It is Your Time: A Warm Welcome to Mr. Idowu Ajanaku: Ondo State Information Commissioner

It is Your Time: A Warm Welcome to Mr. Idowu Ajanaku: Ondo State Information Commissioner.

           By Sunday Ajibola

There is a time for everything under the sun—a time to be born and a time to die; a time to begin and a time to end; a time of peace and a time of war; a time of rain and a time of harmattan. These seasonal changes are not random; they are reminders to us all that life runs on a clock, and each of us is allotted time to make our mark and influence the world around us. Whether we use our time to improve the system and serve others or squander it, the clock keeps ticking—and one day, the allotted time will run out.

On that note, I warmly welcome Mr. Idowu Ajanaku as the new Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy.
Your appointment, to many of us, came as no surprise. When the list of new Commissioners was released, it was evident you stood out as the only professional journalist among them. I confidently told a few people you were likely to be given the Information portfolio. That prediction has come to pass—and rightly so. Welcome back home.
What makes your appointment even more heartwarming is your wealth of experience. You are not a stranger to public office. Having served in two consecutive administrations in Lagos, your understanding of government operations is robust and time-tested. You are no rookie. Beginners often commit avoidable errors, but with your experience, Ondo State is unlikely to suffer such missteps. Our people—especially the journalists—are glad to welcome you home to your fatherland.

Mr. Commissioner, the people of Ondo State are known for our warmth, friendliness, and hospitality. We embrace those who come here to serve. We treat them as one of us, offering our full support, regardless of where they come from. Every public servant is seen as a partner in progress, and both the general public and journalists are always ready to assist in whatever way necessary.
The Ministry of Information has, more often than not, been entrusted to professionals based in Lagos. A brief walk down memory lane proves this. Only the late Governor Adebayo Adefarati relied solely on locals throughout his tenure. Governor Agagu appointed Mrs. Tola Awor, John Mafo, and Eddy Olafeso—only Mafo was a home-grown talent. Governor Mimiko began with veteran broadcaster Ranti Akerele before switching to Kayode Akinmade, a Lagos-based professional from Ondo. Governor Akeredolu brought in Yemi Olowolabi, Donald Ojogo (both professionals,) and Olateru Olateju. Toward the end of Akeredolu’s administration, under Governor Ayedatiwa, Akinlosotu took over the ministry.

Of all these professionals, only Akinmade spent a full six years in office. Regrettably, the Ministry of Information performed poorest under some of the most highly regarded professionals. Some failed so badly that their principals had to be persuaded not to dismiss them outroghtly; instead, they were redeployed to less strategic ministries.
What caused these professionals to underperform? Many arrived with hidden agendas, misaligned with the government's vision. They did not serve the system or the people. The Commissioner for Information has three key constituencies: the government, the media, and the ministry’s staff. The government provides resources. The media projects the government's work. And the staff empowers and supports the commissioner with ideas and execution. Many former commissioners neglected the latter two, focusing only on personal gain. One non-professional even went as far as anchoring a government-sponsored radio program himself—a clear departure from strategic leadership.

In the Ministry of Information, you will find men and women eager to give their all. As public servants, their loyalty is assured. Give them a sense of belonging. You are meeting them there, and you will leave them behind when your tenure ends. Some of your predecessors bypassed them in favour of outsourcing tasks to Lagos-based consultants—and later regretted it.
As Commissioner, you must have every government program at your fingertips. Journalists will naturally turn to you first. They are a vital arm of your audience—the agbebodoruns. Befriend them, respect them, and carry them along.
Also important are the Press Officers attached to the Ministries. These individuals serve as your eyes and ears within the MDAs. Some previous commissioners treated them as outsiders and liabilities. Engage them, share your vision, and ensure they are provided with basic, modern equipment to perform their duties effectively. With their support, you should never lack a steady flow of accurate, timely reports.

Finally, Mr. Commissioner, it is my sincere hope that you will harness every available resource—both financial and human—to amplify Governor Ayedatiwa's administration. Your experience in Lagos has shown you examples of success and failure in this same role. Emulate those who succeeded.
May you exceed expectations.
May you succeed