Promotion in Kogi Civil Service now performance based – HOS

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.

KOGI State Government has announced that elevation in its Civil Service would henceforth be based on performance as a new era in civil service promotions evolves.

Mr Elijah Evinemi, Kogi State Head of Service (HOS) disclosed this while inaugurating an in-house training programme for administrative and executive officers, in the state Civil Service on Monday in Lokoja.

The Head of Service said the event marked the beginning of the transformative journey of equipping administrators to drive positive change in the service.

He said that the innovative approach prioritizes performance with the aim of enhancing productivity and efficiency saying, “We recognize optimal performance as the cornerstone of effective civil service delivery.

“We’ve engaged renowned institutions like National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), Kuru, Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) and the Centre for Management Development (CMD) for capacity building. This training lays the foundation for excellence,” Evinemi said.

The HOS said that the service was transitioning from manual operations to modern administration, embracing artificial intelligence while recognizing the vital human element.

Mr Evinemi urged the participants to take maximum advantage of the three-day in-house training saying, “Our goal is to equip you with expertise to manage finance and non-financial assets effectively and To whom much is given, much is expected.”

Hajia Marim Yakubu, Deputy Director, Training in the office of the HOS, noted that the State Government was committed to reforming the Civil Service through capacity building. “Our mandate is clear: optimal performance from civil servants.”

She said that the week-long training programme spanning from October 28-31, at the State Secretariat, is expected to empower administrators and Human Resource Managers to drive the positive change.

Elder Sunday Ude, One of the resource persons, who is also the Permanent Secretary, Local Government Service Commission, stressed that Financial Regulations were crucial for effective public service administration.

He said, “Effective financial management is vital for optimal service delivery. Understanding these regulations enables civil servants to manage resources efficiently.”

Mrs. A.E. Onoja, Director of Establishment, Office of the HOS who is also a resource person underscored the vital role of leadership and emotional intelligence in driving progress saying, “Effective leaders empathize with their teams, guiding them toward excellence.

Onoja applauded Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his support to the state Civil Service and urged the Civil Servants to reciprocate through total commitment and loyalty to the administration. (Ends)