-By Albert OGRAKA:
The newly sworn in Secretary to Delta State Government (SSG), Barr Chiedu Ebie, has charged Staff of the SSG’s Office to brace-up for the desired reform towards moving the State forward.
Barr Ebie gave the charge during his maiden meeting with the staff of the office shortly after his inauguration.
Barr Ebie who was sworn in by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on Monday, June 03, 2019, said he understands the enormous responsibilities attached to his new appointment and appealed to the staff to as usual, give their support towards achieving a better Delta State.
He said that the governor as a thorough person in dealing with details expects the best from the office considered the engine room of government.
He however expressed hope that with the calibre of persons seen in the office, things would go well.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Mr Jerome Morka [mni] who received the SSG in company of other staff expressed joy at his appointment adding that the SSG merited the appointment given his track records.
He disclosed that the office was considered the engine room of government and said it is charged with the responsibility of interpreting and clarifying the policies of government and to ensure that other ministries and departments fall in line with such policies, noting that staff were well in tune with the activities of the office and willing to give the necessary support to enable him succeed in the discharge of his duties.
Recall that during the swearing-in of the SSG, Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa urged him to “Maintain an open door policy and as much as possible make yourself available to all and sundry and give every citizen the opportunity to benefit from our programmes because, in doing this, you must be tactful, objective, just, resourceful and calm at all times.”
While expressing confidence that Mr Ebie will work tirelessly to help his administration deliver on its electioneering promises by reconciling and harmonizing the activities of Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government for effective policy formulation and implementation, Governor Okowa asserted, “Mr Ebie is a fine gentleman who served meritoriously as Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education in the first tenure of this administration.”
“His civility, analytical depth, communication skills and diligence are essential qualities needed for the office of the SSG; in addition to these, modern statecraft, with all its complexities and challenges, requires team players, proactive leaders and men with large appetite for work; criteria which I am convinced Mr Ebie is well equipped with to enrich the social, political and economic narrative of our dear State.” He stated
Mr Ebie in his response, thanked God for the successful inauguration of Governor Okowa and his Deputy, Barr Kingsley Otuaro for a second term, observing that such made it possible for his choice as the Secretary of the State Government.
While thanking Governor Okowa for the opportunity to serve the people as the SSG, he promised to carry out his functions diligently in line with the stronger Delta agenda of Governor Okowa’s administration, stating, “There is still a lot of work to be done.”
