By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, has unveiled plans for a phased Workers’ Housing Scheme and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to digital transformation, institutional reforms and workforce welfare as the state joined the global community to commemorate the 2026 International Public/Civil Service Day.
The Governor made the announcement on Tuesday at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, during the Delta State Public Service Lecture, one of the major events marking the 2026 Civil Service Week themed “Reforms, Resilience and Results.”
The celebration brought together public servants, labour leaders, permanent secretaries, retired civil servants and government officials to reflect on the role of the public service in driving governance and development.
Oborevwori, who was represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, noted that Civil Servants are the backbone of governance.
In a keynote address that underscored the critical role of civil servants in government, Governor Oborevwori described public servants as “the resilience of government” and the bridge between his administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda and ordinary citizens.
According to him, civil servants remain the unseen force translating government policies into roads, hospitals, schools and other essential services across the state.
“Today, we recognize the men and women who form the backbone of governance and reaffirm the values of integrity, honesty, impartiality, professionalism and dedication to duty that define public service,” the governor said.
He noted that the 2026 theme was not merely ceremonial but represented a practical roadmap for modern governance, stronger institutions, measurable outcomes and citizen-centred service delivery.
Governor Oborevwori highlighted several reforms undertaken by his administration, emphasizing fiscal discipline, accountability and transparency in public financial management.
He said government had strengthened procurement processes, improved financial controls and maintained a consistent record of prompt salary and pension payments.
According to him, protecting workers’ earnings remains central to sustaining morale and professionalism within the service.
“A worker cannot demonstrate professionalism and dedication to duty when there is anxiety over wages. By protecting workers’ take-home pay, we are protecting the dignity of labour and the integrity of government,” he stated.
The governor linked the resilience of Delta’s public service to the successful execution of major infrastructure projects across the state’s three senatorial districts.
He cited the ongoing Ughelli-Asaba dual carriageway, storm-water management projects in Warri and Uvwie, rehabilitation of general hospitals, deployment of advanced medical equipment, upgrading of technical colleges and expansion of rural road networks as evidence of a civil service capable of delivering results despite economic pressures.
Oborevwori stressed that while contractors often receive public attention, civil servants remain the professionals responsible for planning, supervising, inspecting and ensuring successful project implementation.
“You are co-architects of the New Delta State,” he told the workforce.
A major highlight of the governor’s address was his renewed commitment to e-governance and digital service delivery.
He disclosed that government was digitizing records across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), reducing bureaucratic delays and creating online platforms through which citizens can obtain approvals, verify documents and submit feedback without relying on personal connections.
The governor said digital transformation would be complemented by continuous staff training to ensure workers acquire the skills necessary for modern public administration.
He envisioned a public service where citizens encounter speed, transparency and professionalism whenever they interact with government offices.
Perhaps the most applauded aspect of the governor’s speech was his response to longstanding demands by labour unions for affordable housing.
Oborevwori announced that his administration had commenced discussions with the Ministry of Housing, the Delta State Mortgage Trust Bank and private sector developers on a transparent Workers’ Housing Scheme.
The initiative, he explained, would prioritize serving officers and retirees while offering flexible repayment structures designed around workers’ income levels.
He further pledged to strengthen existing welfare programmes, including housing and vehicle loan schemes, while revamping the Workers’ Owner-Occupier Housing Scheme through public-private partnerships.
“Housing is dignity, and dignity is part of results,” the governor declared.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Head of Service, Mininim Oseji, described the 2026 theme as a reflection of the public service’s transformation journey.
She praised Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to strengthening governance institutions and noted that the recent appointment of 11 Permanent Secretaries had enhanced the administrative framework of government.
Dr. Oseji outlined several reforms introduced since assuming office, including the reconstitution of the Senior Management Staff Committee (SMSC), which she said had improved policy coordination, administrative oversight and implementation of government programmes.
The Head of Service also highlighted efforts to modernize the service through technology-driven solutions developed largely by in-house personnel to guarantee sustainability.
According to her, digitization has become indispensable for improving efficiency, reducing bottlenecks and ensuring responsive service delivery.
Dr. Oseji disclosed that government had intensified efforts to combat absenteeism, lateness, misconduct and the menace of ghost workers.
She said compliance with public service rules, professional ethics and workplace standards had also been strengthened through regular engagement with workers across ministries and agencies.
“The Public Service remains the engine room of government, and its effectiveness is anchored on transparency, accountability, professionalism and integrity,” she said.
The Head of Service further emphasized the importance of capacity building, describing human resources as government’s greatest asset.
Among the achievements she listed were the resumption of induction programmes for Administrative Officers after a five-year hiatus, enhancement of the Seven Weekend Management Course, implementation of Inter-Cadre Transfer Training and Aptitude Tests, and the upgrading of the Staff Training Centre.
She explained that these initiatives were designed to strengthen succession planning, leadership development and professional competence throughout the service.
Despite economic challenges and rising public expectations, she commended public servants for their dedication and resilience.
Declaring the occasion open, Chairman of the Occasion and former Head of Service, Sir Paul Evuarherhe, JP, commended the Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Mininim Oseji, for what he described as impactful reforms that have revitalized the Delta State Public Service.
He noted the impressive turnout of political appointees, senior government officials and civil servants at the event, describing it as evidence that the ongoing reforms were yielding positive results.
According to him, civil service events in the past often recorded low attendance, but the situation has changed significantly under the current leadership.
Describing the 2026 Civil Service Week celebration as world-class, Evuarherhe said the theme, “Reforms, Resilience and Results,” was timely and relevant, noting that reforms drive progress, resilience sustains achievements despite challenges, while results are the visible outcomes of effective governance.
He urged participants to pay close attention to the lecture and actively engage in the discussions, expressing confidence that they would leave with valuable lessons for improved service delivery.