•Civil service will enjoy sustained growth – Former HoS
By Joy Salami
The newly appointed Head of Service in Kogi State, Hajia Falilat Musa, has assumed office with a pledge to implement reforms aimed at improving the welfare and productivity drive of civil servants.
Speaking shortly after assuming office, Hajia Falilat expressed profound gratitude to God and to the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for the confidence reposed in her, describing the appointment as a reflection of the governor’s inclusive and gender-friendly leadership style.
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Hajia Falilat Musa promised to prioritise the welfare of civil servants while working to restore discipline, commitment and productivity across the state’s civil service.
She commended Governor Ododo for deliberately positioning women in strategic leadership roles across the state, noting that Kogi now boasts of women occupying key offices such as Secretary to the State Government, Accountant-General, Director-General of Pensions and Head of Service.
According to her, this approach to governance has continued to set Kogi apart as a state that recognises competence and capacity irrespective of gender.
The Head of Service acknowledged that there was room for improvement in the work culture within the civil service, expressing her commitment to initiatives that would revive morale and professionalism among workers.
She explained that restoring confidence in the system would require a renewed sense of ownership among civil servants, urging them to see the development of the state as a collective responsibility.
While assuring workers that their welfare would remain her top priority, she appealed for their cooperation and support, emphasising that meaningful reforms cannot be achieved without collective effort.
She stressed that with leadership from directors and top officials, positive change would naturally cascade down the ranks to create a more effective civil service.
Adding that with commitment and cooperation from the civil servants, Kogi State can regain a disciplined, effective and vibrant civil service.
She expressed optimism that with the right attitude, renewed motivation and teamwork, the civil service would play its rightful role in moving the state to greater heights.
Meanwhile, the outgone Head of Service of Kogi State, Dr. Elijah Adeiza Evinemi, had earlier formally handed over to his successor, Hajia Falilat Musa, where he expressed confidence that the state civil service will continue to grow under her leadership.
Speaking during the handover ceremony held at the State Secretariat, Lokoja, Dr. Evinemi, who has been redeployed as Special Adviser on Budget and Economic Planning II, expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve and thanked Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for finding him worthy to contribute his quota towards enhancing the administration.
He appreciated the governor for giving him the opportunity to serve in the present administration and to play key roles in the development of the state.
Dr. Evinemi noted that several reforms and restructuring initiatives were initiated during his tenure, some of which have been completed while others are still ongoing.
He expressed optimism that the new Head of Service would build on the foundations already laid. “A lot of reforms were carried out, some completed and many still ongoing. It is our belief that the civil service will continue to thrive and reach greater heights,” he said.
He stated that the ultimate goal of the reforms was to position Kogi State among the best-performing civil services in the country, in line with the administration’s development agenda and long-term planning framework.
“Our desire is that when states with performing civil services are mentioned, Kogi State will be at the top. All reforms are aligned with His Excellency’s agenda and the long-term development plans of the state”, Dr. Evinemi emphasised.
He described his exit from service as one marked by gratitude, noting that he served to the best of his ability and wished the new Head of Service success.
“I thank God that He granted His Excellency the wisdom to appoint a worthy successor”, he added.
In her remarks, the newly appointed Head of Service, Hajia Falilat Musa, expressed deep gratitude to God and to Governor Ododo for the confidence reposed in her.
She also commended the governor for his commitment to inclusive governance, particularly in recognizing and empowering women in leadership positions. “Women are growing, and this administration has shown great support for the women folk,” she said.
Hajia Falilat praised the outgone Head of Service for his dedication and leadership, describing him as kind and committed to the welfare of civil servants.
On her part ,she pleged to build on his experience and legacy and continue from where he stopped.
She further promised to work towards improving the welfare of civil servants and advancing the state’s public service to greater heights.
“I will see how we can move Kogi State forward and ensure that our civil servants enjoy the dividends of good governance”, she added.
