The decision of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of Ondo state in February, which saw the rejigging of his cabinet did not come as a surprise to many people. Primarily, the Governor needed to strengthen governance, enhance performance, and align his administration with its development goals.
Ahead of the state’s November 16, 2024 governorship election, there appeared to have been intense politicking among some members of the State Executive Council (SEC), following the feud between Aiyedatiwa and late Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu (former Governor) before his death while in office.
On assuming office on December 27, 2023, Governor Aiyedatiwa did not waste time dissolving an inherited cabinet including all Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) and Special Advisers (SAs), retaining only two commissioners.
Effective governance undoubtedly depends on a strong and reliable team to implement priorities, manage complex operations, and respond to critical state matters.
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s burning desire for such a trusted team necessitated the pick of Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, an accomplished physician and public health leader with extensive experience.
Dr. Taiwo may have not seen the bigger picture of his entry into public service with his appointment by the Governor, first, as Chairman of the Ondo State Hospitals Management Board (OSHMB), where he oversaw state government hospitals and health facilities.
Before joining the Ondo state government in this capacity, Dr. Taiwo worked at the State House Medical Centre as a senior Physician since 2010, rising to the rank of Director and eventually retiring from the civil service in 2024.
The Obafemi Awolowo University-trained medical expert is the son of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, a prominent Pan-Yoruba socio-political leader, and has continued to distinguish himself over the years, remaining unassuming and humble in all his public life.
Dr. Taiwo’s subsequent appointment as Secretary to the State Government (SSG) in February this year, is just but a square peg in a square hole.
Governor Aiyedatiwa is right in his choice of Dr. Taiwo whose short stint at the OSHMB is believed to have made a significant impact. Under his leadership, the hospital board was adjudged to have experienced remarkable improvements in infrastructure, service delivery, and patient care, in line with the government’s vision for the health sector growth.
Dr. Taiwo’s new role as SSG remains a testament to his remarkable dedication, and display of leadership qualities for service to humanity, which would assist Governor Aiyedatiwa in delivering the dividend of democracy to the people of Ondo state.
As a seasoned medical expert leading the Medical Initiative for Africa Abuja, a non-governmental organization as President and as the President of DoveMedivac, a medical evacuation service, and a co-founder of Medical Alliance For Africa, focusing on healthcare awareness and preventive actions, it is certain that his wealth of experience will serve as a strong support pillar to the Ondo state government.
Dr. Taiwo told NewsQuest exclusively that his appointment by Governor Aiyedatiwa is a huge honor that is not taken for granted, but, comes as a great opportunity to serve the people of Ondo state.
“It is indeed an honour to have been selected for this office. This is not taken for granted because of the enormous responsibilities associated with it,” Dr. Taiwo said.
He explained that “Our duty is to serve our people in line with the “OUR EASE” Agenda of His Excellency ” Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiydatiwa.
“The years of experience in the Federal civil service will no doubt equip us with the task ahead,” he added.
As Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo would help the Governor achieve in the “OUR EASE” agenda, which is built on seven key pillars of strengthening security agencies, enhancing community policing, and supporting the Amotekun Corps to tackle insecurity effectively.
The Governor’s agenda also focuses on boosting agricultural productivity, rural infrastructure, and leveraging ocean resources for economic growth as well as promoting innovation and industrial growth.
Other key elements of the Ondo State’s new agenda target improvement in healthcare services and social welfare, ensuring reliable and affordable energy supply, developing infrastructure and promoting tourism as well as enhancing education and supporting entrepreneurship for human capital growth.
Governor Aiyedatiwa must therefore, provide the new SSG with an enabling environment healthy enough to deliver as best as he has always done in many of the positions that he held in the past.
