The Rivers State Head of Service (HOS), Mrs. Esther Anucha has given the assurance that the mystery behind the seemingly intractable ghost workers syndrome in the State Civil Service will soon be unraveled.
Mrs. Anucha gave the assurance yesterday at a New Year Prayer and Dedication Service for the State Civil Service held at the State Secretariat Complex, Port Harcourt.
The Head of Service, who expressed dismay at the ever escalating salary bill of workers, urged Civil Servants to brace up for a committed and sincere service emphasizing that with the help of God, the problem would be surmounted.
She said the Thanksgiving Service, which was the second to be held during her tenure, was organized to thank God for his bountiful blessings, pointing out that the expression of gratitude places one in position to receive more blessings.
Mrs. Anucha, who advised Civil Servants to put their trust in God, commended them for their peaceful disposition during the recent Nation-wide strike and for the sustenance of stability and harmonious working relationship in the service, urging them to proffer meaningful solutions that would address the problems and prospects of the Service.
She expressed profound gratitude to the State Governor, Rt. Hon, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for his unprecedented support to the Civil Service, especially in the implementation of the New National Minimum Wage, allocation of Cars to Directors and the promise of Christmas hampers to all Public Servants, assuring that the monies would be paid into their individual salary accounts as soon as the approved funds were released by the Ministry of Finance.
In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the occasion, Sir Ngo Martyns-Yellowe, who also took the only Bible Reading, thanked the State Governor for appointing him as the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission and commended the Head of Service for introducing innovative and dynamic programmes in the Civil Service, stressing that his mission was to add value to the Service and to strike a balance between their welfare and affordability by Government.
Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. George Feyii, represented by the Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Marshall Uwom advised Civil Servants to give their unalloyed support to the Head of Service and render a selfless and dedicated service in the fear of God who is the foundation of all success.
In a brief exhortation, Dr. Steve Ogan of the Church of God Mission, who spoke on the theme, ‘Arising to shine in the 12th year season’, said the number 12 connotes restoration and a season of new beginning, taking his text from 1st Kings 19:19-21.
He advised Civil Servants to serve with integrity and apply the principles enunciated in the Scriptures in their respective duties, while urging leaders to ‘answer their subjects and speak good words to them’.
The event, which was attended by all Permanent Secretaries and Directors, also featured praise and worship, prayers for the President, State Governor, the Legislature, Judiciary, the less privileged, the Head of Service and dedication of the Civil service to God by the Vicar of St. Cyprian’s Church, Port Harcourt, Venerable Amavey Abbey Kalio
Highpoints of the occasion were a performance by the Civil Service Choir and distribution of free Bibles to Civil Servants. ###
