Oborevwori Swears In 11 Permanent Secretaries, Demands Integrity and Accountability

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has sworn in 11 new Permanent Secretaries, charging them to uphold integrity, professionalism, and accountability in the discharge of their duties.

The swearing-in ceremony took place on Wednesday at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, as the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the Delta State civil service through merit-based appointments and inclusive governance.

Oborevwori said the appointments were made to fill existing vacancies in the state civil service and were strictly based on merit, seniority, professionalism, competence, and outstanding records of service.

According to the governor, the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries emerged from a competitive pool of qualified officers, adding that every local government area in Delta State is now represented at the Permanent Secretary level.

He described the development as part of his administration’s drive for fairness, equity, and balanced representation in government appointments.

The governor noted that the appointments align with Section 208(4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which encourages diversity and inclusiveness in public service appointments.

Oborevwori assured civil servants that more deserving officers would continue to be promoted and appointed as vacancies arise, stressing that ethical conduct, integrity, and professionalism would remain key criteria.

The governor also revealed that his administration recently approved the promotion of several qualified officers as part of efforts to improve workers’ welfare and career advancement across the state civil service.

Speaking directly to the newly sworn-in Permanent Secretaries, Oborevwori described their elevation as recognition of years of dedication, sacrifice, perseverance, and hard work.

He, however, warned that the appointments should not be viewed as a point of arrival, noting that the new offices come with higher responsibilities and expectations.

“The reward for hard work is more work,” the governor stated.

He urged the officials to demonstrate discipline, transparency, commitment, and dynamism while carrying out their responsibilities, warning that Permanent Secretaries would be held accountable for lapses in service delivery within their ministries.

Oborevwori further directed them to work harmoniously with commissioners by providing sound policy advice, institutional support, and administrative guidance to ensure effective governance and smooth implementation of government programmes.

Describing the civil service as the engine room of government, the governor announced a new policy requiring any officer seeking appointment as Head of Service to spend at least six months in the Office of the Head of Service as a Permanent Secretary.

According to him, the policy is aimed at improving administrative experience, institutional knowledge, and effective human resource management within the state civil service.

The newly sworn-in Permanent Secretaries are Dr. Yinkore Paul, Dr. Okwunze Chukwuemeka, Amadubogha Peters, Nkenchor Onyeisi, Akambe Henry, Engr. Aghagba Solomon, Ogbugo Victor Chike, Ighoyota Rocky, Itawansa Augustine, Onobraekpeyan Edwin, and Nkemachor Lucky.

Responding on behalf of the appointees, Dr. Paul Yinkore thanked Governor Oborevwori for finding them worthy of the appointments and pledged their loyalty and commitment to the administration’s Renewed Hope for MORE Agenda.