The Rivers State Government says it remains Dedicated to the growth and welfare of the Civil Service.
The State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, stated this while hosting delegates to the 48th National Council on Establishments (NCE) at a State Banquet in Government House, Port Harcourt.
Represented by his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, the Governor described the Civil Service as the engine room of effective governance and national development.
He said Rivers State was honoured and privileged to host the Council, noting that the event was particularly significant because it marked what is expected to be the final Council meeting to be presided over by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, before the end of her tenure.
He commended the Head of the Civil Service for her distinguished career, describing her as an accomplished administrator whose wealth of experience and transformative leadership have contributed immensely to the development of Nigeria’s public service.
“We are proud of you as our daughter and as a Nigerian woman. Your innovative ideas, aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda, will leave an enduring legacy for the nation’s Civil Service”, he said.
The State Chief Executive thanked the delegates for choosing Rivers State as the host, stressing that the successful hosting of the Council further demonstrates that the State is peaceful, secure, hospitable, and conducive for national events.
He explained that his passion for the Civil Service stems from his background as a former Permanent Secretary and Accountant-General of Rivers State, while his Deputy also served as a Permanent Secretary in the State Civil Service before becoming Deputy Governor.
According to him, this unique experience has enabled the administration to appreciate the challenges facing public servants and to implement policies that promote their welfare and professional development.
The Governor described the Civil Service as the largest employer of labour and the backbone of governance, emphasizing that no nation can achieve sustainable development without a strong, efficient, and motivated public service.
He urged delegates to leave the Council with renewed confidence and pride in their profession, assuring them that their contributions to nation-building remain invaluable.
In her remarks, Walson-Jack lauded the Governor, for his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of civil servants and the improvement of their working conditions.
She said the Governor’s support for hosting the Council reflected his recognition of the Civil Service as a vital instrument of good governance.
Walson-Jack also expressed the Council’s profound appreciation to the Rivers State Government for its hospitality and support.
She noted that the support contributed significantly to the successful conclusion of the week-long deliberations and commended the Rivers State Head of Service for her outstanding coordination of Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries from across the federation.
In her address, the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. Inyingi Brown, expressed gratitude to the State Chief Executive for his unwavering support and visionary leadership, which she said ensured the successful hosting of the 48th National Council on Establishments in the State.
She described the gala night as one of the highlights of the Council, noting that it was not only a celebration marking the close of a productive week, but also a reflection of the participants’ shared commitment to building an efficient, professional, and forward-looking public service.
Reflecting on the technical sessions of the Council, Brown described the deliberations as enriching and rewarding, stating that the exchange of ideas and practical experiences would strengthen policy formulation, institutional effectiveness, and service delivery in Nigeria.
- Benebo is the Information/Public Relations Officer, Office of the Deputy Governor.