Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Usman Ododo, on Wednesday sworn in 18 newly appointed commissioners in the state.
Five commissioners who served in the previous administration of Alhaji Yahaya Bello retained their portfolios.
Fanwo Kingsley retained his previous office as Commissioner for Information and Communication. Also, Barr Salami Ozigi Deedat was assigned to his former office as Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Asiwaju Idris Asiru, Engr. Bashir Abubakar Gegu and Hon Wemi Jones retained their former portfolios as Commissioners for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Solid Minerals and Education respectively.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony in Kogi state government house, Governor Ododo charged the new commissioners and other government appointees to discharge their duties with utmost sincerity as servant leaders, without fear or favour.
He stated that the commissioners and other aides were carefully selected based on competence and ability to deliver, adding they don’t have any reason to fail in the tasks ahead of them.
“As you assume office in your various ministries, departments and agencies of the Kogi State government, you must be reminded that we are neither the best nor the most deserving of the over Four Million Kogites that are equally very eminently qualified.
“As such, we must be humble and be seen and heard to be working in the interest of all Kogites without discrimination in whatever guise
“I urge you all to be dedicated and committed, and to do right to all manner of people without fear or favour because the oath you have just taken compels you all to do so in the course of your service to the state.
“Our administration will establish, for the first time in the state, a reward system that tracks and evaluate performance of all officials as an indication of progress made by the government over a period of time. This periodic evaluation will not enable us to assess our performance, it will go a long way to keep us constantly in check by the people we represent,” he said.
Governor Ododo promised to lead by example at all times and prioritize service, loyalty, transparency, probity and accountability.
Full list of commissioners and their portfolios:
1. Barr Muzi Yinus Abdullahi, Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice
2. Engr Mohammed Abdulmutalib, Commissioner for Rural and Energy Development
3. Barr Salami Ozigi Deedat, Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs
4. Dr. Adams Abdulaziz, Commissioner for Health
5. Haj. Fatima Momoh, Commissioner for Women Affairs
6. Mr. Abanika Taye, Commissioner for Urban Development and Housing
7. Mohammed Muktar Shuaibu, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry
8. Engr Mohammed Yusuf, Commissioner for Works
9. Haj. Rabiatu Okute, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs
10. Hon Timothy Ojoma, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security
11. Alh. Asiwaju Idris, Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning
12. Engr. Bashir Abubakar Gegu, Commissioner for Solid Minerals
13. Sunday Faleke, Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter governmental Relations
14. Hon. Femi Fanwo Kingley, Commissioner for Information and Communication
15. Engr Faruk Danlaladi, Commissioner for Water Resources
16. Hon. Joseph Oluwasegun Stephen, Commissioner for Environmental and Ecological Management
17. Hon Wemi Jones, Commissioner for Education
18. Mr. Anyebi Aridaolo Monday, Commissioner for Youth and Sport Development
The new political appointees inaugurated are:
1. Head of Service, Pastor Elijah Evinemi
2. State Security Adviser, Navy Commander Jerry Duro Omodara (rtd)
3. Director General of Protocol, Alh. Suleiman Ibrahim,
4. Special Adviser on Media, Alh. Isah Ismail
5. Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Oladele John Nihi
6. State Legal Adviser, Femi Adegboyega
7. Local Governments Auditor General, Yakubu Siyaka Adabenege
