Gov Babagana Zulum of Borno, on Tuesday inaugurated five new Permanent Secretaries into the State Civil Service as part of ongoing efforts to reform and strengthen public administration.
The new permanent secretaries included Alhaji Adamu Isa-Abadam, Alhaji Aja Gana-Bukar, Hajiya Yabawa Kolo, Alhaji Abdulkadir Mustapha and Alhaji Hassan Abdullahi-Hassan.
Dr Umar Kadafur, the Deputy Governor, administered the oath of office and oath of allegiance on the appointees on behalf of Gov. Zulum in Maiduguri.
The governor said that the appointments were in line with the recommendations of the Public Service Committee to abolish the office of the Ministerial Secretary as part of wider civil service reforms.
He said that the government accepted the committee’s recommendation to elevate remaining Ministerial Secretaries to the rank of Permanent Secretaries, thereby eliminating redundant positions and enhancing efficiency in governance.
“This step is critical in strengthening the structure of the state civil service and promoting efficiency in the formulation and execution of government policies and programmes,” he said.
He urged the new Permanent Secretaries to align with the Borno State 25-Year Development Plan and the 10-Year Strategic Transformation Initiative, which he said were anchored on principles of sustainability, equity and inclusivity.
“As you assume your new roles, I urge you to embrace the administration’s development agenda with renewed vigour. The development plan remains our guiding blueprint for delivering sustainable development and prosperity,” he said.
Zulum also charged them to demonstrate excellence, integrity, and accountability in their duties, and to report promptly and work diligently to ensure effective implementation of government programmes.
He advised them to collaborate with their commissioners and subordinate staff to promote team spirit and ensure seamless service delivery.
Earlier, Dr Muhammad-Ghuluze, the Head of Service, said that while appointment as a Permanent Secretary usually required passing prescribed examinations, the current appointees were selected based on their outstanding service and contributions to the civil service.
Speaking on behalf of the new appointees, Hajiya Yabawa-Kolo, thanked Gov. Zulum for the honour and pledged their commitment to serve diligently and uphold the trust placed in them.
“We are deeply indebted to the government for this opportunity. We will not fail the people of Borno. We will put in our best to actualise the goals and vision of the state,” she said.
She added that the new Permanent Secretaries remain loyal to the administration’s transformation agenda and would seek guidance and collaboration to fulfil their responsibilities effectively. (NAN)
