Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared that appointments to the position of Permanent Secretary in the state are no longer influenced by personal connections or favouritism.
Speaking at the 2025 annual interfaith thanksgiving service held on Monday at the Secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan, the governor commended the civil servants and labour union leaders for their steadfast support and cooperation throughout his administration.
He urged them to remain committed to their roles and uphold the principles of the civil service.
Makinde highlighted the recent appointment of 45 Permanent Secretaries, emphasizing that the selection process was based entirely on merit, with candidates undergoing comprehensive examinations and rigorous screening.
“The era when people were appointed as Permanent Secretaries in Oyo State based on their connections or relationships with the governor is over,” Makinde said. “These appointees succeeded through a transparent process and earned their positions through hard work.”
The governor congratulated the appointees, describing their selection as proof of the improved system within the state’s civil service.
He encouraged them to see their new roles as opportunities for growth and assured other workers that diligence would eventually be rewarded.
“To the workforce, your support has been invaluable. I urge you to continue working hard because your efforts will not go unnoticed,” Makinde said. “To the new Permanent Secretaries, congratulations.
Your appointments reflect the values of the Oyo State Civil Service, and I hope this marks the start of even greater achievements in your careers.”
The swearing-in ceremony for the new appointees is scheduled to take place next Monday.
