Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), has urged newly promoted directors to fully embrace the ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing service delivery, improving productivity, and making the Civil Service more agile and accountable.

Speaking at a recognition dinner in Abuja on Friday night, Walson-Jack emphasized the importance of the reform initiatives outlined in the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025 (FCSSIP 25).

She explained that these reforms are designed to transform the Civil Service into a world-class institution that fosters sustainable national development.

The recognition event, organized by the Office of the Head of Service in partnership with Felak Concept Group, was a moment of pride for the newly promoted directors, who expressed their excitement about being publicly celebrated for their hard work and dedication.

This marked the first time that newly promoted civil servants were honored in this way.

A key moment of the evening was the presentation of lapels to the new directors. Walson-Jack reminded the directors that their promotion was not an end, but the beginning of a more challenging journey.

She noted that their influence and leadership would play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Civil Service.

Reaffirming her office’s commitment to supporting the directors, Walson-Jack assured them that they would receive the necessary resources, training, and guidance to succeed.

She also encouraged open communication, stating that her doors are always open for support and collaboration.

Highlighting the significance of their roles, Walson-Jack told the directors: “This is a moment of celebration, but it is also a time for reflection and a call to greater responsibility. Your promotion reflects not only your achievements but also the trust placed in you by the Federal Civil Service and the nation. As Directors, you are now tasked with leadership and stewardship in the Civil Service transformation.”

She urged them to wholeheartedly embrace the reforms in FCSSIP 25, emphasizing that these are practical strategies aimed at improving service delivery and creating a more efficient and accountable Civil Service.

“You are key to ensuring that these reforms are implemented throughout your teams. Your leadership will set the tone for how these reforms are executed.” she said.

Walson-Jack also encouraged the directors to rededicate themselves to principles of good governance, transparency, and efficiency.

She stressed that the future of the Federal Civil Service depends on creating a culture where innovation thrives, accountability is upheld, and excellence is consistently pursued.

She further urged the directors to inspire confidence in their teams and stakeholders, saying, “Let your leadership be a model of integrity and professionalism. Ensure that your actions reflect the highest standards of Public Service.”

The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) has confirmed that Rivers State will continue to receive its federal allocations, despite ongoing legal challenges regarding the state’s financial entitlements.

The OAGF reassured that it would comply with all court orders, including adhering to any notices of appeal.

In a statement made on Friday, Bawa Mokwa, the Director of Press and Public Relations at OAGF, explained that, given the notice of appeal filed by Rivers State, the legal process takes precedence.

“We will comply with court orders,” Mokwa stated, emphasizing that the notice of appeal effectively overrides the initial court ruling, ensuring that Rivers will continue to receive payments.

This assurance follows a controversial ruling by the Federal High Court on October 30, 2024, which directed the Central Bank of Nigeria to withhold future monthly allocations to Rivers State.

The court’s decision was based on Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s presentation of the 2024 budget to a House of Assembly with only four members, which the court declared unconstitutional.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, in delivering the judgment, stated that the state’s financial activities since January 2024 had been based on an illegitimate budget, labeling the situation a “constitutional aberration.”

The court raised concerns about the composition of the Rivers State House of Assembly, questioning its legal authority to approve the state’s budget.

It was ruled that the Governor’s actions, bypassing constitutional requirements for a fully constituted Assembly, violated sections of the Nigerian Constitution and were an affront to the rule of law.

The judgment followed a suit filed by a faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule, who challenged the legitimacy of the four-member Assembly backed by Governor Fubara.

The Amaewhule faction had earlier in the year declared that the state should stop all expenditures until the governor presented a legitimate budget to a properly constituted Assembly.

Despite the ruling, the Rivers State Government immediately filed an appeal against the judgment, and the state’s Information Commissioner, Joseph Johnson, expressed confidence that the Appeal Court would overturn the decision.

He described the court’s ruling as unfounded, asserting that the governor’s legal team was optimistic about the outcome of the appeal.

In light of the ongoing legal proceedings, the OAGF has confirmed that the federal allocations to Rivers State will continue, pending the final resolution of the matter in court.

The Ebonyi State Government has initiated a data collection exercise targeting beggars and hawkers, with a particular focus on underage individuals, within the Abakaliki metropolis.

The state’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Felicia Nwankpuma, announced the move on Friday during a road walk aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of street begging, underage hawking, loitering, and human trafficking.

The event took place within Abakaliki.

Nwankpuma condemned the practice of child hawking and begging, particularly during school hours, describing it as a form of child labor.

She explained that the data collection effort would help ensure that underage individuals are reintegrated into the educational system.

Additionally, she revealed that adult beggars would be provided with skills training and empowerment opportunities.

“We have made efforts to offer some of them the chance to acquire skills, and once they complete the training, we will empower them,” the commissioner stated.

Nwankpuma also highlighted that the ministry is working with the state Ministry of Health and the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, to provide treatment for mentally ill individuals on the streets.

“We will begin with four people, monitor their progress, and gradually extend the treatment to others, as some are not fully mentally deranged but rather suffering from depression,” she added.

The commissioner emphasized that the campaign would be conducted in partnership with traditional rulers, community leaders, and other key stakeholders to identify and support vulnerable individuals effectively.