By Joy Salami
Kogi State Governor , Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has promised to sustain and enhance the existing system that rewards the hard work and dedication of civil servants.
The proposed enhanced State Civil Service Award, which is set to be introduced from next year, is designed to honour outstanding workers from the lowest cadre to permanent secretaries.
In addition, the initiative aims to improve staff morale, enhance productivity, and promote good governance within the state’s public service.
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Represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Muizudeen Yunus Abdullahi, SAN, Governor Ododo made the pledge at the dinner and award night marking the end of the 2025 Civil Service Week in Lokoja, saying ministries will sponsor award categories to encourage healthy competition.
According to him, the move is part of efforts to recognise the selfless contributions of civil servants, who he described as “the backbone of the state’s progress.” He revealed that he was impressed by the diversity of this year’s awardees from health, budgeting, and documentation to protocol and praised their commitment to self-development, particularly in digital skills, adding that “there is no age limit to development.”
The governor’s representative commended the Head of Service and organisers for a successful week, noting that in all his years in Kogi, he had never seen the civil service unite in such a warm and joyous atmosphere. He also adopted the recommendations given by past and present leaders of the service, saying the government would act on them to shape a better future for the state.
Earlier, the Head of Service said this year’s theme, Digital Transformation, reflected the state’s drive for efficiency, transparency, and innovation in governance. He explained that the choice of theme was deliberate, as the government is committed to modernising service delivery and ensuring that civil servants acquire the skills needed to operate in a technology-driven world.
According to him, the week-long celebration was designed not only to recognise excellence but also to inspire civil servants to embrace a culture of learning, adaptability, and service-mindedness. Adding that the activities, which included a free medical outreach, special Juma’at and Christian services, a public lecture, a novelty football match, and a symbolic tree-planting exercise were meant to demonstrate that transformation must be holistic, touching the health, moral values, physical well-being, and environmental responsibility of the workforce.
The Head of Service emphasised that the Kogi State Civil Service remains the backbone of governance, stressing that without a dedicated, innovative, and ethical workforce, no administration can succeed.
He called on all workers to see themselves as partners in the state’s development agenda and to approach their duties with renewed energy and creativity.
The closing ceremony, held at the Glass House, featured musical performances, dinner, and the presentation of awards to distinguished officers. Sponsors, including the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, Zenith Bank, the State Universal Basic Education Board, and other platinum, diamond, gold, and silver partners, were also recognised.
Both the governor’s representative and the Head of Service urged civil servants to return to their offices with renewed commitment to excellence and innovation.
The high point of the evening was the presentation of awards to individuals for their selfless service, zeal, and sacrifices toward the growth of the state’s civil service.
