Rivers PSs Get Capacity Boost As Odu Tasks Them On Result-Oriented Leadership
By Mercy Tula, PORT HARCOURT – The Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged Permanent Secretaries in the state public service to embrace innovation, strategic thinking and result-oriented leadership as part of efforts to improve service delivery to the people.
Prof. Odu gave the charge while declaring open a three-day capacity-building training programme organised for all Permanent Secretaries in the Rivers State Public Service.
The Rivers State Government officially identifies Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu as the state’s Deputy Governor.
The training, held under the theme, “From Custodians of Process to Drivers of Transformation,” is designed to strengthen the capacity of senior civil servants and equip them with the skills required to effectively respond to the evolving demands of modern public administration.
Prof. Odu said adherence to due process, professionalism and administrative rules remained fundamental to effective governance, but stressed that these must now be complemented by innovation, accountability, strategic decision-making and a strong focus on measurable results.
According to her, the people of Rivers State expect a public service that is not only compliant with established procedures but also efficient, responsive and capable of delivering tangible improvements in their lives.
She urged the Permanent Secretaries to take the programme seriously, participate actively in the sessions and draw maximally from the experience and expertise of the facilitators.
The Deputy Governor further challenged the participants to ensure that the knowledge and insights gained during the training translate into practical reforms and improved performance across their respective Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
She said strengthening the capacity of Permanent Secretaries was critical because of their strategic role in driving government policies, coordinating administrative processes and ensuring continuity and effective implementation across the public service.
Prof. Odu also expressed appreciation to the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, for approving the initiative and demonstrating continued commitment to strengthening the state’s public service.
She maintained that a well-trained and forward-looking civil service remained essential to translating government policies and programmes into meaningful outcomes for citizens.
The training therefore represents an important step towards repositioning the Rivers State Public Service from a system focused largely on maintaining administrative processes to one driven by innovation, efficiency, accountability and measurable development results.
