Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has approved the appointment of Hajia Falilat Yusuf Musa as the new Head of Service, marking a significant leadership shift within the state’s civil service structure. The decision was formally communicated on Monday in Lokoja through an official statement signed by Folashade Ayoade, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), underscoring the administration’s ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and public service delivery across the state.
Hajia Falilat Yusuf Musa takes over from Mr. Elijah Evinemi, who has now been reassigned as Special Adviser to the Governor on Budget and Economic Planning II, reflecting a broader redeployment of senior civil service roles. The personnel move, which takes effect immediately, aligns with Governor Ododo’s directive aimed at enhancing efficiency and promoting a culture of professionalism within the civil service.
Before her elevation to the top civil service position, Musa served with distinction as the Solicitor‑General and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, where she was responsible for providing legal counsel and administrative oversight to the ministry’s operations. Her extensive experience in legal administration is expected to bring a robust and disciplined approach to the management of the state’s civil service affairs.
In addition to her government roles, the new Head of Service has a notable history of advocacy and leadership in civil society. Musa previously served as the President of the Federation of International Female Lawyers (FIDA) in Kogi State, an organization committed to the promotion of human rights, especially for women and children. Her leadership in FIDA reflects a commitment to justice and equity that she is likely to carry into her new assignment.
Governor Ododo, who has been in office since January 2024 after winning the 2023 gubernatorial election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), congratulated Musa on her appointment and urged her to bring her wealth of experience to bear in advancing the goals of the civil service.
In his remarks, the governor also expressed appreciation to Mr. Evinemi for his service as Head of Service, highlighting his contributions to the development and administrative stability of the state’s public service. The redeployment of top officials is viewed as part of the governor’s strategy to optimize governance structures and reinforce institutional performance.
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The Office of the Head of Service is a key pillar of the state’s civil service architecture, charged with coordinating the activities of public servants, enforcing civil service rules and regulations, and ensuring that government policies are implemented effectively at all levels. Musa’s appointment to this role signals a continuation of efforts to deepen professionalism and accountability in public administration.
Analysts say that having a seasoned legal expert and advocate like Musa in the Head of Service position could further institutionalize reforms aimed at enhancing service delivery and tackling bureaucratic bottlenecks that have historically hampered governance efficiency in many Nigerian states.
Civil servants and stakeholders within Kogi State have welcomed the development, with many expressing optimism that the leadership transition will invigorate the workforce and promote a more responsive and results‑oriented public service environment.
As the Musa‑led civil service team settles into its roles, all eyes will be on how these leadership changes translate into improved coordination among ministries, departments, and agencies, and how they contribute to Governor Ododo’s broader vision for sustainable development and good governance in Kogi State.
