By Charles Abere
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ekiti State, Mrs Peju Babafemi has promised to bring her experiences as former civil servant to bear in transforming the ministry for better.
The Commissioner who was the immediate past Head of Service in the State made the promise while addressing journalists in her office earlier today on assumption of office.
Mrs Babafemi, while thanking God for giving her another opportunity to serve the good people of Ekiti State, also appreciated the State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji for the confidence he has in her by appointing her as Commissioner in the State. Saying it’s all about public service.
Recounting as a former Head of Service, “I served as a civil servant then, but now I am in a political space. Basically, everything still boils down to service and I want to believe that what is critical is for me to have the right mindset to serve and as the Governor has been telling us since our inauguration, he expects us to give the job our best shot and support him in achieving the goals and the governance agenda of the administration.
“So, I believe I am ready for that because it’s a privilege for me to be in government and I should do my best in ensuring that I make tangible impact on the lives of the people, particularly women, children, the elderly and the vulnerable, people with disabilities. I see it as a call to service. It’s not about me, it’s about what am bringing to the table. The impact I will make on the people. Honestly, am ready to give the job my best shot. Mrs Babafemi pledged.
Considering the staff that would be working with her in the ministry, she said it’s going to be easy for her working them. Saying she has known quite a good number of them while still in the government service and having worked in the same ministry as Permanent Secretary before becoming a Head of Service, she said it’s a great joy for her reuniting with them.
According to her, “I know that a lot of them have capacity. But as a leader, I am also to provide a direction for them and lead by example. I told them that I expect them to do more because it’s not business as usual.
“If the Governor could stay with us throughout the period of the retreat, it’s a signal that everyone must be ready to work and do his or her best. So, it’s the leader that will dictate the pace, it’s the leader that will dictate the tune of the music.
“I know that by the special grace of God, I am going to provide a right leadership for them and I am going to work with everyone of them with a large heart”. Said she.
Speaking on how to confront the challenges of the ministry, she acknowledged the fact that
there are challenges and opportunities in every organisation. Adding that, that’s why leaders are there to confront the challenges.
In her word, “all we need to do is to work together as one. If we can work together as one, we can achieve more. Saying that together, everyone achieves more.
“The challenges are there obviously. I will listen to them, get their inputs in terms of recommendation. Also, the ministry will work with the Civil Society Organisations. We are going to reach out to stakeholders out there, seek guidance from them. We are going to collaborate. When we collaborate, looking at our challenges together, we will overcome the challenges. The Commissioner concluded.