Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Monday swore in Hakeem Muri-Okunola as the 21st Head of Service (HoS) of the state, with a charge on him to inject fresh ideas that will take the public service to new heights as well as make Lagos a globally recognised city-state.
The governor also swore in six new permanent secretaries already deployed to various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
The new permanent secretaries, include Titilayo Goncalves (ministry of health); Adeyemi Kosoko (Education District IV); Sherifat Balogun (ministry of youth and social development); Segun Adeniji (Health Service Commission); Abosede Adelaja (ministry of tourism, arts and culture); and Lateef Lawal (Primary Healthcare Board).
Describing the appointments as thoroughly deserving, Ambode said a new chapter has been opened in the state public service, and particularly urged the appointees to justify the elevation by working harder to satisfy the expectations of the people.
While expressing strong optimism in the ability of Muri-Okunola to effectively take charge on account of his capacity, knowledge, exposure, experience and youthful energy, Governor Ambode nonetheless said it was important for him to lead by example and encourage accountability and professionalism.
“Following the swearing in of the new Head of Service, a new chapter has just been opened in the history of the Lagos State Public Service. It is a new chapter with high expectations for the injection of new energy and vibrancy that will move our public service to new heights.
“As the number one civil servant in Lagos State, you must demonstrate leadership and lead by example for others, including the Body of Permanent Secretaries, to follow. You have a responsibility to provide direction and encourage accountability, transparency, professionalism and high sense of discipline. Your actions must be based on sound and objective judgment with consideration for merit and proven record of competence and loyalty.
