BY PATRICK MGBODO
SEVERAL CIVIL servants in Delta State have returned to work after the New Year holiday, as observed across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the state, yesterday.
A visit to Prof. Chike Edozien State Secretariat, Maryam Babangida Way, Asaba, revealed that civil servants were actively engaged at their duty posts.
Speaking to The Pointer, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, expressed delight at being back to work after the New Year holiday, saying the huge turnout of workers is an indication of a renewed attitude to work.
Speaking further, he urged workers to take their duties seriously, emphasizing that absenteeism undermines productivity. On his expectations for the New Year, Comrade Oyowe hoped that the cordiality between the state government and workers would continue to flourish for the actualization of the MORE Agenda of the present administration.
Another civil servant, Comrade Alex Akpuh of the Directorate of Culture and Tourism, who spoke to The Pointer, shared his excitement to have resumed after the holiday, even as he looked forward to a better year.
‘’It is a kind of culture that workers do not resume work on the first day. But if you look around, you will find cars everywhere (in the secretariat). Thus, it is a better outing when compared to previous years’’, he said.
Mrs. Ann Oritsedere of the Ministry of Energy, echoing sentiments shared by other respondents, expressed her enthusiasm about resuming work and contributing to the MORE Agenda.
Another civil servant, Dr Michael Emeshile credited the impressive turnout to the conducive environment fostered by the state government, which, he said, had motivated civil servants to deliver their best efforts.
Similarly, TPL Richard Refo, a registered town planner and staff member of the Ministry of Urban Renewal, expressed optimism for a more productive year. He emphasized the importance of workers enhancing their proficiency and delivering excellence in their duties.
TPL Refo scored workers’ turnout on the first day of resumption at 65 percent, adding ‘’workers should do away with the spirit of laxity and truancy. It’s an unacceptable norm in the civil service so that the MORE Agenda can reach the grassroots’’. Others, who shared their views, including Mr. Peter Okafor of the Ministry of Justice, Mr. Timothy Emeyese from the Office of the Accountant-General, and Mr. Patrick Chinyenwa, echoed similar sentiments of enthusiasm and commitment.
Recall that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Interior, had declared December 25 and December 26, 2024 as public holidays to celebrate the Christmas and Boxing Day, respectively, and January 1, 2025, the New Year Day as a public holiday too.
