Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has urged newly appointed Permanent Secretaries in the state civil service to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability in the discharge of their duties.
Speaking at their swearing-in ceremony held on Wednesday at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, the governor said the appointments were made to fill existing vacancies in the civil service and were strictly guided by merit, seniority, professional competence, and performance records.
Oborevwori explained that the selection process was designed to ensure fairness and inclusiveness, noting that all local government areas in the state now have representation at the level of Permanent Secretary in the state administration.
He stressed that the appointments reflected his administration’s commitment to equitable governance and equal opportunity, as well as compliance with constitutional provisions that promote diversity and a sense of belonging in public service.
The governor added that the civil service remains the backbone of government operations and must be strengthened through discipline, ethical conduct, and commitment to duty.
He also revealed that more deserving officers would continue to be promoted as vacancies arise, but warned that future appointments would remain strictly tied to competence, integrity, and performance.
Addressing the newly sworn-in officials, Oborevwori described their elevation as a reward for years of dedication and hard work, but reminded them that the new positions come with greater responsibility.
He cautioned that Permanent Secretaries, as accounting officers of their respective ministries, would be held fully responsible for any lapses in administrative performance or service delivery.
The governor also urged them to work closely with commissioners to ensure effective implementation of government policies and programmes across the state.
He also introduced a new administrative policy requiring officers to serve at least six months in the Office of the Head of Service as Permanent Secretary before being considered for appointment as Head of Service, saying the measure would strengthen institutional capacity and experience.
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 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries, Dr. Paul Yinkore expressed appreciation to the governor for the confidence reposed in them and pledged their commitment to supporting the administration’s development agenda.
He assured that they would discharge their duties with dedication and align with government efforts to improve service delivery across the state civil service.
The ceremony marked a renewed push by the Delta State Government to reinforce efficiency, accountability, and professionalism within the public service system.
