By DEJI ABDULWAHAB

The Federal Government on Monday urged public servants to uphold the core values of the public service which are integrity, professionalism, excellence, accountability and patriotism.

Dr Binyerem Ukaire, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, gave the advice at the sensitisation programme on the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP) in Abuja.

The programme themed “Transforming Public Institutions through Advancing Innovation, Participation and Inclusion,” was part of activities marking the 2026 Civil Service Week.

Ukaire described the week as a significant annual event dedicated to recognising and celebrating the invaluable contributions of civil servants to national development.

“We celebrate the dedication, resilience and commitment of every civil servant gathered here who works tirelessly behind the scene to ensure continuity, stability and progress in public administration,” she said.

She commended the public servants’ invaluable contributions to national growth and nation building.

The permanent secretary said the week often focussed on promoting a technology-driven public administration through strategic reforms.

“It is therefore imperative that the capability, talent management, human resource administration, performance management, innovation, digitalisation and staff welfare among the workforce in this very ministry are greatly enhanced in line with national aspirations and global best practises.

“As we celebrate, we should also reflect on how we have fared as the engine room for governance on information and national orientation.

“We should also reflect on how we have implemented and translated the ministry’s policies, programmes and reforms into meaningful outcomes for our selves and for all citizens of this country.

“In essence, we must resolve to intensify efforts in the formulation, development and implementation of policies on information and national orientation geared towards delivering our mandates.

“I therefore urge all officers and staff to continue to uphold the core values of the public service which are integrity, professionalism, excellence, accountability and patriotism,” she said.

She urged public servants to embrace innovation, saying that learning does not end until we leave this world.

She urged the staff of the ministry to recommit themselves to the ideals of an efficient, productive, incorruptible and citizen-centred public service that contributes meaningfully to the renewed hope agenda of the present administration and the overall development of the country.

Also speaking, the representative of the workers, Mrs Chika Chukwu, assured of the workers continual support for innovation that enhances staff welfare, build capacity and improve organisational effectiveness.

“Where there is challenges, we will raise them constructively. Where there is progress, we will stand with you and defend it.

“As we return to our department and unit, let’s carry the knowledge acquired from this sensitisation with us. Let’s share it with those who couldn’t be here. Let’s challenge old habits that slow us down.

“And let’s commit each of us to building a federal civil service that delivers quality service without delay and without excuses,” she said. (NAN)