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The Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s Office, Dr. Anthony Nwokolobia, has enjoined civil servants in the state to remain dutiful, dedicated, and exemplary at all times in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Dr. Nwokolobia gave the charge while addressing staff members of the Deputy Governor’s Office at the Government House, Asaba.
He encouraged staff, especially those of the Deputy Governor’s Office, to continue to give their best to the service of the state, noting that the current focus of the State Civil Service is on performance management.
“We are expected to develop strategic objectives and align them with the policy goals of the State Government.
“At our level, whatever we do, individually, departmentally, or collectively, must contribute to the achievement of these goals,” he said.
Continuing, Dr. Nwokolobia emphasized that performance is now being continuously monitored, adding that reliance on annual appraisals alone is inadequate.
“Staff must be visible—physically present, active, productive, and contributing through files, memos, and official documentation, as well as being conversant with procurement laws, as ignorance of the law is never an excuse.
“Staff should update themselves through constant reading and broaden their knowledge on digitalization, as upskilling and retooling are imperative,” he stated.
He pointed out that officers who attend training programmes must return to share the knowledge gained with their colleagues.
“Learning must cascade. We will organize internal training / workshops sessions where staff who attend courses will teach others,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary urged staff to see themselves as valuable assets to the office and, by extension, to the state, noting that this begins with a positive attitudinal change, particularly in punctuality and discipline, ” this is where integrity and operation of the highest ethical stand comes in”, he added.
“As the Head of Service has repeatedly emphasized, staff must always be punctual to work.
“Wherever you are coming from, motivate and encourage yourself to resume duty early.
“When you arrive early, you are better positioned to settle down and perform your duties effectively,” he explained.
Dr. Nwokolobia cautioned staff to be mindful of their utterances, actions, and reactions at all times, saying:
“Carrying rumours, making statements inimical to the objectives of this office, or speaking without adequate information—especially to the press—will no longer be tolerated.
“Always authentic every available information before speaking,” he added.
He called for unity, team spirit and mutual respect among staff, maintaining that recognizing hierarchy does not imply hostility but rather promotes orderly and respectful working relationships.
“We must continue to work together as brothers and sisters,” he stressed.
Dr. Nwokolobia disclosed that the office would engage professional bodies and consultants for seminars and capacity-building programmes, adding that periodic job rotation would be introduced for effective coaching and mentoring.
While reiterating the need to avoid acts capable of breeding indiscipline, insubordination, disrespect to superiors, the use of foul language, and unethical conduct, he further admonished staff to remain thoroughly bred at all times.
In their separate remarks, the Director of Administration, Mr. Godspower Ebinum-Olisa, and the Director of Finance and Accounts, Mr. Onofekohwo Prosper Aruoture, addressed staff on areas where they need to properly align themselves for effective and efficient service delivery.
