Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has sworn in a new Head for the State Civil Service (HOS), three Special Advisers and 12 Permanent Secretaries.

Mr. Patrick Origho took oath of office as the HOS, while Chief Uche Ugbomah, Mrs. Georgina Evah and Mrs. Lilian Ofili were sworn in as Special Advisers to the Governor.

Dr. Uduaghan explained that the appointment of the special advisers was aimed at strengthening his administration’s drive of finishing strong.

He advised them to bring their wealth of experience to bear in his administration’s quest to bequeath a peaceful and prosperous Delta State that would not be dependent on oil revenue alone.

The governor advised civil servants to be loyal, diligent and conscientious in the discharge of their duties to enable them attain the zenith of their profession.

According to Uduaghan, the choice of Origho as HOS was based on several considerations ranging from seniority to wealth of experience and tract record of performance.

“The position of Head of Service and Permanent Secretaries are political and from the first day you are appointed into the civil service, if you want to attain the highest position, you must be loyal, diligent, don’t refuse posting because a lot of things are considered while making Permanent Secretaries and Head of Service. I know that God guided me in making this appointment of Sir Origho from the three names recommended to me by the out-going Head of Service,” the governor said.

He explained: “In considering an individual for appointment into the position of Head of Service, due consideration is given to personal integrity, wealth of experience and proven record of performance,” the Governor reiterated, while enjoining Origho to justify the confidence reposed in him by working to achieve the goal of the state government.

“As a government, we have the responsibility to harness the resources of the state and bring about a new lease of life to meet the expectations of our people.

“Let me remind you (Origho) that much is required from you as you are no doubt aware that the civil service is central to the realisation of government policies and programmes.

“You (HOS) have the mandate to restore the state’s civil service to the era when the service was acknowledged as the citadel of excellence because the civil service was historically acknowledged as the citadel of excellence where the best brains, equipment and strategies are engaged and under your leadership, you must work hard to retain a strong, committed and resilient workforce in our state.”

According to the governor, the appointment of 12 new permanent secretaries was done to fill vacancies in the state civil service occasioned by retirements.

Chief Uche Ugbomah, responding on behalf of the Special Advisers, promised to be dedicated to their duties so that the administration could consolidate on its achievements.

Origho, the new HOS pledged his commitment to uphold the ethos of the civil service adding, “I have zero tolerance for all acts of indiscipline in the civil service.”

The new permanent secretaries included: Mr. Benson Oburoh, Mr. Peter Isibor, Mrs. Alice Akpoghene, Mr. Lucky Adjohwenyo, Dr. (Mrs.) M.I. Oseji, Mr. Frank Isume, Mr. D.M.O. Eyide, Mr. Arthur Prest-Umukoro, and Mrs. Philo Ajufo.

Others for the teaching service (Post Primary Education Board) are Mr. Okoro Dan Okpako, Mrs. Ugbomah Lauretta, and Mr. Agbegha Coleman.

•Photo shows Governor Uduaghan.