By Amos Odhe
The governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon, Sheriff Oborevwori, has tasked civil servants in the state to emulate the good example of their retired colleagues who left a standard for them to follow.
Oborevwori gave the charge on Wednesday at the send-off party for retired heads of Service, 72 permanent secretaries and heads of Extra Ministerial Department who served in the state from August 2014 to May, 2023.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, at the occasion which took place at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, said, “I am very pleased that the Office of the Head of Service has packaged this event to appreciate and celebrate these faithful men and women who laboured to build this state from the scratch.
“To all the serving officers, I encourage you to emulate the example of your former colleagues, they have left a standard for you to follow, and in the spirit of continuous improvement, I want to encourage you to raise the bar of performance and leave a legacy of faithful service, transparency and integrity,” he said.
The governor thanked civil servants in the state for supporting his administration, adding that, “it has been very good so far, I thank the head of Service, serving permanent secretaries and heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments for their roles in helping me to settle down into office; my gratitude goes to all staff for their loyalty and commitment to the success of this administration; together, we shall advance Delta through the M.O.R.E. Agenda.”
At the well attended and colourful event, Oborevwori noted that most of the retired civil servants had moved on to other eandeavours and prayed that they succeed in all that they set their minds to do.
He added, “please, keep in mind that your service to the state does not necessarily terminate with your retirement from the public service. Given your vast knowledge and experience, some of you may be called upon to avail the state of your skills and wisdom when the need arises and as statesmen and ambassadors of the state public service.
“I expect you to freely and willingly offer counsel too your colleagues who are still in the service and the government of the day when you see things going wrong. Our doors are open to any input and suggestions you may have for optimal service delivery to our people.”
The Head of Service, Delta State, Mr. Reginald Bayoko, in his address, said that the ceremony was a celebration of loyalty, selflessness and unwavering commitment to duty.
Bayoko commended the governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his support and contribution to the welfare of civil servants in the state.
The ceremony was marked with presentation of gift items to the retirees among whom were, former heads of Service, Sir Paul Evuaruerhe and Chief Patrick Origho, and retired permanent secretaries, the wife of the immediate past governor of Delta State, Dame Edith Okowa, Dr Mrs Beatrice Omeni, Dr Moore Ebreme and others.
