Sanwo-Olu swears in new cabinet member, two permanent secretaries

• Governor said the appointment of a new member of the State Executive Council was in a bid to expand the scope of administration in the state’s healthcare system
• The governor elevated two directors in the state civil service to permanent secretaries

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, on Friday, inaugurated a new member of the Executive Council and two Permanent Secretaries (PS).

Speaking at the ceremony at the Lagos House, Ikeja, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the appointment of a new member of the State Executive Council was in a bid to expand the scope of administration in the state’s healthcare system.

Mrs Oluwakemi Ogunyemi, a trained nurse and two-term member of the Lagos State Health Service Commission, was sworn in as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health.

Besides, the governor elevated two directors in the state civil service to permanent secretaries.

Mr Adewunmi Ogunsanya, a Director of Administration and Human Resources at the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, was appointed Permanent Secretary for the Cabinet Office.

Also, Mrs Iyabo Seriki-Bello, who was Director of Administration and Human Resources at Education District IV, is now the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM).

He congratulated the appointees for their selection and urged them not to get carried away, as the expectations were high for them to justify their appointments.

The governor said that given their wealth of experience and knowledge in governance, he was confident that the appointees would not disappoint his trust in the discharge of their responsibilities.

“I welcome Mrs Oluwakemi Ogunyemi to the State Executive Council, having been confirmed by the House of Assembly. She will be serving as Special Adviser on Health.

“The expectations are high, given the wealth of experience she is bringing to the table. I expect that you would immediately settle into your responsibilities, so that the government and the people of Lagos can harness your full potential, while you work to help actualise all of the programmes and activities in your portfolios.

“Having gone through extensive and rigorous screening, I congratulate the newly-appointed Permanent Secretaries.

“These are strategic and critical assignments that have been assigned to them, but my confidence lies in your pedigrees and years of experience in the service of the state. I believe you have what it takes to quickly settle in your roles and discharge your duties without further delay,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu urged the appointees to familiarise themselves with the administration’s development agenda, known as THEMES Plus, pointing out that the implementation of the programmes remained on track.

He added that gender equality and youth inclusion were the cardinal focus of his government, as the appointment of women and young people to key positions was a testament to his commitment to inclusive governance.