ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has tasked the newly sworn-in Head of Service, Dr. Mrs. Charity Igho Babigha-Ehimen, with strengthening accountability, discipline and efficiency in the state civil service, as she unveiled a four-point plan to improve administration and workers’ productivity.
The governor gave the charge on Thursday during her swearing-in ceremony at Government House, Asaba, urging her to draw on more than three decades of public service experience to improve performance across ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).
Babigha-Ehimen joined the Delta State Civil Service in 1993 and rose through the ranks to become a director before her appointment as Permanent Secretary in 2019.
Oborevwori said her experience should help her promote fairness, humility and integrity while ensuring prudent management of public resources. He also urged her to work closely with Permanent Secretaries and heads of agencies to strengthen discipline and accountability.
The governor stressed that effective leadership required more than supervision, saying the new Head of Service must motivate workers, support their professional development and encourage a culture of responsible public service.
He called on senior civil servants to cooperate with her administration, noting that the success of government policies depended significantly on the commitment and effectiveness of the public service.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, Oborevwori highlighted regular salary payments, training programmes and incentives intended to improve staff morale and productivity.
He also pointed to the 13th-month salary benefit, which his administration has now backed with the Thirteenth Month Salary Law, 2026, as part of efforts to recognise workers’ contributions and provide additional financial support at the end of the year.
The governor further disclosed that approval had been given for the construction of 12 additional duplexes for Permanent Secretaries, alongside a clubhouse for civil servants, with the contract for the clubhouse expected to be awarded soon.
He commended the immediate past Head of Service, Dr. Minimie Oseji, for her contributions to the state and wished her a fulfilling retirement.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, Oborevwori urged civil servants to remain honest, diligent and committed to their duties, regardless of political developments. He also appealed to political leaders and their supporters to reject intimidation and violence.
In her response, Babigha-Ehimen thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in her and pledged to discharge her responsibilities with fairness, dedication and integrity.
She said her administration would focus on building a competent, digitally empowered, disciplined and productive civil service capable of delivering better results for residents.
Her four-point strategic plan centres on human capital development and digitalisation; workers’ welfare; stronger internal collaboration; and improved teamwork among Permanent Secretaries and heads of departments.
The new Head of Service also acknowledged the administration’s initiatives on staff welfare, including salary payments, capacity-building programmes, pension and retirement benefits, and the 13th-month salary.
Her priorities place renewed emphasis on strengthening the capacity of civil servants, improving working conditions and promoting cooperation across government institutions.
The effectiveness of the plan will ultimately depend on its implementation, measurable improvements in service delivery and the ability of the state bureaucracy to translate government policies into practical benefits for residents.
