Make Integrity Your Watchword, Oborevwori Charges Public Servants

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta state has charged public servants to render service with integrity, diligence, and a deep commitment to the betterment of the state and country. 

He gave the charge at the retirement thanksgiving of the Delta State Head of Service (HoS), Mr Reginald Bayoko, held at the Grace and Progress Family Church, Asaba. 

The governor lauded Bayoko for achieving a resounding success as HoS by remaining steadfast through trials and triumphs and thanked God with the outgoing chief public officer, for sustaining him throughout his remarkable and illustrious career in public service.

The governor was in company with his Deputy, Monday Onyeme, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, and many senior government functionaries,.

He said that it was worthwhile to celebrate with Bayoko and thank God Almighty for his remarkable service and well-deserved retirement.

Oborevwori said, “It is a moment of reflection, appreciation, and thanksgiving for a man who has given 35 years of his life for the noble cause of public service. 

“Within the 35 years, he was a permanent secretary for almost 10 years. In that 35 years, he was Head of Service for almost 10 years, almost 19 years and we give God all the praise. I always encourage people to cultivate a heart of gratitude, especially towards God. Today, there are people who have been in this service for 10 years, but they want to be like Bayoko.

“They want to be like a permanent secretary. Why don’t you wait for your turn? Because it’s turn by turn. Some are due for retirement. They will not give space for the young ones to grow, they will change their date of birth,”  he stated.

To Bayoko, the governor said: “You have run your race with honour, courage, and humility. You have not only led but also mentored and inspired countless young Deltans who now look up to you as a role model. 

“As you step into this new chapter of life, I have no doubt that your work and experience, wisdom and passion for uplifting others, will continue to shine in new and meaningful ways. As we partake in this thanksgiving service, let us all be reminded of the sacred duties we hold to our communities and our state. 

“Let us strive to emulate the selfless and faithful service that Bayoko exemplified throughout his career. In whatever capacity we serve, let us do so with integrity, diligence, and a deep commitment to the betterment of our state.” 

In a sermon titled, “Don’t forget”, Bishop Chuka Agwuegbo charged Christians and people in authority to always remember that all they have attained and achieved in life were by God’s mercy. 

While congratulating Bayoko on his successful retirement as Head of Service, he described him as a wonderful and brilliant administrator who contributed his quota to the growth and development of the civil service. 

In his remarks, Bayoko thanked God for a remarkable career in the civil service and expressed appreciation to  Oborevwori and former governors of the state for the opportunity to serve the state in several capacities.

A week-long programme of activities to celebrate Bayoko’s retirement as the youngest and longest-serving head of service in Delta was concluded on Saturday with a formal disengagement and Christian thanksgiving held in Asaba, the state capital.