*Delta TUC Hails Gov Over 13th-Month Salary
DELTA State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has charged the newly appointed Head of Service (HoS), Charity Babigha-Ehimen, to lead the state civil service with fairness, humility and integrity, while upholding discipline, accountability and efficient service delivery.
Oborevwori, who gave the charge on Thursday, October 29, during the swearing-in ceremony of the new HoS, urged her to deploy her wealth of experience in the public service to improve the performance of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and to work closely with permanent secretaries and heads of agencies to promote discipline, accountability and prudent management of public resources.
While congratulating Babigha-Ehimen on her appointment, the governor said she had served in various capacities since joining the Delta State Civil Service in 1993, rising through the ranks to become a director before her appointment as permanent secretary in 2019, adding: “I expect you to put that experience to good use in your new role.”
He stated that effective leadership in the civil service required more than supervision, charging Babigha-Ehimen to encourage workers, provide the necessary support for their professional development and demonstrate the standards expected of them, stressing: “Your responsibility is not just to supervise the service, but to help our people work better and serve the public with pride.”
Oborevwori also called on permanent secretaries, directors and heads of MDAs to cooperate with the new HoS, saying collective commitment was essential to achieving a more efficient and responsive public service.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, citing regular payment of salaries, sustained investment in training and introduction of incentives to improve staff morale and productivity, such as the 13th-month salary initiative, designed to provide workers with a substantial end-of-year financial benefit, rather than the traditional distribution of food items.
While commending the immediate past HoS, Minimie Oseji, for her dedication to the state, Oborevwori wished her a peaceful and fulfilling retirement.
He urged civil servants to remain committed, honest and diligent in the discharge of their duties, irrespective of the political season, appealing to political leaders and their supporters to shun intimidation and violence ahead of next year’s general elections.
In her response, Babigha-Ehimen expressed appreciation to Oborevwori for finding her worthy of the appointment, pledging to discharge her responsibilities with dedication, fairness and integrity, while ensuring effective implementation of the MORE Agenda to improve service delivery across the state.
She unveiled a four-point strategic action plan aimed at building a competent, digitally empowered, disciplined and productive civil service, with focus on human capital development and digitalisation, workers’ welfare, internal collaboration, and teamwork with permanent secretaries and heads of departments.
The HoS also acknowledged the governor’s commitment to workers’ welfare, citing the 13th-month salary, capacity-building initiatives, pension and retirement benefits, and prompt payment of salaries.
Meanwhile, the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Delta State Council, has lauded the governor for institutionalising the payment of 13th-month salary to public servants in the state, describing the initiative as a significant boost to workers’ welfare, particularly amid prevailing economic challenges that have continued to put pressure on the finances of workers and their families.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Wilson Asekutu, TUC said the decision to give the additional salary a legal backing demonstrated the government’s recognition of the contributions of workers to the growth and development of the state, noting that workers who feel valued and adequately supported are more likely to remain motivated, productive and committed to their responsibilities.
It reaffirmed its willingness to work with the state government in promoting good governance, sustainable development and policies that improve the living conditions of workers and other residents, based on constructive engagement, mutual respect and social dialogue.
TUC said the organised labour would commend policies that advance workers’ interests, while continuing to engage the government on issues requiring attention, urging the state government to sustain its engagement with labour unions and pursue policies capable of strengthening workers’ purchasing power, improving productivity and protecting their dignity.
The union urged public servants to reciprocate the gesture by remaining dedicated to their duties and contributing to the effective delivery of public services, as Oborevwori had taken a notable step towards improving their welfare.
