Aiyedatiwa Swears In Ondo’s 17th Head of Service

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has sworn in Mr. Segun Odusanya as the 17th Head of Service of the state, charging him to champion reforms, professionalism and greater efficiency within the public service.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony in Akure on Monday, Aiyedatiwa described the appointment as a significant milestone in sustaining institutional continuity and strengthening governance in the state.

The governor said the selection of Odusanya was based strictly on merit, competence, integrity and seniority, stressing that political considerations played no role in the process. He stated that the civil service remains the engine room of government and serves as the critical bridge between policy formulation and service delivery.

“No administration can rise above the capacity, discipline and efficiency of its public service,” Aiyedatiwa said.

“The public service remains the bridge between policy conception, implementation and impact, translating government vision into measurable outcomes for the people.”

The governor highlighted his administration's efforts to improve workers' welfare through regular payment of salaries and pensions, promotions, staff training and better working conditions.

He also noted that strategic recruitment had been undertaken to address manpower shortages in key sectors including health, education, agriculture, security, judiciary and revenue generation.

Aiyedatiwa urged the new Head of Service to promote merit, discipline, transparency and excellence while reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks that could slow down government programmes.

“You must be a guardian of administrative ethics, a champion of professionalism and a driver of reforms that will further position our civil service among the best in Nigeria,” he said.

The governor also commended the immediate past Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, for his contributions to the development of the state's public service.

Responding, Odusanya thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to build a merit-driven, technologically responsive and globally competitive civil service.

He assured that capacity development, digital literacy, leadership training and innovation would remain key priorities under his leadership.

“A modern public service cannot thrive without continuous learning,” he said. “Training shall no longer be viewed as a privilege but as a strategic necessity."