By Mokobia Rita.
ASABA/Nigeria: Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Wednesday deepened his administration’s push for professionalism and accountability in the Delta State Civil Service as he inaugurated 11 new Permanent Secretaries, urging them to embrace their appointments as a serious call to service rather than a ceremonial elevation.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, also witnessed the unveiling of fresh administrative reforms aimed at strengthening discipline, competence and continuity within the state bureaucracy, with the governor insisting that public office must be driven by integrity, efficiency and measurable performance.
Addressing the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries, Oborevwori stated that their appointments were based strictly on merit, professionalism, seniority and proven records of service, dismissing suggestions of favoritism or political influence in the selection process.
He explained that the exercise reflects his administration’s commitment to fairness and inclusiveness, noting that every local government area in Delta State is now represented by a Permanent Secretary in the state civil service.
According to the governor, the decision aligns with Section 208(4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which encourages diversity and broad representation in public appointments.
Oborevwori assured civil servants across the state that deserving officers would continue to enjoy opportunities for career progression whenever vacancies arise, stressing that future appointments would remain rooted in competence, discipline, integrity and dedication to duty.
In one of the defining moments of the ceremony, the governor reminded the appointees that higher office comes with greater expectations and responsibilities.
“The reward for hard work is more work,” Oborevwori declared, charging the new Permanent Secretaries to uphold professionalism, honesty and administrative excellence in the discharge of their duties.
He warned that, as accounting officers in their respective ministries, they would be held accountable for inefficiency, negligence or lapses within the system, adding that his administration would not tolerate compromise in service delivery.
The governor also urged them to maintain cordial and productive working relationships with commissioners by providing sound policy advice, institutional guidance and administrative support required for effective governance.
Describing the civil service as the “engine room of government,” Oborevwori stressed that no administration can succeed without a disciplined, efficient and visionary bureaucracy.
Beyond the inauguration, the governor announced a major policy shift within the state civil service structure.
Under the new directive, any officer to be appointed as Head of Service in Delta State must first serve for a minimum period of six months as a Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Head of Service.
Oborevwori explained that the policy was introduced to ensure that future Heads of Service possess sufficient institutional experience, administrative exposure and practical knowledge of personnel management before assuming the state’s highest civil service position.
The announcement drew commendation from senior government officials and civil servants at the event, many of whom described it as a strategic step toward strengthening professionalism and continuity in the public service.
The governor further disclosed that his administration recently approved the promotion of several deserving officers as part of efforts to reward diligence, improve staff welfare and boost morale within the workforce.
The newly sworn-in Permanent Secretaries are Dr. Yinkore Paul, Dr. Okwunze Chukwuemeka, Amadubogha Peters, Nkenchor Onyeisi, Akambe Henry, Engr. Aghagba Solomon, Ogbugo Victor Chike, Ighoyota Rocky, Itawansa Augustine, Onobraekpeyan Edwin and Nkemachor Lucky.
Speaking on behalf of the appointees, Dr. Paul Yinkore thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in them and pledged their loyalty, diligence and commitment to the administration’s development agenda.
Beyond the formal oaths and ceremonies, Wednesday’s event underscored a broader message within the Delta State Civil Service — that under Governor Oborevwori’s administration, public office is increasingly tied to accountability, performance and service delivery rather than status and prestige.
