Seyi Makinde, Oyo State Governor, has declared an end to the era of nepotism in the state’s civil service, where knowing the governor was a prerequisite for becoming a Permanent Secretary.
Governor Seyi Makinde made this statement at the 2025 annual interfaith thanksgiving service held at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
The governor commended the state’s workforce and labor union leaders for their support and cooperation since his administration began.
He encouraged them to continue upholding their values as civil servants and praised the 45 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries, who earned their positions through rigorous examinations and screening exercises.
His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde emphasized that 80% of the new Permanent Secretaries were appointed based on merit, marking a significant shift in the state’s civil service.
He advised the new appointees to view their positions as the beginning of good things in their lives and assured them that their hard work would be rewarded.
This development is part of Makinde’s efforts to transform Oyo State, which includes initiatives such as infrastructure development, education reform, and economic empowerment.
The governor’s commitment to merit-based appointments is a significant step towards promoting transparency and accountability in the state’s civil service.