…Charges her on fairness, accountability, workers’ welfare
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has sworn in Mrs. Charity Babigha-Ehimen as the new Head of Service (HOS), charging her to promote fairness, integrity, accountability and efficient service delivery in the state civil service.
Oborevwori gave the charge on Thursday during the swearing-in ceremony, urging the new Head of Service to deploy her wealth of experience in the public service to improve the performance of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Congratulating Babigha-Ehimen on her appointment, the governor noted that she joined the Delta State Civil Service in 1993 and rose through the ranks to become a director before her appointment as Permanent Secretary in 2019.
“I expect you to put that experience to good use in your new role,” he said, urging her to work closely with Permanent Secretaries and heads of agencies to strengthen discipline, accountability and prudent management of public resources.
The governor stressed that effective leadership in the civil service went beyond supervision, urging the new HOS to encourage workers, support their professional development and lead by example.
“Your responsibility is not just to supervise the service, but to help our people work better and serve the public with pride,” Oborevwori said.
He also called on Permanent Secretaries, directors and heads of MDAs to cooperate with Babigha-Ehimen, noting that collective commitment was necessary to build a more efficient and responsive public service.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, the governor cited regular payment of salaries, sustained investment in training and the introduction of incentives to boost staff morale and productivity.
He explained that the 13th-month salary initiative was designed to provide civil servants with a substantial financial benefit at the end of the year, rather than the traditional distribution of food items.
Oborevwori further disclosed that his administration had approved the construction of 12 additional duplexes for Permanent Secretaries and a clubhouse for civil servants, adding that 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 and contributions to the state, wishing her a peaceful and fulfilling retirement.
He urged civil servants to remain committed, honest and diligent in the discharge of their duties, irrespective of the political season.
Oborevwori also appealed to political leaders and their supporters to shun intimidation and violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In her response, Babigha-Ehimen expressed appreciation to the governor for finding her worthy of the appointment and pledged to discharge her responsibilities with dedication, fairness and integrity.
She also promised to ensure the effective implementation of the administration’s MORE Agenda to improve service delivery across the state.
The new Head of Service unveiled a four-point strategic action plan aimed at building a competent, digitally empowered, disciplined and productive civil service.
According to her, the plan will focus on human capital development and digitalisation; workers’ welfare; internal collaboration; and teamwork with Permanent Secretaries and heads of departments.
Babigha-Ehimen acknowledged the governor’s commitment to workers’ welfare, highlighting the 13th-month salary initiative, capacity-building programmes, pension and retirement benefits, and prompt payment of salaries as measures aimed at improving the working conditions of civil servants.
