Olatunji hails LAUTECH Alumni, Ayobami Ojo’s appointment, says gesture a round peg in a round hole

The executive chairman of Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, has commended Governor Seyi Makinde for the appointment of an Alumni of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Hon. Ayobami Oluwaseun Ojo as Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning.

He described the decision as a well-deserved recognition of competence, loyalty and exceptional service from a dedicated and committed hands.

Olatunji, in a statement on Tuesday, said the appointment of Ojo was a clear demonstration of Governor Makinde’s commitment to rewarding hard work and placing qualified individuals in positions where their expertise would best serve the people of the state.

According to him, the deployment of the new commissioner to the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning was a case of “a round peg in a round hole,” considering Ojo’s extensive experience in governance, public administration and policy implementation.

Governor Makinde had on Monday sworn in Dr. Lateef Idowu Oyeleke and Hon. (Barr.) Ayobami Oluwaseun Ojo as commissioners during a ceremony held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

Shortly after administering the oath of office, the governor charged the newly appointed commissioners to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating diligence, commitment and teamwork in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Following their inauguration, Dr. Oyeleke was assigned to the Ministry of Special Duties, while Barrister Ojo was posted to the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.

The governor also redeployed the former Commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaja Faosat Joke Sanni, to the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry as part of a cabinet reshuffle aimed at strengthening service delivery across government ministries.

Reacting to the development, Olatunji, who is also an Alumni of the institution and personal friend of the new commissioner, described Ojo as a seasoned administrator and grassroots politician whose contributions to the success of the Makinde administration over the years have been remarkable.

He noted that Ojo’s understanding of government policies, budget processes and developmental priorities would significantly enhance the state’s planning framework and support the administration’s efforts at sustaining economic growth and infrastructural development.

“Barrister Ayobami Ojo and have come a long way together as friends, schoolmates, and we belong to the same set. I can say without mincing words that he possesses the intellectual capacity, administrative experience and leadership qualities required for the task ahead.

His appointment is not only well deserved but also a strategic decision that will further strengthen the implementation of Governor Makinde’s vision for Oyo State.

“This is indeed a case of putting a round peg in a round hole. I have no doubt that he will bring his wealth of experience to bear on the ministry and contribute meaningfully to the continued progress of our dear state,” Olatunji said.

The council chairman further lauded Governor Makinde for what he described as a consistent culture of merit-based appointments, noting that the governor has repeatedly demonstrated his readiness to identify and empower capable individuals irrespective of political considerations.

He expressed confidence that the newly inaugurated commissioners would justify the trust reposed in them and work collaboratively with other members of the State Executive Council to advance the administration’s agenda of sustainable development and improved welfare for residents of Oyo State.

Olatunji also congratulated Dr. Oyeleke and Barrister Ojo on their appointments, urging them to remain committed to the ideals of good governance, transparency and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties.