By Seyifunmi Odunuga
Oyo State Government, on Wednesday, reiterated commitment to continually train all the civil and public servants in the state so as to boost their performance.
This reflected in the one-day sensitization programme organized by the Ministry of Establishments and Training on security consciousness among store officers, watchmen, revenue officers, drivers in the state public/civil service, an event held at the Simeon Adebo Staff Development Centre Secretariat, Ibadan.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Siju Lawal, while delivering his keynote address, pointed out that there can only be a productive and progressive civil service when workers imbibe the right attitude to work.
The Commissioner applauded Governor Seyi Makinde for providing enabling environment to organize the all-important workshop, saying that His Excellency has demonstrated his kindest passion and love for workers.
“We promise that the workers shall continue to reciprocate by putting in their best in the service of the government and indeed the people of Oyo State,” he said
Similarly, He maintained that the workshop will intimate participants on the existing rules and regulations, with a view to guiding them towards proper conduct that is expected of Public/Civil Servants.
Adding, Lawal said participants will be sensitized on the available disciplinary measures that will be taken against any recalcitrant officer that indulges in act of malpractices.
He said: “Finding reveals that some officers in the lower and intermediate cadres feign ignorance of the provisions of the extant rules and regulations guiding the service. Sad enough, while a few of them that are well versed of the laws damn the consequence and wear togas of nonchalant and lackadaisical attitudes to commit crimes on the job. Attitudes have consequently bastardised the Public/Civil Service beyond reform.
Lawal described Public/Civil Service as a key through which government business is transacted, saying that the image of a particular State Government is hinged on the type and the quality of its civil service and Civil Servants as actors or Bureaucrats to say the least.
Lawal urged participants to comport themselves in accordance with the acceptable standard and ethics of the job to have a virile and productive civil service and exhibit core values that guide the behavioural disposition of all workers.
He, therefore, enjoined participants to have a change of attitude to adhere strictly with the General Order/Rule und Regulation guiding the service failure, adding that failure to abide by it may lead them to face strict disciplinary measures including an unceremonious disengagement from their jobs.
He also called on Supervising officers to be alive to their responsibilities by nipping in the bud any wrong attitude noticed among the workers under their watch.
Earlier in her vote of thanks, Director Manpower Development Services, Mrs Olanike Akanji thanked the Commissioner who, according to her, “things have been different in the ministry since he came on board.”
“We appreciate the wondrous things he has been able to achieve since he assumed office. He is a round peg in a round hole. He knows what is expected per time,” She said.
She equally urged the participants to give in their best time, stay attentive, have an open mind and internalize the teachings of the workshop, to help their career.
In their separate remarks, participants appreciated Governor Makinde administration for prioritizing the welfare of civil servants in the state.