New Permanent Secretary Urges Focus, Commitment at Lagos Tourism Ministry

The newly deployed Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Adebopo Oyekan-Ismaila, has charged management and members of staff of the Ministry to remain committed, focused, and compliant with established rules and regulations in the discharge of their duties.

Mrs. Oyekan-Ismaila gave the charge during her official welcome reception held on Tuesday, 14th October 2025, at the Ministry in Alausa, Ikeja. She was warmly received by the outgoing Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, alongside management staff, officers, and representatives from the Ministry’s agencies.

Speaking during the brief ceremony, Mrs Oyekan-Ismaila expressed profound gratitude to God and the Lagos State Government for the opportunity to serve, describing her deployment as divinely orchestrated.

“It is only the will of God Almighty that prevails. I never lobbied for this office, but I accept the challenge wholeheartedly and with gratitude. I see this as another opportunity to contribute to the growth and progress of Lagos State,” she stated.

The Permanent Secretary emphasised teamwork, unity, and dedication as key drivers for success, assuring staff of her open-door policy. “My doors are always open for constructive discussions. We are one family, and together, we must work towards excellence. I don’t settle for 70%; our target is always 100%. Let us move forward in peace, harmony, and with the fear of God,” she added.

Mrs Oyekan-Ismaila, who has served in various capacities across the Lagos State Public Service over the years, reaffirmed her commitment to fostering collaboration, inclusivity, and efficiency in the Ministry’s operations.

In his remarks, Mr. Bajulaiye expressed appreciation for his service in the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, while describing the deployment of Mrs Oyekan-Ismaila, who is also a thoroughbred professional with deep administrative experience, as an opportunity to share her wealth of knowledge in the Ministry.

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“We are fortunate to have in our midst a seasoned administrator and a daughter of the soil. She has been an integral part of the Lagos State Public Service, most recently at the Teaching Service Commission. I am confident she will bring her wealth of experience, knowledge, and leadership to bear in this new role,” he said.

The outgoing Permanent Secretary, therefore, urged members of staff to extend the same level of cooperation and support he enjoyed during his tenure to her, humorously adding that such support should be “multiplied by two” for his successor.

The Directors from the Lagos State Teaching Service Commission accompanied the new Permanent Secretary, while the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture Troupe performances made the event colourful.