By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
ASABA — The Delta State Government has intensified efforts to strengthen its workforce and bridge personnel gaps across the State Public Service through the implementation of the Inter-Cadre/Inter-Service Transfer Policy.
The Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Mininim Oseji, stated this on Tuesday in Asaba while declaring open the 9th Edition of the Inter-Cadre Transfer Training Programme/Aptitude Test for officers in the State Public Service.
The seven-day programme, organised by the Office of the Head of Service, is designed to provide qualified officers who have acquired higher academic and professional qualifications with an opportunity to advance into higher cadres or professionalise in areas relevant to their qualifications.
The exercise, held at the Association of Senior Civil Servants along Mariam Babangida Way, Asaba, attracted members of the Delta State Civil Service Commission, Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments, guest lecturers and shortlisted participants.
Oseji described the programme as a strategic investment in human capital development, saying it was not merely a routine administrative exercise but an important mechanism for building a more competent, innovative and responsive Civil Service.
She said the policy had created opportunities for officers who started their careers in different cadres to progress based on hard work, academic excellence and demonstrated competence.
According to her, the policy reinforces the principles of meritocracy and professional growth while encouraging civil servants to acquire additional knowledge and qualifications that would enable them contribute more effectively to the development of the state.
“The policy does not merely open doors; it invites the brightest minds to step forward and shape the future of our Civil Service,” Oseji said.
The Head of Service noted that the impact of the policy was already being felt across the state Public Service, particularly through the emergence of a better-trained and more competent workforce.
She said a professional and motivated Civil Service remained indispensable to the successful implementation of government policies and programmes, adding that the Inter-Cadre Transfer Policy had helped position the Public Service to respond more effectively to the needs of the people.
Oseji commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for providing the necessary support and resources for the programme, describing his commitment to the welfare and professional development of civil servants as commendable.
She said the Governor’s investment in human capital demonstrated his understanding that a motivated and well-trained workforce was critical to effective governance.
She also commended the Civil Service Commission for ensuring fairness, transparency and consistency in the implementation of the policy.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Charity Igho Babigha-Ehimen, said the programme was specifically designed for shortlisted officers who had acquired superior qualifications and were seeking conversion to higher Officers’ and Assistant Cadres or professionalisation within the Service.
She explained that the policy was also aimed at helping the state address personnel shortages by deploying suitably qualified officers to areas where their expertise was required.
Babigha-Ehimen said the Office of the Head of Service remained grateful to Governor Oborevwori and Dr. Oseji for their support, noting that the programme would not have been possible without the necessary approvals and release of funds.
She disclosed that the seven-day exercise would comprise lectures and examinations in 10 courses, followed by an oral interview and screening of participants’ credentials.
The Permanent Secretary urged participants not to approach the examination with fear, stressing that it was designed primarily as an assessment of their preparedness and competence for advancement.
“The examination component of this programme should not be perceived as a threat by participants, rather, it should be viewed as an evaluation instrument to test their readiness and competence for advancement into higher cadres in the State Public Service,” she said.
She urged the participants to remain diligent and studious throughout the programme, expressing confidence that they would emerge adequately equipped for the challenges associated with their intended cadres.
Oseji, while addressing the participants, cautioned them against viewing the exercise solely from the perspective of personal career advancement.
She said their academic and professional growth must ultimately translate into improved service delivery and greater contributions to the development of Delta State.
The Head of Service challenged them to embrace the programme as an opportunity to sharpen their skills, broaden their knowledge and prepare themselves for higher responsibilities.
She said: “Your success in this programme will not just reflect academic prowess but your commitment to a higher purpose — service to Delta State.”
She further urged them to approach the exercise with discipline, confidence and a strong sense of responsibility, noting that their advancement would place greater expectations on them as public servants.
The Head of Service said the ultimate objective of the initiative was to build a Civil Service that prioritises excellence, innovation, professionalism and effective service delivery.
She declared the 9th Edition of the Inter-Cadre Transfer Training Programme and Aptitude Test formally open, charging the participants to make the most of the opportunity and justify the confidence reposed in them by the state government.
The exercise is expected to culminate in the assessment, oral screening and credential verification of participating officers, after which successful candidates will be considered for their intended areas of transfer or advancement.