Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday charged political appointees and civil servants to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and merit in the discharge of their duties, describing these values as critical to effective governance and sustainable development.
The Governor gave the charge during the swearing-in ceremony of Comrade Olumami Oyibo, Dr. Lawrence Akpoufuoma Pemu and Prince Mike Oputa as reappointed members of the Delta State Civil Service Commission, as well as Mr. Victor Okubor and Engr. Juliet Aboloje Chukwulozie as Permanent Secretaries in the state civil service.
Congratulating the appointees, Governor Oborevwori said their appointments reflected his administration’s confidence in their experience, integrity and proven records of service.
He noted that the reappointment of the Civil Service Commission members followed the successful completion of their previous tenure and their subsequent screening and confirmation by the Delta State House of Assembly, a process he said underscored their commendable performance and the trust reposed in them.
The Governor explained that the appointment of the Permanent Secretaries was strictly based on competence and merit, principles he said remained central to the ongoing public service reforms in the state.
He added that the appointments were part of a deliberate strategy to strengthen leadership capacity within the civil service and position it for improved efficiency and performance, disclosing that more Permanent Secretaries would be appointed in due course.
Describing the civil service as the backbone of government and the engine for policy implementation and service delivery, Governor Oborevwori stressed that no administration could succeed without a disciplined, professional and motivated workforce.
He charged members of the Civil Service Commission to continue to ensure that merit guided appointments and promotions, uphold professionalism, and guarantee fairness and equity in the treatment of all civil servants.
Addressing the newly sworn-in Permanent Secretaries, the Governor urged them to see their appointments as a call to higher service and an opportunity to make lasting contributions to the growth and development of the state.
“You must be effective team players, guided by honesty, dedication to duty and exemplary leadership. Lead by example with impartiality, diligence and commitment, setting standards for others to follow,” he said.
Governor Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare and productivity of civil servants, highlighting ongoing initiatives such as the construction of additional residential quarters for Permanent Secretaries, regular and timely payment of salaries, clearance of pension obligations, prompt implementation of promotions, expanded training and capacity-building programmes, and improvements in the work environment to boost morale and efficiency.
Responding on behalf of the appointees, Comrade Olumami Oyibo expressed gratitude to the Governor for the confidence reposed in them and assured that they would deploy their wealth of experience to advance good governance and promote the growth and development of Delta State.
