In the heart of Delta State’s Public Service Week, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori delivered a stirring address that reinforced his administration’s steadfast commitment to driving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and overhauling public service delivery through innovative reforms. As the countdown to 2030 begins, the governor urged civil servants to step up, embrace transformation, and unite in building a more efficient, accountable, and citizen‑focused government.
At the event’s focal point—a public lecture hosted by the Office of the Head of Service—Governor Oborevwori laid out a compelling vision under the banner: “Five Years to 2030: Accelerating Public Service Delivery for a Sustainable Future.” He drew attention to a key mission: empowering institutions, expanding knowledge systems, and reinforcing accountability frameworks—all essential pillars for achieving SDGs in the state by 2030.
“We are investing in new skills, innovative practices, and behavioural change to ensure a well‑equipped and motivated workforce prepared to meet both present and future challenges,” he remarked.
Framing Delta as a trailblazer, Governor Oborevwori cited the state’s swift adoption of the revised national minimum wage—one of the first in the country—and emphasised that this move reflects the wider goal of improving citizens’ wellbeing through public sector enhancements.
He expressed deep gratitude for the workforce’s resilience and pledged continued investment in their welfare. Acknowledging the administration’s belief that motivated personnel are key to SDG attainment, he challenged civil servants to match that dedication with unwavering focus and loyalty toward the government’s objectives.
Table of Contents
Building Human Capital & Institutional Strength
Governor Oborevwori spotlighted the “MORE Agenda”—an acronym for Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace & Security—as the guiding framework for reform. He elaborated on each pillar:
- Meaningful Development: Drive infrastructure and service innovations that resonate with everyday life.
- Opportunities for All: Closing skills and employment gaps through targeted training and equitable policies.
- Realistic Reforms: Enact solid, long-term public service changes rooted in operational reality.
- Enhanced Peace & Security: Secure environments that catalyse investment and sustainable progress.
Strengthening Delta’s civil service hinges on investments in behavioural retraining, leadership development, digital transformation, and performance monitoring. The governor emphasised the need for “new skills, modern practices, and behavioural changes” among public servants.
Reform in Action: From Digitisation to Performance Culture
Dr Minnie Oseji, the Head of Service, provided further clarity on the rollout of reforms under the MORE Agenda. She outlined highlights: a now nearly completed 20‑point agenda, a 10% internally generated revenue plough‑back system for revenue‑earning agencies, and modernisation efforts via digitization, data tracking, and revamped staff training.
These reforms—driven by accountability, transparency, and streamlined processes—are projected to not only elevate service delivery but also enhance investor confidence. In particular, a renewed focus on institutional efficiency and ethical governance aims to attract both foreign and local investments.
Celebrating Merit & Civic Excellence
In a powerful gesture to reinforce excellence, Governor Oborevwori awarded two top performers from the Public Service Quiz Competition with ₦500,000 each. The gesture was more than ceremonial; it was a statement of meritocracy and recognition, affirming that hard work and innovative thinking are valued and rewarded.
A Week of Reflection, Celebration, and Renewal
Dr Oseji charted a week filled with activities designed to foster unity, professional development, and spiritual reflection. From a public radio broadcast and Jumat service, to an online quiz, golf tournament, public lecture, and Thanksgiving event—the gamut of events served to engage civil servants in the ongoing transformation and heightened public service ethos.
She noted a particular surge in participation from the Post‑Primary Education Board and hinted at refining the quiz structure next year to better balance categories.
Momentum Towards 2030 & Beyond
As the global SDG deadline moves ever closer, Governor Oborevwori’s call to action is timely and resolute. He reinforced that the pillars of success will be institutional strength, talented leadership, digital readiness, and ethical governance.
By positioning the civil service at the forefront of SDG achievement in Delta State, the administration has clearly mapped out a path to accelerated growth, improved citizen welfare, and a model of public sector excellence.
Future Outlook & Key Takeaways
- Delta’s bold early adoption of the new minimum wage sends a strong signal to other states and stakeholders to prioritise citizen welfare.
- The MORE Agenda offers a comprehensive roadmap blending economic uplift, equity, structural reforms, and security.
- Rewarding high‑performance public servants strengthens morale and underscores the shift toward a meritocratic system.
- A multi‑faceted reform strategy involving tech integration, capacity building, and revenue reinvestment actively supports long‑term transformation.
- These sustained reforms are expected to create a fertile climate for private investment, aligning economic development with global SDG targets.
Conclusion
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to Delta State public service reform SDGs marks a defining moment where intention meets implementation. With civil service renewal at the core, driven by investment in people, processes, and accountability, his administration has positioned Delta to emerge as a beacon of sustainable governance by 2030.
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