By Akpos Oghenetega,
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday, swore in 11 new Permanent Secretaries, charging them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and accountability in the discharge of their duties.
Speaking during the ceremony at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, the governor said the appointments were strictly based on merit, seniority, competence, and proven service records, stressing that the new officials emerged from a highly competitive pool of qualified civil servants.
Oborevwori noted that the appointments were made to fill existing vacancies within the state civil service and revealed that every local government area in Delta State is now represented by a Permanent Secretary, a development he described as a reflection of fairness, inclusiveness, and balanced governance.
According to him, the appointments align with Section 208(4) of the 1999 Constitution, which encourages equitable representation and promotes a sense of belonging among citizens.
The governor assured civil servants that more deserving officers would continue to be elevated as vacancies arise, provided they demonstrate competence, ethical conduct, professionalism, and dedication to duty.
He also disclosed that his administration recently approved the promotion of several qualified officers as part of ongoing efforts to boost morale, improve welfare, and strengthen career progression within the state workforce.
Addressing the newly sworn-in Permanent Secretaries, Oborevwori described their elevation as a recognition of years of sacrifice, hard work, discipline, and commitment to public service.
He, however, cautioned them against complacency, emphasizing that the appointments come with greater responsibility and higher expectations.
“The reward for hard work is more work,” the governor declared, urging them to remain disciplined, transparent, dynamic, and service-driven in their new positions.
Oborevwori reminded the officials that Permanent Secretaries, as accounting officers of their ministries, would be held accountable for any lapses in service delivery or administrative failures.
He urged them to maintain strong working relationships with commissioners by offering sound professional advice, institutional guidance, and administrative support to ensure effective implementation of government policies and programmes.
Reaffirming the critical role of the civil service in governance, the governor described it as the “engine room of government,” stressing that no administration can succeed without an efficient and disciplined bureaucracy.
In a major policy announcement, Oborevwori revealed that any officer to be appointed as Head of Service in Delta State must henceforth spend a minimum of six months in the Office of the Head of Service as a Permanent Secretary.
He explained that the new requirement was introduced to ensure prospective Heads of Service possess an adequate understanding of administrative procedures, personnel management, and the operational structure of the civil service before assuming the office.
The newly sworn-in Permanent Secretaries are Dr. Yinkore Paul, Dr. Okwunze Chukwuemeka, Amadubogha Peters, Nkenchor Onyeisi, Akambe Henry, Engr. Aghagba Solomon, Ogbugo Victor Chike, Ighoyota Rocky, Itawansa Augustine, Onobraekpeyan Edwin, and Nkemachor Lucky.
Responding on behalf of the appointees, Dr. Paul Yinkore expressed gratitude to the governor for the confidence reposed in them and pledged their unwavering commitment to supporting the administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda and delivering efficient service to the people of Delta State.
