By Violet Osatohanmwen Obamwonyi
The myriads of reforms in the Edo State Civil Service under the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo has been represented by the State Head of Service (HOS), Dr. Anthony Okungbowa at the maiden edition of the International Civil Service (ICS) Conference, which held from 25th to 26th June 2025 at the Eagle Square, Abuja.
According to Dr. Okungbowa, the Conference themed, “Rejuvenate, Innovate and Accelerate,” as organised by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) is aimed at strengthening public sector governance and enhancing service delivery. The Edo State Civil Service was part of other sub-national governments and international partners, including Ghana, Morocco, Kenya, South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States, amongst others, which participated in the event
The forum provided a platform for cross-border dialogue, experience-sharing, and capacity-building, aimed at repositioning the Public Service as a driver of inclusive development and national transformation. The Edo State delegation, led by the HOS, Dr. Okungbowa, was among key stakeholders at the event, signaling the State’s strong alignment with the reform agenda championed at the Federal level.
Commending the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, for her visionary leadership in convening the inaugural Conference, Dr. Okungbowa described the initiative as a landmark in the evolution of Nigeria’s Civil Service. He lauded Mrs. Walson-Jack for her exemplary role in fostering innovation, professionalism, and intergovernmental collaboration within the Public Sector.
“I must thank the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation for this innovative platform. Since assuming office, she has demonstrated outstanding leadership not only in reforming the Federal Civil Service but in supporting the growth of state-level services across the Country,” Dr. Okungbowa stated.
Reflecting on the objectives of the Conference, Dr. Okungbowa emphasized its relevance to the Edo State’s ongoing reforms, noting that lessons from the forum would inform strategic improvements in governance and service delivery back home. In his words, “We are here to listen, participate, and learn so we can replicate these transformative ideas within our own Civil Service. As heads of service in subnational governments, it is our duty to leverage the insights from such engagements to elevate our systems and better serve the people.”
Dr. Okungbowa reiterated the Edo State Government’s commitment to deepening reforms under the administration of His Excellency, Sen. Monday Okpebholo. According to him, the Governor has demonstrated a clear and deliberate focus on strengthening the Civil Service as the core vehicle for delivering government programmes, policies, and projects.
“The Governor is intentional and deliberate about building a modern and efficient Service. Several strategic interventions have been deployed to enhance human capital development because we recognize that a well-equipped workforce is central to effective and efficient public governance,” he remarked.
Highlighting some recent reforms, Dr. Okungbowa referenced the payment of a 13th month salary to workers in December, 2024; ongoing training of Civil servants; prompt salary payments; and expedited promotion processes; as tangible demonstrations of the Government’s prioritization of welfare and productivity in the Public Sector. He submitted “We are fortunate to have a Governor who listens and understands the pivotal role of the Civil Service and is poised to making it work more effectively and adequately for the people of Edo State.
“We acknowledge that challenges exist, but we choose to see them as opportunities for improvement. Governor Okpebholo’s administration has embraced innovation and responsiveness in dealing with Civil Service matters. While political leadership may change over time, the Civil Service remains the enduring Institution that sustains government operations, thus, justifying the investment in its growth and development.
The Edo State delegates included the Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Human Resources, Office of the Head of Service, Mrs. Bose Igbinobaro; the Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Corporate Change Communication and Performance Management, Office of the Head of Service, Dr. Mrs. Joy Akhigbe Esq.; the Permanent Secretary, Pension Bureau, Mr. Washington Abbe; the Director of Shared Services, Office of the Head of Service, Mr. Edwin Oaikhena Edionnweme; the Director of Labour and Productivity, Victor Okenini Esq., amongst others.
