Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday inaugurated a new member of the Executive Council and two permanent secretaries.

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

A trained nurse and two-term member of the state Health Service Commission, Mrs Oluwakemi Ogunyemi, 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.

A Director of Administration and Human Resources at the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mr Adewunmi Ogunsanya, was appointed permanent secretary for the Cabinet Office.

Also, the Director of Administration and Human Resources at Education District IV, Mrs Iyabo Seriki-Bello, is now the permanent secretary of the Lagos State Teaching Service Commission.

He congratulated the appointees for their selection and urged them not to get carried away because 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 they would not disappoint him 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.

Mr 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 said 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.

”We are counting on your ingenuity, innovative minds, commitment and purposeful leadership in your respective areas of responsibility.

”You must ensure that good governance is the minimum you deliver,” Mr Sanwo-Olu said.

The Head of Service, Mr Olabode Agoro, who presented the appointees to the governor, described the new permanent secretaries as experienced officers, who shared the administration’s vision.

Giving a note of assurance on behalf of others, Ogunyemi thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in them.

”We promise to be diligent in discharging our responsibilities in line with the oath of office and THEMES Plus agenda,” she said.

(NAN)