Olufemi Takes Charge as PS Ministry of Transportation, Marine & Blue Economy, Ajani Retires
...There's Room for Improvement, Says Olufemi
The new permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Olorunola Olufemi has assumed office.
The transition followed the retirement of the ministry’s long-standing permanent secretary of the ministry, as Dr. Magdalene Ajani, who has officially handed over.
Olufemi expressed his commitment to maintaining the momentum of activities supporting the structure of the two ministries, which are currently undergoing approval at the Service Policy and Strategy Office (SPSO) in the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.
He emphasised, “The biggest room for all of us is the room for improvement,” urging the management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Transportation/Marine and Blue Economy to work hard as a team. He underscored the pivotal role of the two ministries in the present federal administration’s renewed hope agenda and the economic growth of the country.
“I also pledge that in everything we do, we will do it together, but our duty comes first,” stated Olufemi, who previously served as the permanent secretary in the Service Policies and Strategy Office in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. Also, he is a registered town-planner.
The outgoing permanent secretary expressed her gratitude to the management and staff of the ministry for their support and cooperation during her tenure. She encouraged everyone to extend the same cooperation to the new permanent secretary.
During a meeting with the Minister of Transportation, Sen. Said Alkali immediately after assuming office, Olufemi received a charge to strictly abide by financial regulations and other rules governing financial dealings in the Federal Civil Service. Alkali also urged the new permanent secretary to play a key role in evolving the new transport policy and facilitating the proposed cascading retreat for the transport sector.
The departing permanent secretary was wished well in her future endeavours, with a reminder to always prioritise national interest and development. The minister also acknowledged the predecessor’s contribution by signing the performance bond.
Earlier, Dr Magdalene Ajani had penned an appreciation to all stakeholders including the various agencies under her ministry. The message sighted by DAILY TREND read:
“Our dear Honorable Ministers, Captains of Industry & Transformative Civil & Public Servants of Federal Ministry of Transportation/Marine & Blue Economy, I wish to express gratitude to the Almighty God, His Excellency the President and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation for the priviledge to serve the nation in the capacity of a Federal Permanent Secretary in this great Ministry from Aug 2020 – Jan 2024.
“The road was bumpy, but with your great support and team work we were able to dream and recreate our Ministry. We contributed our quota and impacted our Nation.
“All the Honourable Ministers I was privileged to work with provided great leadership and support . The strong guidance and support of the leadership of our various National Assembly Committees are commendable and appreciated.
“To the CEOs of ALL our Agencies & the Directors, your support was outstanding and gave us the wings to fly. I am indeed very proud of you and has been a great honor to work alongside you and to learn from you all.
“I wish you all the best in service to the nation as I look forward to other opportunities for our paths to cross again in the very near future.
Thanks and God bless us all.
Dr M. N. Ajani “The Head Mistress”
