ASABA – Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has charged newly sworn-in Permanent Secretaries in the state civil service to uphold professionalism, integrity and accountability in the discharge of their duties.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, the governor said the appointments were made to fill existing vacancies and were based strictly on merit, seniority, professionalism and service records.
Oborevwori stated that the appointees emerged from a pool of competent officers and noted that every local government area in the state now has representation at the level of Permanent Secretary.
According to him, the development reflects his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusiveness and equity in public service appointments.
He explained that the appointments were in line with Section 208(4) of the 1999 Constitution, which provides that such appointments should reflect the diversity of the people within the state and promote a sense of belonging.
The governor assured that as more vacancies emerge, qualified officers would continue to be appointed based on competence, ethical conduct and professionalism.
Oborevwori also disclosed that his administration recently approved the promotion of several deserving officers as part of efforts to strengthen the welfare and career progression of civil servants in the state.
Addressing the newly sworn-in officials, the governor described their elevation as a reward for years of dedication, sacrifice and hard work.
He, however, cautioned them against seeing the appointments as a final destination, stressing that their new responsibilities demand greater commitment and accountability.
“The reward for hard work is more work,” he said, urging them to continue to demonstrate discipline, integrity, dynamism and dedication in service.
The governor warned that Permanent Secretaries, as accounting officers of their ministries, would be held accountable for lapses in service delivery.
He urged them to work closely with commissioners by providing sound advice and institutional support to ensure smooth administration and effective implementation of government policies and programmes.
Oborevwori reaffirmed the importance of the civil service, describing it as the engine room of government.
He also announced a new policy directing that any officer to be appointed Head of Service must have spent at least six months in the Office of the Head of Service as a Permanent Secretary.
According to him, the policy is aimed at ensuring a proper understanding of administrative procedures, processes and personnel management within the civil service.
The newly sworn-in Permanent Secretaries are Dr Yinkore Paul, Dr Okwunze Chukwuemeka, Amadubogha Peters, Nkenchor Onyeisi, Akambe Henry, Engr. Aghagba Solomon, Ogbugo Victor Chike, Ighoyota Rocky, Itawansa Augustine, Onobraekpeyan Edwin and Nkemachor Lucky.
Responding on behalf of the appointees, Dr Paul Yinkore thanked the governor for finding them worthy of the appointments and pledged their commitment to supporting the administration’s MORE Agenda.
