ASABA: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has charged the newly appointed Head of Service, Mrs Charity Babigha-Ehimen, to uphold fairness, accountability, integrity and discipline in managing the state’s civil service.
Oborevwori gave the charge on Thursday during the swearing-in ceremony of Babigha-Ehimen, urging her to deploy her wealth of experience in public administration to improve efficiency and service delivery across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Congratulating the new Head of Service, the governor recalled that she joined the Delta State Civil Service in 1993 and steadily rose through the ranks to become a director before her appointment as Permanent Secretary in 2019.
He expressed confidence in her ability to provide effective leadership, stressing that her experience should translate into improved performance, prudent management of public resources and stronger institutional discipline.
The governor urged her to work closely with Permanent Secretaries, directors and heads of government agencies to strengthen accountability and promote a professional working environment.
According to him, leadership in the civil service should go beyond supervising workers to creating an atmosphere where public servants are motivated, supported and equipped to perform their responsibilities effectively.
Oborevwori also called on senior government officials to cooperate with the new Head of Service, noting that collective responsibility and teamwork were essential to building an efficient and responsive public service.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to the welfare of Delta State workers, highlighting regular salary payments, continuous training programmes and other incentives introduced to improve staff morale and productivity.
He explained that the administration’s 13th-month salary initiative was designed to provide civil servants with meaningful financial support at the end of the year, rather than limiting Christmas benefits to the traditional distribution of food items.
Oborevwori also disclosed that his government had approved the construction of 12 additional duplexes for Permanent Secretaries, alongside plans to establish a clubhouse for civil servants.
He said the contract for the proposed clubhouse was expected to be awarded soon.
The governor commended the immediate past Head of Service, Dr. Minimie Oseji, for her contributions and dedication to the state, wishing her a peaceful and fulfilling retirement.
He further encouraged civil servants to remain honest, committed and diligent in carrying out their official responsibilities, irrespective of the prevailing political atmosphere.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, Oborevwori also appealed to political leaders and their supporters to reject intimidation and violence, stressing the importance of maintaining peace and stability.
New Head of Service Unveils Four-Point Strategic Plan
In her response, Babigha-Ehimen expressed appreciation to Governor Oborevwori for the confidence reposed in her, pledging to discharge her responsibilities with dedication, fairness and integrity.
She promised to ensure effective implementation of the administration’s MORE Agenda through improved coordination, institutional reforms and enhanced service delivery across the state.
The new Head of Service unveiled a four-point strategic action plan aimed at building a competent, digitally empowered, disciplined and productive civil service.
The plan focuses on:
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Human capital development and digitalisation.
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Workers’ welfare and improved staff motivation.
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Internal collaboration across government institutions.
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Teamwork with Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments.
She explained that the initiative would prioritise professional development, digital transformation and stronger working relationships among government officials.
Babigha-Ehimen also acknowledged the governor’s efforts towards improving workers’ welfare, particularly through the 13th-month salary, capacity-building programmes, pension and retirement benefits, and prompt payment of salaries.
Her appointment comes at a time when the state government is seeking to strengthen public institutions, improve administrative efficiency and ensure that government policies translate into better services for residents.
The success of the new Head of Service’s strategic plan will depend largely on effective implementation, cooperation among government officials and sustained commitment to accountability across the state’s public service.
