Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has emphasized the crucial role of a strong and professional civil service in effective governance. He stated this while declaring open a three-day executive training programme for permanent secretaries in Yenagoa, the state capital. The training, organized by the Bayelsa State Government in collaboration with the Nigeria Institute of Management (Chartered), aims to enhance the leadership skills of permanent secretaries. Diri was represented by his deputy, Dr Peter Akpe.
The governor highlighted the importance of bureaucracy in promoting order, efficiency, fairness, accountability, and institutional continuity. He urged permanent secretaries to serve as a critical bridge between political leaders and the bureaucracy, providing professional advice and working closely with directors and other professionals within their ministries. Diri stressed the need for continuous learning, citing the managerial principles of Max Weber. He warned that public servants who fail to update their knowledge could become disconnected from current realities.
Diri emphasized that permanent secretaries must be intentional and conscious of their role in ensuring a strong bureaucracy. He noted that some permanent secretaries have been in service for over 30 years, and it is essential for them to update their knowledge to remain relevant. The governor encouraged them to carry their directors and other officers along in their decision-making processes. This, he believes, will foster a collaborative and effective work environment.
The state’s Head of Service, Dr Ebiye Sawyer, welcomed the participants and noted that the training is timely, given the expectations of citizens for government institutions to be more responsive, transparent, and efficient. Sawyer emphasized that permanent secretaries occupy a strategic position in the machinery of government, responsible for policy implementation, strengthening institutional systems, and promoting professionalism in the public service.
Sawyer urged the participants to embrace digital transformation and improve administrative processes, data management, and access to government services. He stressed that strategic leadership requires more than routine administrative responsibilities, demanding vision, sound judgement, innovation, effective communication, accountability, and the capacity to inspire officers towards achieving institutional goals.
Other speakers at the event, including the Chairman, Bayelsa State Civil Service Commission, Perekiye Buruboyefe, and the Chairman, NIM (Chartered), Dr Sani Abubakar, expressed their commitment to the training and urged participants to open their minds and hearts to the knowledge being offered. The event was attended by various dignitaries, including the State Director, Code of Conduct Bureau, and the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy.
The training programme aims to equip permanent secretaries with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive effective service delivery in Bayelsa State. The governor’s emphasis on continuous learning and strategic leadership underscores the importance of a professional and responsive civil service in achieving the state’s goals. The programme is expected to have a positive impact on the state’s governance and service delivery.
Key points
- The Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has stressed the importance of a strong and professional civil service to effective governance.
- The governor urged permanent secretaries to provide professional advice to political leaders and work closely with directors and other professionals within their ministries.
- The training programme aims to enhance the leadership skills of permanent secretaries and drive effective service delivery in Bayelsa State.
