The Edo State Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa Esq., has said ongoing reforms in the state’s civil and public service by the Governor Godwin Obaseki administration is already yielding positive gains, repositioning the state for economic growth and prosperity.
Okungbowa, in a statement, said the reforms are aimed at equipping the workers with the right skills to deliver quality and efficient services to the people and contribute effectively to the growth and development of the state
According to him, “The Governor Godwin Obaseki-led state government is pursuing a holistic reform of the state’s civil and public service, equipping the workers with the right skills and tools to meet the demands of a 21st century-technologically driven workplace.
“Today, Edo civil and public service is the best-paid service in Nigeria as we pay N40,000 minimum wage while other States pay N30,000
“No arrears of promotion in the State Civil/Public Service as the government has approved the 2022 promotion for staff.
“The government has kept to faith with prompt and regular payment of staff across the service. February 2023 salaries have been paid already. Salaries in Edo paid not later than 26th of every month.”
The Head of Service continued: “Edo State Public Service is the most digitalized Public Service in Nigeria. The government has recruited over 3,000 staff since 2022.
"We offer automatic appointment for the best students in Edo origin in all Universities and Polytechnics across Nigeria, and automatic appointment for 15 best-graduating students of Edo University Iyamo.
"Edo also has one of the best Public Service Academies (JOOPSA) in Nigeria. The government ensures a merit-based employment process in public service. The Governor has not forwarded the name of a single person for appointment in the Public Service- same for other top Government functionaries. Unprecedented in Edo State
“The state is one of the most convenient and best workspaces in any Public Service in Nigeria. All but one of the secretariat buildings which Dr. Ogbemudia started during his time as Military Governor have been completed with state-of-the-art equipment. The last one is being worked on and will soon be completed.”
He added, “One of the priority projects by this government to drive its agriculture-based based economy is the Agricultural Hub, which is almost completed
“We have also performed the groundbreaking of the Education Hub, with the project set to be completed in 12 months.”
“All these are a part of the ongoing reforms in the state’s civil and public service that are already yielding positive gains, repositioning the state for economic growth and prosperity.”