By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Binyerem C. Ukaire, has called on civil servants to embrace innovation, continuous learning, digital transformation, teamwork and excellence in service delivery as key drivers of a productive, citizen-centred and globally competitive public service.
Dr. Ukaire made the call on Monday during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Civil Service Week celebration at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
The week-long event, which runs from June 22 to June 28, is aimed at recognizing and celebrating the contributions of civil servants to national development.
Addressing officers and staff, the Permanent Secretary described Civil Service Week as an important annual event dedicated to appreciating the invaluable role public servants play in sustaining governance and promoting national progress.
She commended ministry personnel for their dedication and sacrifices in ensuring effective public administration.
“Today is your day. We are here to celebrate every one of you who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure continuity, stability and progress in public administration,” she said.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s celebration, “Transforming Public Institutions Through Advancing Innovation, Participation and Inclusion,” Dr. Ukaire said it aligns with ongoing Federal Government reforms focused on strengthening public institutions through technology-driven administration, capacity development, innovation and improved service delivery.
According to her, the ministry must continue to fulfil its strategic role as the engine room of government communication and national orientation while adapting to the evolving demands of modern governance.
She urged staff to uphold the core values of the public service, including integrity, professionalism, accountability, patriotism and excellence.
“Let us embrace innovation, continuous learning, teamwork and excellence in service delivery as we strive to deliver on the mandate entrusted to us by the Nigerian people,” she stated.
The Permanent Secretary further stressed the importance of personal and professional development, noting that learning, adaptation and innovation are essential for effective public service in the digital era.
She also called on workers to recommit themselves to building a responsive and efficient public service capable of supporting national development and advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“Change has come, but you are the ones who will make that change happen. Let us all play our part and put our hands on deck to actualize the vision of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation,” she added.
Dr. Ukaire encouraged officers and staff to actively participate in all activities lined up for the celebration, including a special Juma’at prayer and an interdenominational thanksgiving service.
The opening ceremony featured sensitization presentations on the six pillars of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 2021–2025), delivered by directors and senior officials of the ministry.
Speaking on Capability Building, Director of Public Communications, Barr. Henshaw Ogubike, highlighted the importance of continuous learning, talent management, mentoring and career development in building a competent and motivated workforce.
Representing the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mrs. Dickson Amaka underscored the significance of the Performance Management System (PMS) in promoting accountability, productivity and alignment of individual performance with organizational goals.
On the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), Deputy Director of Human Resources Management, Mr. Peter Davwet, explained that the platform has enhanced transparency, accountability and efficiency in payroll administration across the Federal Civil Service.
Also speaking, Director of Production, Publicity and Documentary, Mr. Ibidapo Okunnu, encouraged staff to embrace creativity and innovative thinking, describing innovation as a critical component of ongoing civil service reforms.
The Deputy Director of ICT, Mr. Ifeanyi Okereke, stressed the need for effective utilisation of government digital platforms, official email systems and emerging technologies to improve efficiency, transparency and inter-agency collaboration.
On staff welfare, Director of Public Relations and Protocol, Dr. Haruna Suleiman, highlighted government initiatives aimed at improving the wellbeing of civil servants, including career advancement opportunities, housing schemes, loan facilities and better working conditions.
Representatives of staff and labour unions also reaffirmed their support for reforms targeted at enhancing capacity development, staff welfare and institutional effectiveness, while urging workers to take ownership of the ongoing transformation agenda.
The ceremony marked the beginning of a week-long programme designed to celebrate the contributions of civil servants and deepen awareness of reforms aimed at repositioning the Federal Civil Service for greater efficiency, innovation and improved service delivery to Nigerians.
