Oborevwori urges new HoS on discipline, workers’ welfare
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has charged the new Head of Service, Charity Babigha-Ehimen, to strengthen accountability, enforce discipline and improve service delivery, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare and professional development.
Oborevwori gave the charge on Thursday during the swearing-in ceremony of Babigha-Ehimen, urging her to use her experience in the civil service to improve the performance of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).
*Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori (left), congratulating the newly sworn-in Head of Service, Dr. Charity Babigha-Ehimen, during her swearing-in ceremony at Government House, Asaba, on Thursday.
Veronica Odion, Asaba
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has charged the new Head of Service, Charity Babigha-Ehimen, to strengthen accountability, enforce discipline and improve service delivery, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare and professional development.
Oborevwori gave the charge on Thursday during the swearing-in ceremony of Babigha-Ehimen, urging her to use her experience in the civil service to improve the performance of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).
Congratulating her on the appointment, the governor noted that she joined the Delta State Civil Service in 1993 and had served in various capacities before rising to the rank of director and subsequently becoming a permanent secretary in 2019.
“I expect you to put that experience to good use in your new role,” he said.
He urged her to work closely with permanent secretaries and heads of agencies to promote discipline, accountability and prudent management of public resources.
“Effective leadership in the civil service requires more than supervision. I urge you to encourage workers, provide the necessary support for their professional development and demonstrate the standards expected of them.
“Your responsibility is not just to supervise the service, but to help our people work better and serve the public with pride,” Oborevwori said.
The governor also called on permanent secretaries, directors and heads of MDAs to cooperate with the new Head of Service, stressing that collective commitment was essential to building a more efficient and responsive public service.
He said his administration remained committed to workers’ welfare through regular salary payments, investment in training and incentives aimed at boosting staff morale and productivity.
Oborevwori explained that the 13th-month salary initiative was designed to give workers substantial financial support at the end of the year, rather than the traditional distribution of food items.
He also disclosed that the government had approved the construction of 12 additional duplexes for permanent secretaries and a clubhouse for civil servants. He said the contract for the clubhouse was expected to be awarded soon.
The governor commended the immediate past Head of Service, Dr Minimie Oseji, for her dedication to the state and wished her a peaceful and fulfilling retirement.
He urged civil servants to remain honest, diligent and committed to their duties regardless of the political season. He also appealed to political leaders and their supporters to shun intimidation and violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In her response, Babigha-Ehimen thanked the governor for appointing her and pledged to discharge her responsibilities with dedication, fairness and integrity.
She promised to ensure the effective implementation of the administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda to improve service delivery across the state.
The new Head of Service also 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. She said the plan was designed to build a competent, digitally empowered, disciplined and productive civil service.
