By Shulamite Owhoekevbo
The Delta State Government has reiterated its commitment to transparent, accountable and sustainable procurement processes in the public service.
The Head of Service of Delta State, Dr. (Mrs.) Mininim Oseji, made this known while flagging off a three-week certification course on Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards in Asaba.
The programme, organised by the University of Benin in collaboration with the Delta State Government, is designed to equip civil servants with the requisite skills and knowledge to meet international best practices in procurement, environmental management and social standards.
Dr. Oseji said the training was part of deliberate efforts by the state government to promote value for money, accountability and sustainable development in the execution of public projects.
According to her, the programme would help bridge existing gaps in transparency, accountability and project sustainability within the public service.
She urged participants to actively engage during the training, share experiences and ensure that the knowledge acquired is effectively applied in their various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
“The success of this programme will be measured by how well participants translate what they have learned into improved service delivery and stronger institutional practices across MDAs,” she said.
Also speaking, the State Coordinator of the programme, Mrs. Jessica Okediadi, described the training as a critical capacity-building initiative aimed at strengthening responsible public service delivery in the state.
Leader of the team of resource persons, Professor Sylvester Osuji, emphasized the importance of continuity in professional development, noting that sustained training was key to entrenching global best practices in public procurement and governance.
In his remarks, the Functioning Permanent Secretary in the Directorate of Establishments and Pensions, Mr. Kingsley Olomukoro, stressed that the application of the knowledge gained by participants would significantly strengthen systems and processes within the state’s MDAs.
The certification course is expected to enhance institutional capacity, improve project outcomes and reinforce public confidence in government procurement processes in Delta State.