19th June, 2018
Photo: Femi Ipaye/PM News
Civil servants turned out in large number as they resumed their official duties in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Tuesday after a two-day Sallah holiday declared by the Federal Government.
The Federal Government had earlier declared Friday, June 15 and Monday, June 18 as public holidays to enable workers to celebrate the Eid-el Fitr.
A news correspondent who monitored workers’ resumption at the Federal Secretariat, reports that previously after similar holidays, turn out of civil servants in their offices were very low.
Activities at the secretariat were high as the premises were very busy and many civil servants were seen carrying out their businesses at the secretariat and car park and restaurants.
Mrs Kate Udeh, Chief Secretary to the Permanent Secretary, Service Policy and Strategy Office, said that civil servants should ensure they justify their salary and be diligent in their duties.
According to her, the reform being carried out by the Head of Service, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, does not condone laxity at the workplace.
“I am a dedicated civil servant and know that I must come to work no matter what, civil servants should learn to take their jobs seriously because that’s where they earn a living.
“The Head of Service is a seasoned civil servant and very hardworking. The attitudinal change you are seeing today is due to the reform she is carrying out in the service,” Udeh said.
She explained that after two days rest, there was no reason for any civil servant to remain at home except on health grounds.
Mrs Oluchi Agu, who owns a restaurant in the car park of the secretariat, told NAN that business was impressive compared to other resumption days.
According to her, business was flourishing today beyond her expectation due to past experiences and many of the civil servants are at work today.
“I was not expecting many customers today, so I didn’t even cook much but the way people are trooping into my shop am going to cook more and this shows that a lot of civil servants have resumed work,” she said.
The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, in her remarks said that she was pleased with the change in attitude to work on the part of the civil servants.
She added that this shows that they have embraced the government of change and reform strategy of the Federal Civil Service, which was being implemented by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.
“We have seen a real turn around in the attitude of civil servants, previously, after festive season when they resume, they will be foot-dragging and some will not even show up for the rest of the week under one guise or the other.
“I must say that am very happy that civil servants have quickly caught onto the train of change and the reform strategy of the of the federal civil service.
“There are eight aspects of this reform strategy but the key is the culture change. We want civil servants to totally change their concept of what it means to be a civil servant.
“Civil servant is very important and a strategic personality in Nigeria, the civil service is the one single organisation in this country on which the entire governance culture relies upon,’’ she said.
Oyo-Ita stressed the need for civil servants to be disciplined, patriotic and committed to duty.
The head of service, commended all the serving permanent secretaries for their determination to ensure that this administration succeeds.
“I want to applaud the body of serving permanent secretaries; they have been very loyal to the vision of this administration.
“And they have been putting in their best and making a mark on the workforce in their various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs)
“So Kudos to the permanent secretaries, directors and all civil servants, keep up the good work and keep making the President proud and keep Nigeria smiling,’’ Oyo-Ita said.