Public officers in Delta State have again been charged to be innovative and passionate in the discharge of their duties to ensure effective service delivery that meets the demands of the 21st century.
The Head of Service of Delta State, Dr. (Mrs.) MininimOseji gave the charge when executive members of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN), Delta State Chapter, paid her a courtesy visit in Asaba.
Responding to their request for elevation of professionals in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) who are due for promotion to Grade Level 17 irrespective of available vacancies, Dr. Oseji disclosed that the request had already been granted by the State Government.
She advised the Association to develop a structured capacity building plan with relevant thematic areas and ensure a cascade model where those trained would train other officers. She added that an evaluation framework would be put in place, with soft copies of training materials and video recordings uploaded on YouTube to enable trainees refresh their knowledge and provide learning opportunities for others.
Dr. Oseji revealed that her Office has adopted a Training-of-Trainers model where master trainers cascade knowledge to other public servants, urging other MDAs to emulate the initiative by leveraging available opportunities to build the capacity of their staff.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria, Delta State Chapter, ESV. Lewis Afolabi said the visit was to intimate the Head of Service with the activities of the Association and to strengthen collaboration between the Association and the State Public Service.
According to him, APBN is the umbrella body of all statutorily recognized Professional Bodies in Nigeria.
Mr. Afolabi listed the requests of the Association to include:
1. Elevation of qualified Professionals to Grade Level 17 irrespective of vacancies;
2. Sponsorship and official permission for Professionals to attend annual conferences for capacity building;
3. Strengthening of Civil Service Regulations to protect and ensure the safety of Professionals in the discharge of their duties.
