By Shulamite Owhoekevbo
The Head of Service of Delta State, Dr. (Mrs.) Mininim Oseji, has charged public officers in the state to learn how to manage, multiply and protect their earnings, stressing that retirement is a process that must begin now.
Dr. Oseji gave the charge in Asaba while declaring open a two-day workshop on “Enhancing Financial Fitness for Civil Servants in Delta State,” organised by the Directorate of Establishments and Pensions in collaboration with Kochus Consult.
She said a productive workforce must be financially stable, noting that this was one of the reasons Governor Sheriff Oborevwori places a high premium on workers’ welfare under the M.O.R.E. Agenda.
The Head of Service expressed profound gratitude to the Governor for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of workers and commended the Directorate of Establishments and Pensions and Kochus Consult for organising the workshop.
According to her, the workshop was designed to equip public officers with practical knowledge and tools for achieving financial stability, responsible wealth creation and effective retirement planning.
She listed the topics for the first day of the workshop as “Financial Literacy and Salary Optimisation — How to Make Your Salary Work for You”; “Retirement Planning, Pensions and Gratuity Awareness — Because Retirement Is a Process That Must Start Now”; “National Anti-Corruption Strategy — Because Wealth Must Be Built Legitimately and With Integrity”; and “Online Assets and Liabilities Declaration System — Because Transparency Is the Foundation of Public Service.”
The second day will feature a Breakfast Dialogue with the Head of Service, providing participants with an opportunity for more direct interaction with her on the future of the State Public Service.
Dr. Oseji maintained that smart investment, disciplined savings and legitimate wealth creation were practical tools for achieving financial stability, particularly in the present economic climate.
She disclosed that seasoned practitioners, including Dr. (Mrs.) Ukadi, Mr. Ezie Udeviotu and Mr. Godfrey Ofuaneme, had been carefully selected to facilitate sessions focused on practical, actionable principles that participants could apply immediately.
In separate remarks, the Acting Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Establishments and Pensions, Mr. Kingsley Olomukoro, and the Lead Consultant, Kochus Consult, Mr. Michael Okocha, said the workshop was specifically designed for Permanent Secretaries and Directors across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
They described the senior officers as the engine room of government and custodians of government policies, stressing the need for them to be financially fit in order to contribute effectively to a stable and productive Public Service.
They expressed appreciation to the State Governor and the Head of Service for providing the opportunity to facilitate the workshop.
Among those present at the ceremony were Permanent Secretaries from the Office of the Head of Service, Ministry of Finance, Bureau for Special Duties and Hospital Management Board: Dr. (Mrs.) Charity Babigha-Ehimen, Dr. Ngozi Mogbolu, Prince Gregory Ejhowomu and Dr. Paul Okubor, respectively.