By Rotimi Feyisina
The Permanent Secretary, Ekiti State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Ebenezer Babatope Ojo, has charged 48 newly recruited officers in the ministry to uphold professionalism, integrity, diligence and commitment to service.
Ojo gave the charge on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti during a one-day induction training programme organised for the officers.
He described the ministry as critical to government’s development agenda, saying the recruitment marked a new chapter in the officers’ careers and a chance to contribute meaningfully to the state’s development.
The programme, he said, was designed to equip officers with knowledge of the Public Service Rules, ethics, financial regulations and administrative procedures, while instilling loyalty, professionalism, integrity and efficiency.
Ojo urged the officers to familiarise themselves with the Public Service Rules 2021, Civil Service Commission Regulations and relevant circulars, noting that ignorance of the rules would not excuse any breach of procedure.
He reminded them that agriculture remains a major driver of economic growth, food security, job creation and poverty reduction, urging them to see themselves as key stakeholders in delivering government programmes to farmers and rural communities.
The Permanent Secretary also advised them to be punctual, innovative and collaborative, while respecting hierarchy and maintaining cordial relationships with senior colleagues, and assured them of the ministry’s commitment to their welfare, capacity building and career progression.
Ojo thanked Gov. Biodun Oyebanji for approving the recruitment, and commended the resource persons, heads of departments and the Directorate of Administration and Supplies for the programme’s success.
Earlier, the Director of Administration and Supplies, Mr Bunmi Oluwalana, urged the officers to strictly apply the principles taught during training, describing the programme as a solid foundation for effective public service.
Resource persons — including Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Human Services, Mrs Olusola Gbenga-Igotun; retired Permanent Secretary Mr Shittu Aremu; and ADP Programme Manager Mr Bamidele Adegbola — urged participants to apply what they had learned to improve service delivery.
Speaking for the participants, Mr Temitope Ajetomobi thanked the state government and ministry for the employment and training, and pledged the officers’ commitment, loyalty, professionalism and integrity in the discharge of their duties.
