The Edo State Government, as part of ongoing reforms in the state’s civil and public service, has recruited a new batch of 219 professionals into the public service, charging the workers to be dedicated and committed in the discharge of their duties.

The newly recruited public servants, according to the Edo State Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa Esq., were selected from over 5,000 applicants after a meritorious and rigorous selection process.

Addressing the workers at a one-day engagement session held at the John Odigie-Oyegun Public Service Academy, Okungbowa urged the new public servants to work towards sustaining the state government’s reforms in civil and public service, contributing effectively to the development of the state.

Urging them to key into the public service transformation agenda of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration, the Head of Service said the state government is repositioning and retooling the service to become more responsive and deliver efficient and quality service to Edo people.

Commending Governor Obaseki for creating the right environment to support a credible and merit-based recruitment process, he hailed the governor for prioritizing the welfare of workers in the state, ensuring a total reinvention of the workplace.

Okungbowa noted, “We like to immensely thank the Governor of Edo State for the unprecedented attention the government has given to the growth and development of the public service.

“In particular, we want to thank Mr. Governor for the inclusive manner in the public service, which has led to the transformation that has happened in the public service over the past few years.

“It is instructive to note that this administration has not given us a single person to employ in the course of this employment exercise and the others that have been done before.”

He added, “This way, it is very obvious that what is intended by Mr. Governor concerning the public service is that the process of bringing people in should be fair and inclusive so that everyone has equal opportunity of employment. 

“It is no longer like in the past when once you know the Governor or the Deputy Governor, you will automatically get employed. That has changed. Employment in the service under the Obaseki-led administration is now an inclusive exercise that is open for all Edo people irrespective of tribe and connection, among others.”