Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has commended workers in the state for their unwavering commitment and resilience, describing them as driving force of successful execution of his administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda.
Oborevwori said this on Tuesday during the state Public Service Lecture organized to mark the 2026 International Public/Civil Service Week, entitled: “Reforms, Resilience and Results.”
Represented by his Deputy, Monday Onyeme, the governor said: “ideas and infrastructure mean little if the workforce is not secure.’’
According to him, the government is aware of the sustained calls from labor unions and associations for affordable workers’ housing estates to address the deficit confronting the state workforce.
“Evidently, your request is a just call; haven spent your career building Delta for others, you deserve decent shelter for your own family. housing is dignity, and dignity is part of results.
“My government is already engaging the Ministry of Housing, the Delta State Mortgage Trust Bank, and other private sector partners and real estate developers to design a phased, transparent workers’ housing scheme for the state.
“The project will prioritize serving officers and retirees, with flexible, salary-friendly payment structures; we will also adequately fund existing Staff Welfare Schemes, including the officers’ housing loan; and vehicle loan committees.
“We will revamp the Workers’ Owner-Occupier Housing Scheme through a strategic Public-Private-Partnership with recognized Real Estate Developers for results and workers’ expectations.
“We will not make promises we cannot keep, but I assure you the framework of our vision is very promising and advancing; as the M.O.R.E Agenda believes that opportunities for all must include opportunities for decent living,” he said.
He said the purpose of “International Public/Civil Service Day celebration is to recognize the people who formed the backbone of governance.
“It is to also reaffirm the core values that define public service, viz – integrity, honesty, impartiality, professionalism, and dedication to duty.
“These values are the soul of governance. Where they thrive, trust grows; and where they weaken, service fails.
“To every civil servant in the state, ranging from the Permanent Secretary drafting policy in Asaba, the teacher in Patani, the nurse in Oghara, the engineer executing the Ughelli-Asaba dual carriage road.
“The clerk in Bomadi, the firefighter on night duty in Warri, the cleaner in government offices, I stand before you with gratitude; you are the resilience of this government.
“You translate promises into classrooms, clinics, roads and essential services; you are the bridge between the M.O.R.E Agenda and the league of residents on the streets; today, we honor you all.
“This year’s theme of celebration, Reforms, Resilience and Results” is not just a slogan, it is a clarion call to action for structural and policy changes for modern governance.
“Stronger public institutions; a focus on measurable outcomes and performance accountability; and a citizen-centric civil service driven by digitalization.
“It mirrors exactly what this administration stands for under the M.O.R.E Agenda of Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security.
“Permit me to x-ray the theme through the lens of our vision and facts on ground: – Reforms: – “Building Institutions on Integrity and Honesty”
He said that reform begins when government submits itself to the same standards it demanded from citizens.
He added that under the M.O.R.E Agenda, the state have pursued realistic reforms anchored on integrity and honesty.
“We have strengthened fiscal discipline, deepened accountability, and sanitized the public procurement processes. Public funds must serve public good, not private pockets.
“The most human face of this reform is our unwavering commitment to the regular and timely payment of salaries and pensions.
“We know that a worker cannot demonstrate professionalism and dedication to duty when there is anxiety over wages, by protecting workers take-home pay.
“We are protecting the dignity of labor and the integrity of government.
“In spite economic headwinds, our civil servants have maintained impartiality in serving the state without ethnic, political, or sectional bias; you have upheld professionalism even when resources are stretched,” he said.
Oborevwori said that across the three senatorial districts, the M.O.R.E Agenda is delivering results, adding that the evidenced is in the Ughelli-Asaba dual carriageway.
“The storm water projects in Warri/Uvwie designed to end perennial flooding, rehabilitation of general hospitals and provision of strategic medical equipment across the state.
“Upgrading of technical colleges, and expansion of rural roads to open up agricultural communities amongst many others.
“The world of work has changed as citizens now demand speed, data, and transparency; just as a resilient institution learns, reforms itself, and rejects mediocrity.
“We are digitizing records to end file-tracking delays; and we are deploying online platforms where the people of Delta can apply for approvals, verify documents, and give feedback without “knowing someone”.
“That is professionalism in action; that is a civil service where impartiality means no one is favored; and dedication means no file is abandoned; that is the result of reforms plus resilience.”
He urged them to recommit to the five core values that give meaning to our work.
“Let Integrity be your signature on every document; and let honesty be your language in every transaction.
“Let impartiality be your standard when serving citizens, let professionalism be your habit in conduct and competence; and let dedication to duty be your lifestyle, whether anyone is watching or not.
Mrs Caroline Ajuyah, the Guest Lecturer commended the Delta government for the remarkable investments made in infrastructure and technology across ministries, departments, and agencies.
She said that these initiatives had significantly improved service delivery and operational efficiency.
The Head of Service, Dr. Mininim Oseji, also thanked Oborevwori “for creating the enabling environment for the civil and public service to flourish.” (NAN)
