By Violet Osatohanmwen Obamwonyi
The Edo State Government has conducted a one-day onboarding programme for over 800 newly employed cleaners on Salary Grade Level One, who were officially absorbed into the State’s Civil and Public Service.
During the Onboarding, which held at the Government House, Benin City, the Edo State Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, Esq., reaffirmed the commitments of the State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, to the advancement and welfare of the State’s Civil and Public servants.
He appreciated the Governor for his unwavering dedication to job creation, prompt payment of salaries, transparent recruitment processes and other reforms aimed at revitalizing the Service.
Dr. Okungbowa stated, “The Governor is deeply concerned about the welfare of Civil and Public servants. He has declared it unacceptable for anyone working for the State Government to earn as little as ₦15,000 or ₦20,000. Currently, no cleaner in Edo State earns below the minimum wage of ₦75,000. We are committed to building a disciplined and dignified service.”
The onboarding programme, he noted, was designed to acquaint the newly recruited personnel with the Public Service Regulations and standards. He urged the new staff to carry out their responsibilities diligently, uphold discipline, and take pride in their roles, which are essential to the effective functioning of the government system.
“We are building a disciplined service, and we cannot afford lapses. Wherever you are posted, demonstrate your gratitude to His Excellency by showing commitment and integrity. Lateness and unauthorized absences will not be tolerated. We must repay the Governor’s goodwill with dedication, passion, and adherence to the rules,” the HOS admonished.
The programme featured lectures from seasoned facilitators including a retired permanent secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. George Igberaese, who delivered a presentation on Civil/Public Service standards and expectations; the Permanent Secretary of Pensions Bureau, Mr. Washington Abbe Osaro, provided an overview of the State Contributory Pension Scheme; and the Permanent Secretary of the Directorate of Corporate Change, Communication and Performance Management, Dr. (Mrs.) Joy Iyen Akhigbe, delivered a session on Change Management and Personal Development, covering dress code, work ethics, and interpersonal skills.
A retired permanent secretary of the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Deborah Enakhimion Esq., delivered a lecture titled “Overview of Civil Service Rules, Regulations, Policies, and Practices”. She emphasized the importance of punctuality, modesty in appearance, confidentiality, and ethical conduct, reminding the workers of their pivotal role as the first personnel to commence daily operations and advised that they uphold the principle of integrity and professionalism.
The recruits were also sensitized on the benefits and procedures of enrolling in the State’s Health Insurance Scheme, aimed at reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.
In the closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Directorate of Human Resource Management, Mrs. B. J. Igbinobaro, appreciated the Governor for his approval of the onboarding exercise. She congratulated the new employees and stressed the importance of adhering to the rules.
Mrs. Igbinobaro asserted, “Knowledge is vital. Ignorance of the Rules is not an acceptable excuse. You have been properly informed about the expectations and responsibilities that come with your role in the Service. Respect yourselves and your positions. Take pride in your duties; those who are faithful in small responsibilities will be entrusted with greater ones.”
Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of the new recruits, Maureen Ojiegbe, who is currently posted to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, appreciated the Governor. She pledged unwavering loyalty of the new staff to uphold the values of the Service and to contribute to maintaining a clean and orderly environment.
The event was attended by top government functionaries, including the Permanent Secretary, General Services, Office of the Head of Service, Barr. Mrs. Priscilla Aziegbemhin; the Director of Training and Manpower Development, Mrs. Kate Nosa; amongst others.
