Yobe begins reforms to improve civil servants’ capacity – HOS

Yobe begins reforms to improve civil servants’ capacity – HOS

The Yobe Government has begun various reforms in the state civil service to improve the capacity and career progression of civil servants, as well as the continuity of service delivery.

Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu, the state Head of Service, disclosed this at the opening ceremony of the state civil service capacity development programme organised by the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Badagry.

L-R: Alhaji Abbass Bizi, Permanent Secretary, Manpower Development, Yobe; Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu, Yobe State Head of Service; Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf, Focal Person on Training and Succession Planning, Yobe, both receiving Award of Excellence on behalf of their State Governor from the Director-General, Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Dr Funke Adepoju, during the opening ceremony of the Capacity Development Programme for 150 Civil Servants of Yobe, at ASCON, Topo Badagry, Lagos

Shehu, who represented Gov. Mai Mala Buni at the occasion, said the reforms had brought hope, satisfaction, and improved productivity among the state workers.

“Over the years the governor has been very supportive of the state civil servants in not only prompt payment of salaries, but in various welfare packages.

“These packages include provision of affordable housing, payment of furniture allowances, and provision of relief material in food and non-food items, to mention just a few.

“In addition, just recently, the governor’s benevolence extended to our retired civil servants by settling all outstanding liabilities in gratuity owed to our senior citizens.

“The governor has also solidified the service in terms of massive recruitment and training of various categories of civil servants, both within and outside Nigeria,” he said.

Shehu commended the participants of the two-week training programme at the college, urging them to leverage the learnings to improve work efficiency and productivity.

According to him, 149 participants had completed their training.

The Voice Media Trust (VMT NEWS) reports that the college presented Gov. Buni with an award of Excellence in Human Capital Development.

Shehu commended ASCON for the award, assuring that the gesture would spur improved performance for the service.

Earlier, Dr Funke Adepoju, Director-General, ASCON, appreciated the state’s partnership with the college and its deliberate investment in the skills and capabilities of its workers.

“This collaboration underscores a deep understanding that no reform can succeed without the competence, character, and commitment of those who implement it.

“Since the commencement of this two-week programme, participants have demonstrated exceptional enthusiasm, discipline, and openness to learning.

“The interactive sessions have explored practical themes around leadership effectiveness, innovation in governance, digital transformation, performance management, ethics, and change management, all crucial in shaping a modern and high-performing civil service,” she said.

Read Also: HoS lauds Buni over payment of N7.9bn gratuities

Adepoju emphasised that the college’s approach to training had become more experiential, forward-looking, and reform-focused.

“We have deliberately shifted from theoretical instruction to applied learning, helping participants translate ideas into measurable action.

“In doing so, we have continued to renew our learning environment, adopt modern delivery tools, and strengthen partnerships that add value to our work.

“More importantly, our pride lies in seeing the renewed confidence and capacity of public servants who leave this college ready to serve with excellence.

“This programme is yet another testimony that transformation begins when leaders invest in people,” she said.

The Director-General commended the participants for their commitment and participation, adding that they are the changemakers who would implement the state’s reform.

Alhaji Abubakar Idris, one of the participants, commended the college for organising the training, saying, “Our capacity has increased, we will use what we have learnt for the development of our state.”