The Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Thursday, swore in Mrs Minnie Oseji as the new state Head of Service. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Oseji’s appointment followed the retirement of Mr Reginald Bayoko. The governor also inaugurated Mr Austin Igbine as Chairman, Board of Delta Printing and Publishing Company, Publishers of The Pointer Newspaper. The two ceremonies took place at the Government House, Asaba. In a speech, Oborevwori assured the people of his administration’s commitment to a sustainably safe and secure state. He said that security agencies in the state were making progress in the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes through pre-emptive strikes and other combat operations. He acknowledged that the challenges were enormous but surmountable, adding that security agencies had been “up-and-doing to ensure our security and safety. The governor said, “As the Chief Security Officer of the state, I am aware of the several successes the security agencies have recorded – and keep making – in the fight against kidnapping and other forms of violent crimes through pre-emptive strikes and other combat operations. “Obviously, it would be counter-productive to avail the public of the measures the security agencies have put in place to reduce these violent crimes to the barest minimum. “But, please, be assured that they are unrelenting, and, as a government, we have continued to strengthen our partnership by providing them with the necessary tools and resources they need to be effective in their operations. “Finally, I urge all of us to play our part for enhanced peace and security in the state. “It is axiomatic that security is a shared responsibility.” He urged residents to cooperate and support the security agencies by promptly reporting any suspicious activities or persons to the relevant authorities. “Our law enforcement personnel are not clairvoyants, their success is largely dependent on the information they receive from the public. “So, if you see or hear something, please, say something. “Together, we can make our dream of a safe and secure Delta a reality,” he said. The governor congratulated the new HoS and lauded her predecessor “for his outstanding contributions to the state’s public service”. He described Oseji as “a quintessential civil servant, polite, dedicated, brilliant, and thorough”. According to him, she brings to her new office decades of exceptional stewardship, exemplary leadership, and undiluted passion for excellence. “Her strong work ethic, sincerity of purpose, and professionalism are, indeed, worthy of emulation, and my warm congratulations to her on her meritorious appointment,” he said. Oborevwori further charged Oseji to continue to reorient the workers to tackle the perennial problems of absenteeism, lateness, unethical conduct, sharp practices, and poor maintenance culture. He added, “This administration is determined to leave the legacy of an efficient, disciplined, and performance-driven civil service. “I am proud of the progress we have made so far. But some challenges remain. “Hence, it is important for civil servants to keep abreast with the policy direction of the government. “It is also incumbent on them to offer honest, impartial, and practical advice and provide all the relevant information that is required for the successful execution of the government’s programmes and projects. “The rank-and-file of the civil service are filled with qualified, intelligent people, but, unfortunately, the problems of attitude and orientation remain a constant challenge. “As government workers, public interest must always be above personal interest. “Also, building synergy and teamwork is critical to avoiding the ‘us and them’ mentality. “Remember, teamwork is what makes the team work.” The governor also congratulated Igbine on his appointment and urged him to consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor. “It is my expectation that The Pointer will attain new heights in editorial quality, production excellence, improved advertising and marketing, bigger circulation, as well as enhanced digital operations under his leadership and direction,” he said. Responding, Oseji thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve and for entrusting her with the huge responsibility of ensuring integrity, professionalism and service excellence in the state’s civil service. She pledged to ensure the reorientation of the civil service on financial regulations and to key into the M.O.R.E. Agenda of the governor. She gave an assurance that no one would be left behind in the civil service under her watch. NAN