Imo State Head of Service, Mrs Chikodi Emenalom, has challenged permanent secretaries to uphold accountability and productivity to reinvigorate their ministries.
She urged them to embrace innovation, uphold integrity, and deliver results that will transform the civil service.
Emenalom made this known in an interactive session held at the ICT Centre, state secretariat.
Mrs. Emenalom emphasized that the recent appointment of new permanent secretaries must not be seen as personal elevation but as sacred call to serve humanity.
He said, “You are the custodians of our ministries operations. Any criminal act such as tampering with official records will not be tolerated. Accountability, social reforms must begin at the top.”
She called for regular strategic meetings, proactive consultations with relevant authorities, and strict adherence to civil service rules and regulations, which she stressed represents the bedrock of good governance and public trust.
Mrs. Emenalom also commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for his continued support to civil service, stressing that the recent appointment of new permanent secretaries, disbursement of brand-new official cars, and the deployment of over 30 coaster buses to ease workers transportation bears eloquent testimony.
She also acknowledged consistent salary payments, capacity-building workshops, and efforts to improve welfare as proof that the administration is serious about reforms.
She said, “These investments are not for decoration, they are tools for performance. Equip yourselves with knowledge, stay updated on labour laws and ethical standards, and let prudence guide your decisions, especially in procurement processes.”
In her comment, permanent secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mrs Pauline Iwuagwu highlighted that the meeting was timely and transformational. She pledged on behalf of her colleagues to uplift the civil service to greater heights through teamwork and integrity.
