*Resolves DELSUTH Crisis, To Revamp Teaching Hospital
DELTA State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has announced the approval of a 13th-month salary for civil servants in the state, in confirmation of his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare.
Speaking at this year’s Public Service Week Dinner and Awards Night held in Asaba, Oborevwori also approved a threefold increase in the cash prizes for outstanding public servants, describing the event as an opportunity to celebrate excellence, review the progress of the public service and inspire greater productivity.
Noting that the theme, ‘Reforms, Resilience and Results, aligns with his administration’s MORE Agenda, the governor said meaningful reforms can only succeed when workers are properly motivated, equipped and supported through policies that promote their welfare and professional growth.
He commended the Delta State Public Service for its dedication and professionalism, saying its commitment has been instrumental in implementing government programmes across key sectors.
He reaffirmed his pro-worker stance, saying: “When I see any memo concerning the welfare of civil servants. I always approve it, because I know the importance of having over 60,000 workers standing with this administration.”
Oborevwori disclosed that the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters have been completed and will soon be commissioned after the internal roads are tarred, while official vehicles for the 11 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries had been procured.
He assured workers that affordable housing remains a priority, adding that his administration would continue to pursue practical solutions and strategic partnerships to improve access to housing.
The governor disclosed that the salaries of the Head of Service and Permanent Secretaries had been increased by over 50 per cent, urging the Permanent Secretaries, who he described as the institutional memory of government, and Directors to uphold integrity, professionalism and due process.
Earlier, the Head of Service, Mininim Oseji, said this year’s Week provided an opportunity for reflection, professional development, institutional bonding and recognition of excellence.
She commended the governor for his sustained support for the public service, saying the administration’s interventions had improved workers’ morale and performance.
Oseji urged civil servants to embrace ongoing reforms, stressing that integrity, innovation and dedication remain essential for a productive and efficient public service.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to outstanding civil servants, including Abuga Dennis of the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, who was named the Best Civil Servant Farmer, while Chinwe Atisele of the Hospitals Management Board, and Reuben Udolu of the Ministry of Women Affairs received awards as the most punctual staff.
Meanwhile, Oborevwori has resolved the industrial crisis at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DESUTH), Oghara in Ethiope West Local Council.
During a closed meeting, the governor directed immediate steps to address the institution’s lingering infrastructural and power challenges.
Chief Medical Director (CMD) of DELSUTH, Harrison Abedi, who disclosed this in an interview with journalists in Asaba shortly after a meeting with the governor, expressed appreciation for the timely intervention that has restored hope to management and staff of the teaching hospital.
“The governor personally invited the hospital’s management for discussions and successfully resolved the issues that led to the workers’ unrest at the state’s premier teaching hospital,” and used the opportunity to address several longstanding challenges confronting the institution, particularly the prolonged power outage, which has disrupted hospital operations and water supply over the past two weeks.
Abedi disclosed that the state government had already awarded a contract to restore stable electricity to the hospital, adding that the Ministry of Energy had commenced implementation, while a new high-tension transformer that would provide the hospital with a dedicated 33KVA power line had been sourced and was being transported from Lagos by the contractor for installation.
He added that Oborevwori had directed him to work closely with the commissioner for Health to ensure the comprehensive rehabilitation and modernisation of the teaching hospital and by addressing its ageing infrastructure and improve healthcare service delivery.
The CMD expressed optimism that the governor’s intervention would encourage the striking unions to suspend their industrial action and return to work.
