7th January, 2014
Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, western Nigeria, has approved the appointment of Mr Ismael Alli as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
The governor also forwarded to the State House of Assembly the names of eight nominees as commissioners and members of the State Executive Council. Twelve commissioners were appointed in November.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dr Festus Adedayo said the 56-year-old new SSG, is a graduate of English Language Studies from the then University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU).
He also holds a Masters degree in Industrial and Labour Relations from the University of Ibadan.
Alli was an Assistant Registrar, Industrial Relations and Staff Development, at OAU from 1986 to 1989.
He worked with Data Matics Nigeria Ltd. from 1986 to 2000 and was until the latest appointment, the Chief Executive Officer of Alcomer International Ventures Ltd.
The new commissioner-nominees included two former Special Advisers, Hon. Fatai Buhari and Mr Tayo Koleosho, while a former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Atinuke Ashunkoya, also made the list.
Others are Chief Fatai Abimbola, Prof. Nureni Tanimowo, Alhaji Abideen Oladimeji, Mr Bonuola Oyelade and Hon. Iyiola Hammed.
In November, Ajimobi appointed 12 commissioners, a number of them sons of prominent people in the state.
The appointments ignited a lot of criticisms to the governor for running a government for Oyo state aristocrats.