EDSG pledges timely promotions for Civil Servants
The Edo State Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, has assured that henceforth, the State Government will ensure that promotions in the Civil Service are carried out promptly, stressing that delays in the process dampens the morale of workers.
Dr. Okungbowa who gave the assurance at the promotion evaluation training for officers on Grade Levels 10 to 12, held at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), Benin City, reflected on the outcome of a similar exercise for officers on Grade Levels 13 to 16.
The Head of Service expressed satisfaction with the performance of the participants, noting that the success recorded exceeded expectations. He charged them to take the exercise seriously and give their best, while emphasizing the importance of proper dress codes, discipline and adherence to rules and regulations in the Civil Service.
“There is nothing more demoralizing for a Civil Servant than being due for promotion and not getting it. Some officers had to wait for years before this process began. We apologize for the delay, but going forward, we will ensure that promotions are up-to-date. It is a task that must be done”. He stated.
Highlighting the Edo State Public Service Re-tooling and Enhancement Programme (Edo-PREP), Dr. Okungbowa described it as a Civil Servant–driven reform designed to institutionalize change and align with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda. He explained that over thirty four committees headed by Permanent Secretaries are driving the initiative to democratize implementation, build institutional memory and sustain innovation within the Service.
Quoting Leonard Sweet, the Head of Service said the future is not something we enter, but something we create.
According to him, Edo-PREP is not only cost-effective but also inclusive, positioning the Service as a “thinking service” capable of birthing innovations that can transform governance in the state and beyond. He further noted that Civil Servants will be recognized and rewarded for their creativity and contributions to the system.
“With Edo-PREP, we are deliberately creating the future we desire for the Edo Civil Service. The Civil Service is the foundation of Government, the instrumentality through which Government delivers quality governance. The way we interact with citizens shapes how they perceive the Government. That is why we must uphold discipline, excellence and integrity in all our engagements”. He said.
Dr. Okungbowa also disclosed plans to establish a Public Service Digital Library, seeded with insights from his soon-to-be published book, “Rebuilding the Nigerian Civil Service: The Reformer’s Perspective to provide continuous learning resources for Civil and Public Servants.
The HOS noted that innovations introduced by young graduate professionals within the Service have the potential to spark a revolution in Edo State and beyond, observing that many Civil Servants are often reluctant to share their ideas because they fear such contributions may not be appreciated. He further assured that going forward, Civil Servants will directly benefit from the innovations they bring to the table.
“For me, this is a revolution”. He emphasized, while thanking the Governor for embracing the initiative and granting approval for its full implementation.
Violet Osatohanmwen Obamwonyi
Public Relations Officer
Office of the Head of Service
