Sustain reforms in civil, public service, Obaseki urges workers

Workers in Edo State have been asked to work towards sustaining state government’s reforms in civil and public service.

The call was made by the state Governor, Godwin Obaseki, while delivering a goodwill message at a send-off ceremony in honour of retired heads of service and permanent secretaries at Government House, Benin City.

He said the reforms were aimed at retooling the service to become more responsive and deliver efficient and quality service to Edo people.

A statement by Special Assistant to the Governor on Media Project, Crusoe Osagie, quoted the Obaseki as saying: “We have embarked on several reforms and have experienced a lot of pushbacks but it’s left to you as civil and public servants to believe in these reforms and insist on sustaining what we have done. It’s time to speak up to get the buy-in of all stakeholders to sustain the reform made by this administration,” he said.

Describing civil and public service as the engine of government and custodian of institutional legacy, he said: “The engine of the vehicle must be in good shape to move the vehicle to its destination.”

Restating government’s commitment to the well-being of workers, Obaseki said: “This administration has taken decisions in favour of the people and is entrenching a system that will outlive this present administration and move the society forward.

“Our policies are not to witch-hunt anybody but to sustain the people and make life better for Edo people. I congratulate the retired senior civil and public servants who served and retired meritoriously from the Edo State civil/public service.”

Urging the retirees to take advantage of the state Health Insurance Scheme, which has been provided by the government to meet their health needs, the governor added: “It’s important to stay alive and be healthy. We have introduced the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme as part of a total revamp of our healthcare system. Please look at that scheme and see how we can use it to support you.”

Earlier, Edo State Head of Service, Anthony Okungowa, said: “On assumption of office in 2016, the Obaseki administration began a purposeful, deliberate and holistic transformation of civil/public service. This effort birthed the Edo State Transformation and Enhancement Programme (Edo STEP).”

Also, Isaac Ehiozuwa, a former Head of Service thanked the governor for his reforms, urging workers to sustain the gains recorded through the reforms.