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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
The journey of Dr Olabode Ladipo to the position of permanent secretary in Oyo State can be described as an unprecedented story of grace and favour of God.
He was among the 11 new permanent secretaries newly appointed by Governor Seyi Makinde on Friday.
Ladipo, who was a deputy director was appointed as the Commissioner for a Health two years ago by the governor.
And while the state cabinet was dissolved and commissioners and other appointees returned home, Ladipo was named a permanent secretary by the governor.
Before his appointment as Commissioner for Health in October 2021, Ladipo was the deputy director of public health in the same ministry.
The medical doctor, who is a very calm and diligent public servant, was also
the state coordinator of the Emergency Operation Centre during the COVID-19 pandemic management in 2020, a position he held until his appointment as commissioner.
The development arguably made Oladipo the first person to be appointed commissioner and permanent secretary in the same administration.
With his new appointment, he will spend many years as permanent secretary, which opens the possibility of becoming the head of service some day before his retirement.