The Edo State Head of Service (HOS), Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, has asserted that the Graduate Development Programme (GDP) is a deliberate investment in the future of the Edo State Civil and Public Service, stressing that the initiative goes beyond recruitment to nurturing the next generation of reform-minded leaders in the State Service.
Dr. Okungbowa who made the assertion during a “Meet and Greet” session with participants of the GDP at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA) in Benin City, commended the Edo State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo for sustaining and expanding the programme to include a Government-funded Master’s degree scholarship for cohort three participants.
He maintained that the Civil Service remained the bedrock of governance with a mandate to design, implement and sustain policies, delivering services that directly impact and improve the lives of the people.
”This is not just another gathering, but an opportunity for us to reconnect, reflect, and reaffirm our shared vision for the Edo State Public and Civil Service as the goal is simple yet profoundly geared towards attracting, nurturing and retaining some of the best young talents, bright minds with the capacity to innovate, solve problems and bring fresh energy into our workforce. We exist to serve and in doing so, to embody efficiency, professionalism and integrity.
”The GDP is not just a recruitment drive but a deliberate investment in the future of our State’s Civil Service.
”The session is meant to bring together mentors and mentees, offering them an opportunity to reconnect, reflect and reaffirm a shared vision for a smarter and stronger Edo State Civil Service”. Dr. Okungbowa said.
Reflecting on the progress made so far, the Head of Service noted that cohorts one through three of the programme had made significant contributions across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in the State Service.
“From Cohort One to Cohort Three, we have seen officers in the Programme identify gaps, drive reforms and contribute meaningfully to service delivery. You have proven that the Civil Service can be a place of innovation, not just tradition”. He said.
Dr. Okungbowa raised concerns about retention, acknowledging that some participants had accepted pay cuts to join the Service, though deserving higher wage.
“There has to be something here that makes up for what you are sacrificing, otherwise, we risk losing you to the private sector. Retention is absolutely important and the Governor is committed to making the Service attractive to graduates with top degrees”. He noted.
Encouraging the young officers, Dr. Okungbowa added, “Sometimes, the proceeds of the Service may not manifest immediately but be patient. Patience is what will take you to where you want to be”.
Urging them to be more committed to the Service, The HOS recalled, “Before now, the Civil Service used to be a citadel of lackadaisical attitude in terms of the way people work, but we expect that as a new breed, you bring fresh air of commitment. Bring your energy, ideas and commitment to Civil Service reforms. This is the time to turn those ideas into reality. We expect you to help redefine our service delivery and make a real difference”.
In her opening remark, the Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Corporate Change, Communication and Performance Management, Dr. (Mrs.) Joy Akhigbe, emphasized the importance of digital skills for young professionals, saying, “In today’s job market, data analysis is non-negotiable. Anyone under 30 without this skill is digitally illiterate”.
She urged officers to upskill themselves to remain relevant and competitive in the scheme of things.
Highpoint of the event was the onboarding of Cohorts One to Three Officers into the Data Analytics with Power Bi and Excel training programme, organized by the Edo State Skills Development Agency (EdoJOBs) in collaboration with the Directorate of Corporate Change Communication and Performance Management.
Facilitating the session, the Head of the Technical Department at the Edo Innovates, Barr. Jobina Arinze, stressed the need for data literacy and practical skills, saying, “Tech is a no-barrier space, there are no gatekeepers. As long as you are willing to put in the work, you can thrive. Our trainings are hands-on, practical and focused on solving real problems”.
Violet Osatohanmwen Obamwonyi
Public Relations Officer
Office of the Head of Service
Edo State
PHOTO CAPTION
4th Left: The Head of Service, Edo State, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa with participants during the “Meet and Greet” session with Cohort One to Three of the Graduate Development Programme at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy in Benin City.
