By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Asaba
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the safety and security of lives and property across the state, even as he officially swore in Dr. Minnie Oseji as the new Head of Service.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony at Government House, Asaba, on Thursday, Governor Oborevwori disclosed that security agencies in the state are recording significant progress in the fight against kidnapping and violent crimes through preemptive operations.
“As the Chief Security Officer of the state, I can confirm that our security agencies have been up and doing, employing preemptive strikes and tactical operations to combat crime. We are not relenting in our support for them, as we continue to provide the necessary tools and resources to enhance their effectiveness,” the governor said.
While admitting that the security situation remains a challenge, he stressed that collaborative efforts between government, security agencies, and the public were key to achieving lasting peace.
“Our security personnel are not clairvoyant; they depend heavily on intelligence from the public. I urge residents to report suspicious activities promptly. If you see something, say something,” Oborevwori advised.
Turning to the civil service, the governor praised the outgoing Head of Service, Mr. Reginald Bayoko, for his dedication and service, and lauded Dr. Oseji as a seasoned professional with a proven track record of discipline, leadership, and excellence.
“She is a quintessential civil servant—brilliant, dedicated, and ethical. I have no doubt that she will uphold and improve the standards of our public service,” he stated.
The governor, however, tasked the new Head of Service with addressing issues plaguing the system, including lateness, absenteeism, unethical practices, and poor maintenance culture.
“This administration is determined to build a performance-driven and disciplined civil service. Our workers must align with the policy direction of government and put public interest above personal interests,” he said.
Also inaugurated during the ceremony was Pastor Austin Igbine as the new Chairman of the Board of the Delta Printing and Publishing Company, publishers of The Pointer newspaper. Oborevwori expressed optimism that Igbine’s leadership would usher in a new era of innovation and digital transformation for the state-owned media house.
In her remarks, Dr. Oseji thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in her and pledged to reposition the civil service by entrenching professionalism and aligning its operations with the administration’s MORE Agenda.
“I will do everything within my capacity to ensure that no one is left behind in this journey toward a better, reformed civil service,” she assured.