Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, on Thursday swore in 19 newly appointed permanent secretaries, describing the appointments as the largest single appointment of permanent secretaries in the history of the state.
The latest appointments have increased the number of permanent secretaries appointed by the Yahaya administration to 55 since it assumed office about seven-and-a-half years ago.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony in Gombe, the governor said the appointments were part of efforts to strengthen the state civil service and reposition it as the engine room of government.
Yahaya said a competent, motivated and disciplined civil service was essential for translating government policies into tangible results and ensuring effective delivery of democratic dividends to citizens.
He said his administration had prioritised civil service reforms since taking office, including the establishment of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, introduction of biometric attendance to tackle ghost workers and absenteeism, implementation of the minimum wage for state and local government workers, recruitment of 1,000 teachers and construction of a new secretariat complex.
The governor also disclosed that his administration had paid more than N33 billion in pension and gratuity obligations, with about 70 per cent of the amount inherited from the previous administration.
He said another phase of gratuity payments would begin by the end of September, with the aim of clearing all outstanding gratuity obligations before the administration leaves office in May 2027.
According to Yahaya, the selection of the new permanent secretaries followed an internal assessment of the civil service structure after the creation of new ministries and restructuring of the government.
He said senior directors from the state’s 11 local government areas were shortlisted, while their qualifications and service records were assessed. Written examinations were also conducted to test their general knowledge and ICT competencies.
The governor said the process was designed to promote merit, fairness, equity and justice.
Yahaya noted that all 11 local government areas were represented among the new permanent secretaries, describing the decision as a way of promoting inclusivity, unity and a sense of belonging across the state.
He added that two of the appointees came from outside the state civil service—one from the Federal Service and another from academia.
The governor charged the new permanent secretaries to uphold integrity, professionalism and dedication in the discharge of their responsibilities.
He warned that his administration would not tolerate indiscipline, dishonesty or corruption in the public service.
Yahaya also urged them to embrace innovation and technology to improve efficiency and service delivery across their respective ministries.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare and working conditions of civil servants, saying the government would continue to provide opportunities for capacity building.
The governor congratulated the new permanent secretaries and urged them to justify the confidence placed in them by the people of Gombe State.
He expressed confidence that their contributions would help strengthen governance and promote peace, unity and development across the state.
Tags
National News