ASABA/Nigeria: In a resolute stance to overhaul the Delta State Civil Service, Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has issued a rallying call to the State Civil Service Commission. Addressing the chronic issue of ghost workers, known for exacerbating absenteeism and desertion of duty posts, the Governor demands immediate action. Simultaneously, he charged the Board of Delta State Investment and Development Agency (DIDA) with crafting a robust strategy to lure credible investments into the state, while at same time tasked the Board of Delta State Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (DEMSMA) with the mission of empowering MSMEs.
During the solemn swearing-in and inauguration ceremony held at the Government House in Asaba, Governor Oborevwori minced no words as he stressed the urgency of the situation. Expressing dismay over the misuse of study leave with pay, often exploited as a means to permanently relocate abroad, he underscored the imperative for prompt rectification.
The newly appointed officials, including Chief Roseline Amioku as Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, Barr. Ikechukwu Maduemezia as a Commission member, and Mr. Ukpaka Ikenna as the Auditor General – Local Government, stand at the forefront of this administrative reform.
Governor Oborevwori reiterates the pivotal role of the civil service in executing governmental agendas, advocating for unwavering professionalism and discipline. He charges the Commission to uphold transparency in recruitment processes, free from nepotism or political influences, while also advocating for stringent disciplinary actions against defaulting personnel.
Moreover, Governor Oborevwori extends his directive to the inauguration of various Governing Councils for key institutions and parastatals, including DIDA and Delta State Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development Agency. Here, he calls upon the newly appointed leaders to leverage their expertise towards the state’s holistic advancement.
Similarly, Governor Oborevwori while swearing the members of the Delta State Investment and Development Agency (DIDA), stated its importance in bolstering the state’s economic competitiveness. Emphasizing DIDA’s mandate as a One-Stop Investment Shop, he implores the agency to actively court investors and facilitate strategic Public-Private Partnerships.
Under the stewardship of Chief Lucky Oghene-Omoru as Chairman and Hon. Anthony Elekeokwuri as Director-General, DIDA is entrusted with spearheading the diversification of the state’s economy. Governor Oborevwori underscores the imperative of reducing the state’s reliance on the public sector, which currently dominates its economic landscape.
Highlighting the underdeveloped private sector, constituting a mere nine percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as of 2022, the Governor urges DIDA to streamline business operations. He envisions a revitalization of key industries such as A T & P, Delta Glass Factory, Asaba Textile Mills, and Delta Steel Company, Aladja, to reignite economic growth and foster employment opportunities.
Additionally, Governor Oborevwori charges the Board of Delta State Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (DEMSMA) with the mission of empowering MSMEs. He underscores the significance of post-establishment training and the establishment of cluster enterprises to bolster the operational capacity and sustainability of MSMEs.
In response to the gubernatorial call to duty, Gen. Alexander Ogomudia (retd), Chairman of the Governing Council of Delta State University, Abraka, pledges unwavering commitment to fulfilling the Governor’s vision.
The ceremony, graced by distinguished guests including the Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Tobore Oborevwori, Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, and Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo, marks a pivotal moment in Delta State’s quest for administrative excellence and economic resurgence.
