Oborevwori Reaffirms Workers’ Welfare, Tasks New Head of Service on Accountability

…Approves 12 Duplexes for Permanent Secretaries, Plans Civil Servants’ Clubhouse

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, professional development and improved working conditions, urging the new Head of Service, Mrs. Charity Babigha-Ehimen, to strengthen accountability, discipline and efficient service delivery.

Oborevwori gave the charge on Thursday during the swearing-in ceremony of Babigha-Ehimen, where he emphasised the need for fairness, integrity and effective leadership in managing the state’s civil service.

The governor highlighted regular salary payments, capacity-building programmes and incentives for civil servants as key measures aimed at improving staff morale and productivity.

He explained that the 13th-month salary initiative was designed to provide workers with a substantial financial benefit at the end of the year, rather than the traditional distribution of food items.

Oborevwori also disclosed that his administration had approved the construction of 12 additional duplexes for Permanent Secretaries and was preparing to award the contract for a clubhouse for civil servants.

Congratulating the new Head of Service, the governor recalled that she joined the Delta State Civil Service in 1993, rose through the ranks to become a director and was appointed Permanent Secretary in 2019.

He urged her to deploy her experience to strengthen the performance of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), promote prudent management of public resources and foster closer collaboration among senior government officials.

According to the governor, effective leadership requires more than supervision, stressing that civil servants must receive the support and professional development opportunities needed to perform their duties efficiently.

He called on Permanent Secretaries, directors and heads of MDAs to cooperate with the new HOS in building a disciplined, accountable and responsive public service.

Oborevwori also commended the immediate past Head of Service, Dr. Minimie Oseji, for her service to the state and wished her a peaceful retirement.

He urged civil servants to remain honest, diligent and committed to their responsibilities, regardless of the political season, while calling on political leaders and their supporters to shun intimidation and violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

New Head of Service Unveils Four-Point Action Plan

In her response, Babigha-Ehimen expressed appreciation to the governor for the appointment and pledged to discharge her responsibilities with fairness, integrity and dedication.

She unveiled a four-point strategic action plan focused on human capital development and digitalisation, workers’ welfare, internal collaboration, and teamwork with Permanent Secretaries and heads of departments.

The plan is aimed at building a competent, digitally empowered, disciplined and productive civil service capable of delivering improved services to residents of Delta State.

Babigha-Ehimen also acknowledged the administration’s worker-focused initiatives, including the 13th-month salary, capacity-building programmes, pension and retirement benefits, and prompt payment of salaries.

She pledged to support the effective implementation of the MORE Agenda through improved coordination, staff development and stronger institutional performance across government agencies.