After a five-year standstill, the Administrative Officers Forum of the Delta State Civil Service has successfully inducted 151 officers into the Administrative Officers Cadre, marking a significant step toward strengthening institutional capacity and professionalism within the public service.
The induction followed an intensive two-day orientation programme for newly converted administrative officers held in Asaba, which was presided over by the Head of Service, Mininim Oseji, and witnessed by former Heads of Service, serving and retired Permanent Secretaries, as well as other senior government officials.
While declaring the ceremony open, Dr. Oseji congratulated the inductees on their successful conversion into what she described as the prestigious Administrative Officers Cadre, noting that their elevation reflected the confidence reposed in them to provide effective leadership across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
She charged the officers to uphold the Public Service Rules and Financial Regulations without compromise, render sound administrative advice, ensure proper records management and documentation, and promote transparency, accountability and professionalism, while maintaining neutrality and loyalty to government policies.
“You should see your conversion and induction not as an elevation of status, but as an expansion of responsibility. Expectations are higher, scrutiny is greater, and the burden of duty is heavier,” she said.
Dr. Oseji added that the Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, expects more from the civil service, stressing that his approval and support for the induction align with the MORE Agenda of his administration.
Speaking at the induction ceremony, the Chairman of the Forum, Mr. Emokiniovo Itobore, who assumed office in 2025, explained that the induction covered officers converted between 2021 and 2024.
He expressed satisfaction that the milestone was achieved during his tenure, despite prevailing challenges and lauded the contributions of seasoned resource persons who facilitated the two-day training, expressing confidence that the inductees would justify the investment by contributing meaningfully to the advancement of the civil service.
“For several years, this induction could not hold due to paucity of funds. In times like these, it is not easy. We therefore commend the Governor and the Head of Service for making resources available to accomplish this feat,” he said.
In his remarks, the Dean of the Forum, Mr. Kingsley Olomukoro, urged the inductees to embrace professionalism, efficiency in service delivery, ethical decision-making and innovation in addressing public sector challenges.
Earlier, a patron of the Forum and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Oghenekevwe Agas, called on the Forum’s leadership to explore sustainable strategies for further professionalising the Administrative Cadre.
The ceremony culminated in the administration of the oath of allegiance by the Forum’s Legal Adviser, Ukpedor Oghoghomeh, presentation of a communiqué by Mr. Lucky Izomor, and a symbolic handshake with the Head of Service, signifying a renewed commitment to service and career progression.