GOVERNOR Sheriff Oborevwori has identified the civil service as key factor for the successful implementation of government policies.
Oborevwori spoke on Friday in Benin City, Edo State, at the Edo Summit, tagged Alaghodaro 2023.
The governor was represented at the occasion by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA.
He said, “the successful implementation of the policies of any government depends largely on the efficiency and effectiveness of the civil service; it is a critical ally in the development process whose early engagement and partnership is crucial as they will ultimately be the managers or key personnel in administering the programmes set out in any plan.”
The governor commended his Edo State counterpart, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, for sustaining the summit for seven years, saying, “the Edo Summit, has offered the government and good people of Edo State, a pedestal for elevated discourses on capacity building, policy formulation and accountability, and institutional reforms to promote good governance, economic inclusivity, social cohesion, and sustainable development.
“It is my belief that proposals, recommendations, and suggestions from previous editions have been instrumental in the progress Edo State has witnessed under the remarkable stewardship of Governor Obaseki.
“Despite the numerous challenges and opposition he has had to confront, I note with delight that Governor Obaseki’s almost eight years tenure has been marked by critical thinking, innovation, service, and social responsibility, all of which speak eloquently to his passion and commitment to the people.
“My dear brother, I commend you for your exemplary leadership and statesmanship. I am persuaded that this final edition of the summit in your tenure will chart the course for your successor and future generations.
“The old aphorism that ‘failing to plan is planning to fail’, holds true for governments as well.
“Every responsive and responsible government makes it a priority to periodically set forth strategic and detailed plans for human, physical, social, and economic development.
“Indeed, development planning is a sine qua non where the gap between the available resources and the demand for same is elastic.
“It is my earnest expectation that this Summit will establish the roadmap to:
Build critical road and transport infrastructure, drive human capital development, and engender inclusive economic growth, propose reforms in revenue and spending; provide the template for job and wealth creation through skills training and entrepreneurship for our teeming youth population; support the promotion of micro, small and medium enterprises through microcredit and training; create a conducive environment for public-private partnership investments; develop the agricultural value chain and agro-industries; reform government-owned enterprises; ensure growth and renewal of urban centres through flood control infrastructure, roads, markets development, housing, and sanitation; and enhance peace building, social and inter-communal harmony.”
Governor Obaseki in an address, stated that Edo State has made a lot of progress in the area of industrialization, institutional reform, among others.
