Elijah Akinyemi, a visually-impaired man, who is the Director of Special Needs Education in Ogun state Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, has been appointed by Ibikunle Amosun, the state governor, as a Permanent Secretary in the state’s civil service.
The elevation and swearing in of Akinyemi at the executive chambers at the governor’s office in Abeokuta, as announced by the Governor Amosun, came on the day he retired out from the civil service, having completed the mandatory retirement years.
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 honouring 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.
The governor also used the occasion to reiterate his administration’s determination to continually cater for the workforce. 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.
Amosu said, “I will not owe anyone any deduction (in salaries), I will offset all before we hand over and leave office.”
Speaking with journalists, Abayomi Sobande, the Head of Service, thanked the Governor for honouring the hard work of the new Permanent Secretary, noting that the gesture would act as a source of encouragement to workers who are rendering selfless service to the state.
