15/09/2025
HOS pledges support for CSC, advocates synergy on Reforms
The Edo State Head of Service (HOS), Dr. Anthony Okungbowa has led a high-powered delegation to the newly inaugurated Civil Service Commission (CSC) in Benin City, with promises to support the Commission’s vision and counselled on synergy on reforms to achieve optimum results in the State Service.
Dr. Okungbowa while congratulating the new Commission members, appreciated Governor Monday Okpebholo for what he described as a “Meritorious selection” of seasoned professionals to steer the affairs of the Commission, describing its role as pivotal to the State Government's ongoing reform agenda.
He noted that the absence of the Commission for nearly two years stalled reforms, creating backlogs up to year 2021, noting that the Governor’s directive to end heavy reliance on consultants had empowered Civil Servants to handle core Government responsibilities directly, boosting their competence and intellectual capital.
The HOS further commended the Edo State Governor's recruitment process which brought in a thousand (1,000) cleaners, who are being paid the new Minimum Wage of N75,000, stating that the Civil Service is the brain box of governance, while emphasizing the importance of all stakeholders concentrating efforts in ensuring the core Service functions optimally.
According to the HOS, “We are very excited to have you on board. We recognize the pivotal role you play in the Public Service architecture and I can assure you of our 100 percent support. A lot of progress could never be made in the absence of the Commission, we were overwhelmed with questions of when it will come on board and we are glad it is finally here. The Governor had earlier directed that the work of the Civil and Public servants should be done by them and this has brought about exponential growth and development of the competencies in the Service.
“With your Team on board, we are confident of having a much more disciplined and productive service. Promotions are essentially your beat and clearing arrears will restore confidence and morale across the Service. The Service cannot function effectively without the Commission, we will work together with you as your success is our success".
Highlighting reforms under the Edo Public Service Retooling and Enhancement Programme (Edo-PREP), as recently approved by Governor Okpebholo, the HOS stated that the ambitious strategy offers a blueprint for building a self-reliant, productive, innovative and future-ready Service aligned with the Governor’s SHINE agenda.
“This reform will be Civil-Servant driven, and we already have thirty three (33) committees working to deliver results. Our aim is not to turn the Public Service into the private sector, but to infuse efficiency and best practices from it to improve Public Service delivery”. He explained.
Responding, the Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Oko-Ose Samuel Ozemhonyelea, assured that the Commission would move swiftly to address outstanding issues, beginning with the backlog of promotions and disciplinary matters. In his words, “Soon after the inauguration, we immediately commenced work on clearing the backlog. We did carryout interviews of some officers who had already sat in for the promotion examination dated back January, 2023. On Wednesday and Thursday next week, we will continue interviewing other officers and we intend to maintain this pace until every case is resolved and we will need your support so the Commission can move smoothly".
Mr. Ozemhonyelea emphasized that the Commission would uphold strict adherence to the Civil Service Rules and warned against recommendations based on sentiment or compassion, saying, “The Civil Service is a rule-based establishment. It is a disciplined institution. Apart from the Military, I do not think there is any other institution that is more discipline-inclined than the Service. It is an institution strictly controlled and we must note that bureaucracy is a Government of rules. Any recommendations to the Commission must conform to extant rules. Discipline will be enforced because sparing offenders only entrenches impunity, which is too costly to tolerate”.
Re-emphasizing the need to align operations with the National Council of Establishments, he stated, "Why we thrive to be pacesetters, we must ensure to be part of the Federation. The rules of engagement and reforms direction of the Federation must be domesticated. We are part of a whole, we do not want to be looking odd and having difficulty to fit in when we gather. The Edo-PREP initiative is a very positive strategy that, if properly implemented, will move the Public Service forward. I assure you of the Commission's maximum support to bring this reform to life”.
On her part, the Director-General of JOOPSA, Mrs. Gina Otamere, underscored the importance of continuous training, noting that officers must undergo relevant courses tied to the Scheme of Service as part of the requirements for career progression and promotion. According to her, “Capacity building is non-negotiable. Training ensures productivity and in line with reforms, all officer should sit for promotion examinations after completion of required trainings”.
Other Government functionaries in the HOS’ Team included the Permanent Secretary, Directorate of General Services and Dean of the College of Permanent Secretaries, Priscilla Aziegbemhin, Esq., the Director of Shared Services, Mr. Edwin Edionnweme and the Director of Labour, Manpower and Productivity, Victor Okenini, Esq., while other members of the Commission included Deborah Enakhimion, Mrs. Monica Igbadumhe, Elder David Ovbiosa Odaro (JP) and Isikpe Irene Kadiri.
The visit ended with both offices reaffirming their resolve to work in synergy to strengthen discipline, clear promotion arrears and reposition the Edo State Civil Service as a model of efficiency and innovation in Nigeria.
Violet Osatohanmwen Obamwonyi
Public Relations Officer
Office of the Head of Service
Edo State
PHOTO CAPTION
5th Right: The Edo State Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa; 6th Right: Chairman of Edo State Civil Service Commission, Mr. Oko-Ose Samuel Ozemhonyelea, mni and other Principals of the Edo State Government Public Service during the HOS' visit to the Commission in Benin City.
