Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has sworn in the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Musibau Adetunji Babatunde, assuring that his administration would finish strong by delivering on its commitment to good governance and sustainable development.
Speaking after the administration of oath of office and signing of the oath of office book om Monday, the Governor said that Babatunde, a Professor of Economics at the University of Ibadan, has been with him for years, and understands the workings of the government.
He noted that the professor’s appointment as SSG was based on his experience and not religion or geo-political zone that he belongs to. He also charged him to utilize his experience to ensure the smooth operation of the system and to integrate the administration.
According to him, Prof Babatunde was one of the few people who supported and believed in his political vision before he became the governor of the state in 2019.
Makinde also praised Babatunde for his efforts in leading the team that designed the Oyo State Roadmap for Accelerated Development (2019-2023), despite having no political interest.
Speaking on speculations surrounding the removal of the immediate past Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, the governor said it was a routine decision, noting that the former SSG had not done anything wrong.
He charged the new SSG to foster unity within the government team, while urging all officials to avoid internal conflicts and distractions, and to remain focused on the mandate given by the people of Oyo State.
He said: “Thank you for your commitment to Oyo State. I would also like to thank our traditional rulers for their support, as they are the major stakeholders.
“People have been saying to us that, well, you have started well and are doing well and I felt that is not the end of the equation. Though we started well, we must finish strong.
“People have been asking me what the former SSG did to relieve her of her appointment. Well, she did nothing. It’s just that the cycle is seasonal. It is like you are in a farm, and in the beginning, you need people who can plant. After everything has germinated and produced fruits, you need harvesters. So, that is just it.”
On the succession plan, Makinde said, “We’ll put a proposal to the Oyo State people on how to continue on this trajectory. If they don’t like it, they can tell us they want a different trajectory. However, I will prepare a team that I know will, at the end of the day, with me not in this seat, ensure that Oyo State can continue to thrive.
“So, we have seen that we can put a team together. These are experienced people, because they have spent close to seven years together. This is one appointment that its foundation is about finishing strong.”
He also assured residents that the government would adopt a more coordinated approach to policy implementation, with a focus on delivering tangible outcomes that positively impact citizens.
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