Level does not count, we received Alhassan as comm with delight – Perm Sec

By Matthew Denis
The coming of the newly sworn-in Kwara State Commissioner for Industries and Solid Minerals, Mallam Ahmed Alhassan was received with excitement by staffers of the ministry.
Alhassan who hails from Edu Local Government Area of the state was until his appointment a Level 10 Administration Officer of the state Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
The ex-admin officer was sworn-in as commissioner alongside others at the Government House, Ilorin by the state Governor, Alhaji Abdulfattah Ahmed on Wednesday.
When our reporter visited the ministry yesterday, it was observed that the staffers were in joyous mood over Alhassan’s portfolio.
However, the commissioner and the permanent secretary, Alhaji Sayyid Ola Haliru, were not on seat at the time of the visit.
Speaking on the development in a telephone chat, the permanent secretary said the commissioner was warmly received as the Chief Executive Officer of the ministry by the management and staff.
When asked if how he felt that his surbodinate has been made his boss, Haliru said “level does not count,” assuring of his support and cooperation for the commissioner to deliver on his mandate.
He said, “We prepared for his coming and received him with delight. The issue of level10 does not count in this case; we received him as Chief Executive Officer representing the Governor and he has taken oath of office. All the staff were delighted to welcome him to the ministry.
“He is representing the executive governor in the ministry, therefore, we the civil servants are ever ready to work with him in moving the state to greater heights,” he added.
In a related development, Governor Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, on Wednesday swore-in newly appointed commissioners, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, and Special Assistants respectively at the council chamber of the Government House, Ilorin.
Governor urged them to be innovative, diligent and result-focused, saying that they were expected to implement government’s programmes with the required vigor and commitment to impact positively on the lives of the citizenry.
He explained that his government reconstituted the State Executive Council with the injection of new hands to complement reappointed members in the government’s determination to reinvigorate the business of governance.
According to the Governor, “The new members of the executive council are coming on board at a critical moment in the life of our government. My administration is entering its last year in office as we continue implementation of bold infrastructure and life-transforming programmes across the state.
“More than ever before, we need committed and experienced men and women to supervise these projects and programmes to fruition.
“Our new commissioners were, therefore, selected based on demonstrated capacity for performance and commitment to the interest of the state and its people”.
Governor Ahmed advised the commissioners to approach Government’s business with transparency and making performance their guiding principle.
Said he:”Your contributions to the government’s Shared Prosperity programme must be manifested in practical demonstration of team spirit, due process, and prudence which are hallmarks of our administration.
He also enjoined them to effectively utilize the competent workforce in the state to effect accelerated development, progress and change.
“As we strive to take the State to even greater heights in the limited time available, I expect you to hit the ground running and upscale government business because our people expect and deserve the best you can offer.
“Let me emphasize that a lot is expected of them at this critical point in our administration.
“This is a call to higher service, not an opportunity for self-promotion, a time to perform rather than stagnate and to focus on results rather than obstacles.
“To be fair, you are coming on board at a time of serious financial challenges and increasing demands on the government by the populace but also immense opportunity to make a difference.
“This appointment is also a chance for everyone of you to demonstrate you can overcome obstacles to achieve set targets”,the Governor added.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Isiaka Gold had in his introductory remarks said the government dissolved cabinet by January this year with a view to bring new bloods on board to assist in implementing government’s shared prosperity programmes.
He explained that the new commissioners is made up of 19 commissioners including three women.
He added that the government made wide consultation in selecting the commissioners across the state with 50 per cent youths and new hands.
In his acceptance speech, the newly swore in Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr Kamaldeen Ajibade expressed gratitude to the government for giving them opportunity to serve.
He also promised the governor their readiness to justify the confidence reposed on the them by contributing their quotas towards ensuring the Governor’s success.
…Gov Ahmed appoints aides
The Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed has approved the appointments of new Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Isiaka Gold, who made this known in a statement on Tuesday, said the appointments were part of Governor Ahmed’s efforts to strengthen governance and promote inclusiveness.
Alhaji Gold listed the newly appointed Special Advisers to include Alhaji Olokoba Toyin Sulyman, Hon. Emmanuel Bello, Mr Rasaq Akanbi Jimoh, Alhaji Aliyu Mohammed Salihu, Prince Tunji Moronfoye, Alhaji Ibrahim Dare Abiodun, Chief Moses Olabode Adekanye and Mr. Amusa Bello.
The new Senior Special Assistants, according to the SSG are Mr Salihu Mohammed Yahaya, Mrs Monsurat Oyidamola Omotosho and Hajia Sulu-Gambari Aishat.
He also listed the new Special Assistants to include Halidu Danbaba, Tsado Manman, Mr Ige Muideen Olayiwola, Mr Sunday Ogunniyi, Mr Abdulkadir Oba Aluko, Mr Lawal Muhammed Olalekan, Mr Manzuma Ibrahim Kawu and Mr Issa Abdulrahman.
Gold congratulated the new appointees and charged them to see their appointments as a call to service.
Meanwhile, the new governor’s aides were yesterday sworn-in alongside the 19 Commissioners at the Government House, amidst huge crowd.