Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Thursday formally swore in Mrs Minnie Oseji as the new Head of Service of the state, following the retirement of Mr Reginald Bayoko.
The governor also inaugurated Mr Austin Igbine as the new Chairman of the Board of Delta Printing and Publishing Company, the publishers of The Pointer newspaper. Both ceremonies were held at Government House, Asaba.
Speaking during the event, Governor Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining a secure and peaceful Delta State, noting that security agencies had continued to record successes in the battle against kidnapping and violent crimes.
“As the Chief Security Officer of the state, I am well aware of the strides our security personnel have made,” the governor stated.
“Through pre-emptive strikes and combat operations, they are reducing criminal activities, and we are providing them with the tools and resources they need to do even more.”
He emphasized that public cooperation was vital to sustaining these efforts, urging residents to be vigilant and to report suspicious activities promptly.
“Our security officers are not clairvoyants. Their success depends heavily on information from the public,” he said. “If you see or hear something, please say something. Security is a shared responsibility.”
While congratulating Mrs Oseji on her appointment, Governor Oborevwori praised her for her professionalism, dedication, and leadership qualities.
“She is a quintessential civil servant—polite, brilliant, and thorough,” he said. “I believe her years of experience and unwavering commitment to excellence will serve the state well.”
He charged her to focus on reforming work ethics within the civil service and to address issues such as absenteeism, lateness, and unethical practices. The governor stressed the importance of aligning civil service operations with the government’s policies and priorities.
“We want a disciplined and performance-driven civil service,” he said. “Civil servants must put public interest above personal interest and avoid the ‘us versus them’ mentality. Teamwork is essential.”
Similarly, Oborevwori congratulated Mr Igbine, urging him to reposition The Pointer newspaper for greater editorial impact and operational growth.
“We expect improved editorial standards, wider circulation, better marketing, and a boost in digital operations,” he noted.
In her remarks, Oseji expressed gratitude to the governor for the opportunity to serve and promised to uphold the principles of integrity and professionalism in her new role.
“I am deeply honoured by this appointment,” she said. “I will ensure that our civil service aligns with the financial regulations and supports the M.O.R.E. Agenda of the Oborevwori administration. No one will be left behind.”
The M.O.R.E. Agenda represents the governor’s strategic vision for advancing governance in Delta State
