*As Ambode appoints Ajanaku Special Adviser Information and Strategy
The newly-appointed Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, formally took charge of the ministry on Monday following his appointment last week by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.
Speaking during the event, the outgoing Commissioner, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, said the government is a continuous process that abhors a vacuum, expressing happiness that he was handing over the baton of leadership to another professional with vast journalistic experience.
Ayorinde noted that the ministry was the face and voice of the Government and had remained in the forefront of positively projecting the image of the state government, advising the new commissioner to sustain the symbolic relations between the ministry and other ministries.
He expressed gratitude to all staff of the ministry for supporting the vision of the governor as exemplified through their hard work and ingenuity.
Responding, Bamigbetan commended Ayorinde for raising the bar of excellence in information management, adding that Lagos became a unique brand locally and abroad, thereby justifying its position as a centre of excellence.
Bamigbetan described the change in leadership as one that was meant to provide the best for the people as the current administration was committed to excel in all sectors.
The new Commissioner stated that his focus would be on how to integrate community communication into the ministry’s activities to encourage proper harmonisation between government policies and people at the grassroots.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Kofoworola Awobamise, pledged her support and that of the entire staff to the new Commissioner.
Meanwhile, Ambode on Monday approved the appointment of Mr. Idowu Ajanaku as the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy with immediate effect.
In a letter signed by the Head of Service, Mrs. Folasade Sidikatu Adesoye, the appointment was in line with Governor Ambode’s vision to strengthen the information machinery in the state with the aim of making it more people-oriented and effective, right to the grass-roots.
Ajanaku until his elevation was the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Strategy.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in History and International Studies from the Lagos State University (LASU) and a Masters degree in History and Strategic Studies from the prestigious University of Lagos (UNILAG). He is also a fellow of Martin Luther King Center for Leadership.