Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has charged mandate officers in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure strict adherence to standards before clearance certificates are issued to contractors for projects done.
The Governor gave the charge on Friday while receiving the College of Permanent Secretaries led by the state Head of Service, Mr. Reginald Bayoko, on a Christmas and New Year visit to him in Government House, Asaba.
The Governor, who said that Permanent Secretaries were very key to his administration, commended them for their commitment and support to his government as they effectively held the ministries before commissioners were appointed in line with constitutional requirements.
He noted that his administration was very focused on consolidating on the foundations already laid in the past few months in 2024, adding that his government would remain committed to its MORE agenda to deliver the gains of democracy to the people of the state.
He said the administration had been running smoothly without borrowing because of its prudent management of the state’s resources, adding that if there would ever be any reason to do so, such facility must be tied to tangible and beneficial projects.
“I am happy to receive you people today because Permanent Secretaries are very important to this administration.
“When I assumed office, I ran the state with you people before Commissioners were appointed. I must say that you people did extremely well.
“Most of the achievements we have today, you people laid the foundation. We planned ahead before the Commissioners came. I want to say that you contributed to the commendation we receive today in the country.
“We give God the glory for the achievements we have had and I advise that we continue to sustain it in the coming year.
“We are among the few states that have not borrowed money since we came on board seven months ago. If we must borrow, we must borrow money that would be tied to projects and we will be very sure of the projects.
“Another advice I want to give to the Permanent Secretaries is that you discuss with your Directors to ensure that they issue certificates to contractors for only completed jobs.
“This is because a lot is going on and we won’t take it in 2024. Your certificate will not guarantee payment except when the jobs have been verified as completed.
“If this government succeeds, we have all succeeded. I believe that 2024 will be better than 2023,” Oborevwori added.
Continuing, he said; “we must thank God for the achievements so far; we have engaged a construction giant, Julius Berger to build flyovers, cloverleaf, pedestrian bridges and expand roads in Warri and Effurun. We have also inaugurated several projects, while other projects are being constructed across the state.”
Earlier, Bayoko who led the delegation of the College of Permanent Secretaries, made up of 45 Permanent Secretaries and 15 Heads of Extra Ministerial Departments, commended the Governor for granting them audience.
He extended the felicitation of the College of Permanent Secretaries and the entire state Civil Service to the Governor on Yuletide and commended him for his visionary leadership style since he took the mantle of leadership of the state.
“We represent a group of dedicated public servants committed to the noble cause of serving our beloved state under your guidance and vision.
“We extend our heart- felt felicitation to you and your immediate family. We say that within this short time that you have been on the saddle as the head, you have provided visionary leadership.
“We have seen unprecedented development and your commitment towards the public service and your drive in ushering a new era of prosperity has been inspirational.
“As Civil Servants, we are the backbone of public administration and it is our solemn duty to implement your vision effectively and efficiently.
“So, we stand here today, not just as your team, but also as committed individuals ready to take on the challenges that would come our way because we are inspired by your leadership.
“So, as we face the new year, we know that there would be challenges but be rest assured that we are ready to turn any challenge that comes our way into stepping stones for a better future for our state,” Bayoko said.