Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has announced the names of 21 new commissioners and 14 Special Advisers who will join his cabinet to implement his administration’s development agenda.
The new appointees were selected after a successful screening and confirmation by the state Assembly, which also approved 10 additional Special Advisers for the Governor.
The new commissioners and Special Advisers will be sworn in on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at the Osuntokun Pavilion, Government House Grounds, Ado-Ekiti. They are expected to resume work in their respective offices immediately after the inauguration.
The new commissioners are drawn from various fields of expertise and experience, including education, health, agriculture, finance, justice, works, and information. Some of them are former governors, lawmakers, academics, professionals, and activists. They are:
Dr (Mrs) Kofoworola Aderiye (mni): A seasoned educator and administrator who served as the Commissioner for Education under the previous administration. She is also a member of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).
Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo: A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mr Seun Fakuade: A renowned engineer and consultant who has worked on several infrastructural projects in Nigeria and abroad. He is also a social entrepreneur and a mentor to young innovators.
Chief Folorunso Olabode: A former lawmaker who represented Ido/Osi Constituency 1 in the state Assembly from 2015 to 2019. He is also a farmer and a community leader.
Mr Adedayo Gold Adesola: A former banker and financial expert who has over 20 years of experience in the banking sector. He is also a philanthropist and a motivational speaker.
Dr Kareem Makanjuola Akande: A medical doctor and public health specialist who has worked with various local and international organizations on health-related issues. He is also an advocate for universal health coverage and quality health care delivery.
Prof. Patrick Tedela: A professor of mathematics and computer science who has taught in several universities in Nigeria and abroad. He is also a researcher and an author of several academic publications.
Prof Ojo Bakare: A professor of theatre arts and culture who has contributed to the development of the arts and entertainment industry in Nigeria. He is also a playwright, director, actor, and critic.
Mr Ajobiewe Kolawole Kehinde: A journalist and media practitioner who has worked with various print and electronic media outfits in Nigeria. He is also a public relations expert and a social commentator.
Mr Fasae Kayode Omotayo: An agronomist and livestock farmer who has been involved in various agricultural initiatives and programs in Ekiti State. He is also a member of the Ekiti State Agricultural Development Programme (ADP).
Mrs Tayo Adeola: A lawyer and human rights activist who has championed the cause of women empowerment and gender equality in Ekiti State. She is also a member of the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA).
Prof Bolaji Aluko: A professor of chemical engineering and former vice-chancellor of the Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State. He is also a blogger, columnist, and public affairs analyst.
Mr Ebenezer Boluwade: An agriculturist and contractor who has handled several construction projects in Ekiti State and beyond. He is also a community leader and a philanthropist.
Otunba Dolamu Adeniyi: A businessman and entrepreneur who has invested in various sectors of the economy, including hospitality, real estate, oil and gas, and agriculture. He is also a politician and a party stalwart.
Rt. Hon Karounwi Oladapo: A former speaker of the state Assembly from 2007 to 2011. He is also a lawyer and a political strategist.
Mrs Peju Babafemi: A former permanent secretary in the state civil service. She is also an administrator and an educationist.
Mr Atibioke Ojo Olaiya: A former accountant general of the state from 2014 to 2018. He is also an accountant and an auditor.
Hon (Mrs) Tosin Aluko: A former Chairman of Ado Local Government. She is also a teacher and a women leader.
Rt. Hon. Olatunbosun Taiwo: A former deputy speaker of the state Assembly from 2015 to 2019. He is also a lawyer and a legislator.
Mr Adebayo Adesola O.: A former commissioner for works and transportation under the previous administration. He is also an engineer and a project manager.
Mr Awe Abimbola Olufemi: A former commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs under the previous administration. He is also a lawyer and a traditional ruler.
The Special Advisers are drawn from various backgrounds and fields of endeavour, including politics, law, media, education, health, and security. They are:
Hon Tade Aluko: A former chairman of the state Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). He is also a politician and a party leader.
Mr Gboyega Oloniyo: A former director-general of the state Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP). He is also a procurement expert and a consultant.
Hon Gbenga Agbeyo: A former chairman of Ekiti West Local Government Area. He is also a politician and a grassroots mobilizer.
Chief (Mrs) Kemi Olaleye: A former senior special assistant to the governor on empowerment and social investments. She is also a businesswoman and a women leader.
Hon Abiola Olowokeere: A former chairman of the state Internal Revenue Service (IRS). He is also an accountant and a revenue manager.
Hon Femi Ajayi: A former chairman of the state Housing Corporation. He is also a builder and a real estate developer.
Hon (Mrs) Yemisi Ayokunle: A former senior special assistant to the governor on diaspora affairs. She is also a lawyer and a diaspora representative.
Mrs Oluremi Ajayi Babington: A former senior special assistant to the governor on tourism development. She is also a tourism expert and a cultural promoter.
Mrs Adetoun Adegbola: A former senior special assistant to the governor on gender empowerment. She is also a gender specialist and an activist.
Dr Ekundayo John Moyo: A former senior special assistant to the governor on health matters. He is also a medical doctor and a health policy adviser.
Mr Ayeni Odunayo Adeola: A former senior special assistant to the governor on youth development. He is also a youth leader and an entrepreneur.
Mr Niyi Idowu: A former senior special assistant to the governor on security matters. He is also a security expert and a lawyer.
Mr Akinyele Olatunji Sunday: A former senior special assistant to the governor on legislative matters. He is also a lawyer and a legislative liaison officer.
Dr Azeez Mayowa Akeem: A former senior special assistant to the governor on education matters. He is also an educationist and an academic.
The Governor congratulated the new appointees and urged them to see their appointment as a call to service.
He expressed confidence that they will bring their wealth of experience and expertise to bear in their respective offices and contribute to the realization of his administration’s vision of making Ekiti State greater than ever before.
The appointments are seen as a move by the governor to expand his cabinet and bring in new talent to help him achieve his administration’s goals. The new appointees are a diverse group of individuals with a wide range of experience. They include former lawmakers, business executives, and academics.
The inauguration of the new commissioners and special advisers will be a significant event in the life of the Ekiti State government. It will be an opportunity for the governor to introduce his new team to the public and to outline his vision for the state.
