The Delta State Government, on Wednesday, swore in 11 new permanent secretaries to fill vacancies in the state civil service following the retirement of senior officials.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, was attended by top government officials, civil servants, and political appointees across the state.
Those sworn in as permanent secretaries include Dr Yinkore A. Paul, Dr Okwunze A.C, Amadubogha Peters, Nkenchor O.O., Akambe O.H., Engr Solomon Aghagba, Ogbugo Victor Chike, Ighoyota M. Rocky, Itawansa Augustine A., Onobraekpeyan O. Edwin, and Nkemachor Lucky, among others.
Speaking during the ceremony, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori described the appointments as well-deserved and necessary to strengthen the state civil service and improve service delivery across ministries and local government areas.
According to the governor, the appointments became necessary following vacancies created by the retirement of some permanent secretaries.
He explained that the selection process was based on merit, seniority, competence, professionalism, and the need to ensure inclusive governance across the state.
Oborevwori stated that every local government area in the state now has a serving permanent secretary in line with the administration’s commitment to fairness, equity, justice, and inclusiveness.
He said, “The selection of these officers from a pool of equally competent and capable hands was based on vacancies in the respective local government areas, seniority and merit.
“As of today, every local government has a serving permanent secretary in the Delta State civil service in line with our policy of inclusive governance and expectations for a civil service driven by the principles of fairness, equity, and justice.”
The governor also disclosed that his administration recently approved a 93 per cent salary increase for permanent secretaries in the state.
He noted that attaining the position marked the fulfilment of the career aspirations of the affected officers after years of hard work and dedication.
According to him, the appointments should not be seen as a reward alone but as a call to higher responsibility and accountability in public service.
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Oborevwori urged the new permanent secretaries to demonstrate discipline, integrity, professionalism, and commitment in the discharge of their duties.
He warned them against compromising standards or allowing political office holders to mislead them into actions that could damage their careers.
“Don’t allow politicians to mislead you. Guide them and tell them the truth so that you don’t put your hands into something that will consume you,” the governor said.
He explained that permanent secretaries, as accounting officers in ministries, would be held responsible for lapses in service delivery and implementation of government policies.
The governor, therefore, advised them to work closely with commissioners and provide professional guidance for the smooth administration of ministries and agencies.
Oborevwori also announced a new policy requiring anyone aspiring to become Head of Service in the state to spend at least six months serving as a permanent secretary.
According to him, the policy is aimed at ensuring proper understanding of administrative procedures and personnel management within the civil service.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to building a professional, efficient, and result-oriented civil service capable of driving the MORE Agenda of the state government.
The governor added that the state had established a performance feedback mechanism to monitor and evaluate the performance of ministries, departments, and agencies.
He said the initiative was introduced to ensure accountability and measurable impact in governance and policy implementation.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Monday Onyeme; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor; top government officials; and other dignitaries.
Punch