Ogun Appoints First Visually-Impaired Permanent Secretary

The Ogun State Government has promoted a visually-impaired director in charge of Special Needs Education, in the state’s Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Elijah Akinyemi, as permanent secretary in the civil service.

The elevation and swearing in of Mr Akinyemi at the executive chambers at the governor’s office in Abeokuta, as announced by the governor, Ibikunle Amosun, came on the day he bowed out from the civil service having completed the mandatory retirement years.

Mr Amosun said the position was given to him (Akinyemi) in recognition of his dedication, diligence, passion and determination, with which he discharges his duty, confirming that truly, there is ability in disability.

“We have considered you among many who have diligently served the state, that’s why we are honoring you with this. In Ogun State, it does not matter if you’re physically challenged or not, what matters is dedication, diligence and selfless service,” he said.

Mr Amosun used the avenue to reiterate his administration’s determination to continually cater for the work force, while affirming that payment of salaries and pensions had been regular; he assured that his administration will not owe any salary deductions by the end of its tenure and that a sinking fund would be created to make the payment of gratuities seamless and affordable.

“I will not owe anyone any deduction (in salaries), I will offset all before we hand over and leave office.”

The commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Modupe Mujota, in an interview, described the newly sworn-in permanent secretary, as a man with an unblemished reputation who has defied the challenges of life posed by his physical condition.

Mrs Mujota added that after returning from the United States where he had gone to study with the support of the state government, Mr. Akinyemi served to the fullest and rose through the ranks to become director and now retires as Permanent Secretary.

Speaking with journalists, the head of service, Abayomi Sobande, appreciated the governor for honoring the hard work of the new PS, saying the gesture would act as a source of encouragement to workers who are rendering selfless service to the state.