The newly posted Permanent Secretary, Government House, Umuahia, Mr Precious Uma Okoro, has urged staff of the office to embrace discipline, punctuality and professionalism.
Mr Okoro gave the charge on Thursday, during his maiden meeting with the workforce, stressed the need for a committed workforce to achieve improved service delivery.
The Permanent Secretary called on the staff to align their conduct and work ethics with the vision of Governor Alex Otti’s administration and its New Abia agenda.
He urged workers to report to duty early, remain at their designated duty posts, dress responsibly with high professional standards and refrain from engaging in private businesses during official working hours.
Mr Okoro disclosed that attendance monitoring mechanisms were in place, warning that staff must meet the stipulated 70 per cent attendance threshold to qualify for salary payment.
The Permanent Secretary described Government House as the seat of power, stressing that its workforce must demonstrate exemplary conduct and set standards for other ministries, departments and agencies.
“Government House is the seat of power, and we must set a good example for other ministries and agencies”, he said.
Mr Okoro who assured the workforce that their well-being remains a priority, directed them to observe established administrative procedures and communication channels when submitting official applications.
He also advised the workers to familiarise themselves with the Public Service Rules and allow the provisions to guide their conduct and discharge of official responsibilities.
As part of efforts to strengthen staff capacity and improve performance, Mr Okoro announced plans to organise regular training programmes and seminars, including preparatory sessions for officers due for promotion.
He disclosed that the State Government planned to introduce Computer-Based Tests (CBT) for promotion examinations involving eligible officers from Grade Level 10 and above.
The Permanent Secretary expressed the hope that the planned training would improve staff performance and set a target of a 100 per cent pass rate in the year’s promotion examination.
He used the occasion to express gratitude to God for his appointment and posting to Government House and thanked Governor Otti for the confidence reposed in him through his elevation to the rank of Permanent Secretary in the State Civil Service.
Responding on behalf of the workforce, the Director of Finance, Mrs Onyedikachi Ogwo, thanked the Permanent Secretary for convening the meeting and assured him of the staff’s cooperation and support.
Mrs Ogwo pledged that workers would demonstrate respect, discipline and obedience to his leadership and work collectively to advance the objectives of Government House and enhance service delivery.
