Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing a substantive minister for the state in the newly-constituted cabinet, even as he assured the Minister of Communication, Adebayo Shittu, of the support of the people of the state.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to his office by the minister, the governor recalled that the state had for several years been having junior ministers.
“We are indeed very grateful to Mr. President for giving us (Oyo State) the portfolio of a substantial minister after several years that we had been having junior ministers.
“Now that we have a substantive minister in a strategic ministry, it is our belief that our state will benefit immensely from it. I pledge to give you all necessary support as a worthy ambassador of Oyo State.
Governor Ajimobi stressed that the minister should not be seen as representing Oke-Ogun zone of the state, where he hails from, in the federal cabinet but all other zones that made up the entire state.
The governor said he was impressed by the courage and carriage exhibited by the minister during his screening by the Senate, stressing that he was able to respond to the various questions raised by the senators to the best of his ability.
Besides, he said that he was equally happy with the disposition espoused by Shittu since his appointment, saying that this had put paid to the antics of the people bent on playing politics with his appointment to cause disaffection between them.
Speaking earlier, Shittu expressed happiness that he was coming home as the representative of the state in the Federal Executive Council.
The minister thanked the governor for his support, disclosing that he had had a longstanding relationship with the governor that predated his current status as the number one citizen of the state.
“I am not unaware that Oyo State needs effective representation at the federal level. I want to assure you that I will serve as your eyes and ears. Whatever this state deserves from the Federal Government, we will get it.
“I promise not to let you down. I promise not let Oyo State down. I promise to always get in touch with you for advice. I will be a good ambassador of this state,” Shittu said.
The minister also said that he would do everything possible to reposition the ministry and make it the nation’s cash cow.
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