Cabinet Office: Ogunlana Assumes Duty As Permanent Secretary

The newly appointed Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office – Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ms. Toyin Rahmat Ogunlana, has officially assumed duty with a strong charge to staff on discipline, professionalism, and teamwork. Ms. Ogunlana resumed duties following her swearing-in by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu alongside other Permanent Secretaries on October 10th, 2025. Her assumption of office was marked by a warm reception led by the Director, Administration and Human Resource, Mrs. Omotayo Gbajabiamila-Olamona, on behalf of the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. 'Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin.

In her welcome address, Mrs. Gbajabiamila-Olamona described Ms. Ogunlana as an amiable and visionary administrator whose wealth of experience will bring immense value to the operations of the Cabinet Office and the Lagos State Government at large. She commended the Governor’s decision, expressing optimism that the new Permanent Secretary’s leadership style would inspire staff to deliver on the mandate of the office with renewed commitment and integrity.

In her remarks, Ms. Ogunlana expressed appreciation for the warm reception and pledged to build on the achievements of her predecessors. She reaffirmed her dedication to strengthening communication, collaboration, and teamwork across all departments to drive the government’s GreaterLagosRising agenda. According to her, success in public service requires collective effort, synergy, and shared commitment to the State’s developmental vision.

The Permanent Secretary also emphasised her leadership principles anchored on discipline, professionalism, and people-oriented service. She stated, “I am soft on people, but I do not compromise on standards,” pledging to promote staff welfare, uphold ethics, and ensure efficiency in service delivery. Ms. Ogunlana further disclosed plans to prioritise the digitisation of records and ensure the timely processing of Cabinet decisions to enhance coordination and effective governance.

The handover ceremony also featured the presentation of official documents from the former Permanent Secretary, Mr. Kehinde Farouk Gbajumo, to Ms. Ogunlana, followed by a departmental tour where she interacted with staff at their duty posts. With over two decades of experience in the Lagos State Civil Service, including her tenure as Director-General of the Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB), Ms. Ogunlana who holds professional certifications from CIPM and the Institute of Strategic Management is well-positioned to drive innovation, transformation, and operational excellence in the Cabinet Office.