Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Monday restated his commitment to ensure that the state civil service remains one of the best to reckon with in the country.

The governor spoke shortly before swearing in Mrs. Lola Are-Adegbite as the new Tutor General/Permanent Secretary of Education District Four, at the Lagos House, Ikeja.

Stating while the smooth running of governance lies with the civil service, he said the permanent secretaries in the state had adequately carried on even in the absence of the State Executive Council.

“Like I have always said, the bullwork of success is really in the civil service. What we have done in the last four months is to set up the institutional framework that will drive the business of government.

“The permanent secretaries have proven in the last four months that even without a cabinet, the business of government can actually be done and this is worthy of commendation,” he said.

Ambode also reiterated his commitment to ensure that merit and professionalism would be the major consideration in making appointments.

He added that Are-Adegbite’s engagement was based on her antecedents over the years.

“I am happy that you are joining a winning team. I am also happy that at least, prior to this ceremony, you have proven yourself already in the last four weeks. o, we are glad that we did not make a mistake. We know strongly that whatsoever it is that you are going to do in the next few years, it is going to contribute to the development of Lagos State,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary in the Public Service Office, Mr. Adesina Odeyemi, said the swearing in of Are-Adegbite was in line with Section 208 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, following the retirement of Mrs. Soname Aderinsola as Tutor General/Permanent Secretary of Education District IV, in September.