for treating the list of the commissioner nominees as an issue of urgent public importance, adding that the good relationship between the Executive and Legislative arms of government in the State would engender development and progress.

He urged communities that were not represented in the new cabinet to exercise patience, promising that they would be adequately compensated in subsequent appointments and distribution of amenities.

Responding on behalf of the appointees, Olujimi promised that they would justify the confidence reposed in them by working assiduously for the development of the State.