The Edo State Head of Service (HOS), Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, has called on Permanent Secretaries (PS), Directors of Shared Services (DSS), and Directors of Finance and Accounts (DFAs) across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to strengthen collaboration and communication for improved efficiency in the State’s Public Service.
Dr. Okungbowa made the call during a strategic engagement with senior management officials, which held at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy in Benin City, underscoring the critical role of effective coordination and teamwork in achieving the State Government’s reform agenda, while stressing that synergy among key officers remained vital for seamless service delivery.
According to the Head of Service, “Our collective success depends on how well we communicate, collaborate and uphold the ethics of the Service. Every Permanent Secretary, DSS and DFA must take ownership of their respective establishments and ensure that internal communication flows freely across all Departments. The perception of the Public Service depends largely on how we conduct ourselves and manage our institutions”. He emphasized the need for prudent management of government resources and urged Civil Servants to be responsible stewards of public funds.
“The Governor has been very generous in supporting the Service despite competing demands on government resources. We must therefore ensure judicious use of every allocation and avoid any form of abuse of privilege”. He advised.
The Head of Service further reminded officers that the Civil Service is a regimented institution governed by clear rules of engagement, cautioning against shielding wrongdoing or handling issues informally and stressed that all complaints and disciplinary matters must follow due process.
“The Service has laid down procedures for addressing grievances and enforcing discipline. Any attempt to circumvent these processes undermines accountability”. Dr. Okungbowa stated.
On staff management and ethics, Dr. Okungbowa stressed that discipline, fairness and transparency must remain the guiding principles of Public Administration. He urged that staff training and development opportunities be democratized and aligned with job responsibilities to promote professionalism and prevent favoritism or nepotism.
The engagement served as part of ongoing efforts by the HOS to strengthen institutional efficiency, accountability and performance within the Edo State Civil Service.
Violet Osatohanmwen Obamwonyi
Public Relations Officer
Office of the Head of Service
Edo State
PHOTO CAPTION
Dr. Anthony Okungbowa during the meeting with Permanent Secretaries, Directors of Shared Services and Directors of Finance and Accounts at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy in Benin City.
