ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Government has reaffirmed the central role of professionals in shaping effective governance, calling for deeper collaboration as it continues to implement policies and programmes aimed at sustainable development.
The Chief of Staff, Government House, Asaba, Hon. Prince Johnson Erijo, made this known while receiving a delegation of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN), Delta State chapter, led by its Chairman, Rev. Lewis Afolabi.
Erijo underscored the importance of professional expertise in governance, noting that practitioners across various fields possess the technical knowledge required to guide decision-making and ensure that policies are both pragmatic and result-oriented.
“Professionals are experts in their respective fields, and their input in governance is invaluable. Their advice on critical matters should never be taken for granted,” he stated.
He emphasized that the success of any institution is closely tied to the quality of professional input it receives, adding that government, in particular, relies heavily on professionals to drive implementation across sectors.
The Chief of Staff also highlighted the role of professional bodies in maintaining standards and eliminating quackery, pointing out that strict regulatory requirements and certification processes have strengthened disciplines such as law, medicine, engineering, accounting, surveying, architecture and journalism.
According to him, professionals in public service have continued to uphold ethical standards, thereby enhancing accountability, fiscal discipline and compliance with established rules and global best practices within government institutions.
Erijo congratulated the newly elected leadership of APBN in Delta State and expressed confidence in their ability to contribute meaningfully to governance and development. He assured the delegation that the state government would continue to accord professionals the recognition and respect they deserve.
Earlier, the APBN Chairman, Rev. Lewis Afolabi, said the visit was aimed at formally introducing the association’s new executive to the Chief of Staff and exploring areas of collaboration with the Delta State Government.
He explained that APBN, as a coalition of professional bodies, is committed to supporting government initiatives through the provision of expert advice and technical support to enhance policy formulation and implementation.
The visit, he added, marks the beginning of what the association hopes will be a productive partnership with the state government in advancing development across Delta State.
