The Ondo State Commissioner for Special Duties, Erelu Taibat Yemi Oloruntoba, on Thursday assumed duty at Owena House in the Central Business District, Abuja, pledging to accelerate the implementation of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s programmes and strengthen the state’s engagements with federal and international institutions.
Oloruntoba, who addressed staff and journalists shortly after taking over the office, said her appointment came with a responsibility to deliver results and support the administration’s development agenda.
She said, “It is with a profound sense of responsibility, humility and purpose that I stand before you today at Owena House, Abuja, as I assume office as the Honourable Commissioner for Special Duties.”
The commissioner also expressed appreciation to Aiyedatiwa for the confidence reposed in her, promising to remain committed to the governor’s vision and the implementation of his OUR EASE agenda.
She stated, “I took the oath of office before him and pledged my services. Hence, I will serve as a fierce loyalist to realise his vision.”
Speaking on the alleged frustration among commissioners over inadequate funding, Oloruntoba dismissed the claim, saying commissioners in the state were being adequately supported to perform their responsibilities.
She said, “There is no such situation. All commissioners are intellectuals, and we are well-funded and adequately supported to carry out our responsibilities.”
On the responsibilities of her ministry, the commissioner described the Office of Special Duties as a strategic link between the Ondo State Government and federal agencies, international development partners and diplomatic missions.
She said the ministry would also be responsible for coordinating special projects and responding swiftly to situations requiring collaboration among different government institutions.
“Our office is the agile, high-impact arm of the executive branch. We exist to break down institutional silos and ensure that harmony prevails among institutions without bureaucratic bottlenecks,” she said.
Oloruntoba added that her office would not allow administrative delays to frustrate initiatives of the governor, stressing that her priority would be to ensure that government projects and interventions were delivered within the required timeframe.
She said, “If Governor Aiyedatiwa conceives an extraordinary initiative, it is our job to ensure that red tape does not choke it and bureaucratic delay does not delay its delivery. We do not just clear the path; our job is to accelerate the pace.”
The commissioner cited recent initiatives announced by the governor at the 2026 Ondo State Entrepreneurship Agency Entrepreneurs Summit as examples of the administration’s focus on economic empowerment. Reports on the summit indicate that Aiyedatiwa announced the Lucky Light Initiative for 1,000 small businesses across the state’s 18 local government areas and plans to purchase Dangote Group shares for 500 young entrepreneurs.
Oloruntoba said, “Look no further for proof of the governor’s vision than the landmark milestone achieved by ONDEA. The administration is not merely talking about empowerment; it is introducing interventions aimed at creating opportunities for entrepreneurs.”
She further pledged to prioritise the welfare of workers in her ministry while demanding punctuality, dedication and a solution-oriented approach from the staff.
“I pledge to be a listening leader and to prioritise staff welfare. In return, I demand dedication, punctuality and a solutions-oriented mindset,” she said.
The commissioner also appealed to the media to remain partners in the administration’s efforts, promising that the ministry would maintain openness in communicating its activities, challenges and achievements.
“To our partners in the media, we view you as crucial stakeholders in this journey. Transparency will be our watchword. Our doors at Owena House will remain open,” Oloruntoba said.
She added, “The work begins immediately. With the support of His Excellency, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and with your collective dedication, we will transform every challenge into a landmark achievement.”
The commissioner concluded by reiterating her commitment to the people of Ondo State, saying, “Thank you, God bless Ondo State, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
