The Head of Service, Bayelsa State, Dr. Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer, mni, has urged civil servants to reciprocate the unwavering commitment of the Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency Senator Douye Diri, to professionalism by paying close attention and actively participating in the ongoing two-week refresher course for civil servants.
Dr. Sawyer gave the charge while declaring open the refresher training programme for the Compulsory/Confirmation Examinations for newly employed civil servants at the Bishop Dimieri Grammar School Hall, Yenagoa.
According to the Head of Service, the training programme was designed to equip and formally orient newly recruited officers with the knowledge and skills required for effective service delivery.
He noted that the examination is a mandatory requirement for the confirmation of appointment and subsequent promotion of all newly employed staff, irrespective of their cadre.
He therefore urged participants to remain steadfast, diligent, and committed throughout the training to ensure excellent performance in the examination, describing it as a demonstration of competence, integrity, excellence, merit, and professionalism in the Civil Service.
Dr. Sawyer emphasized the importance of understanding the structure, ethics, and professional standards of the Civil Service, stressing that all officers are expected to comply with established rules, regulations, and ethical guidelines governing the Public Service.
He explained that the programme is aimed at providing newly employed officers, as well as those who have not previously written and passed the prescribed examination, with a comprehensive understanding of the rules and regulations guiding the Public Service, regardless of their cadre.
The Head of Service stated that the course curriculum includes the Public Service Rules, Scheme of Service, Financial Regulations, and other statutory subjects relevant to public administration.
He further stressed the need for officers serving in various Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and parastatals to uphold the Code of Conduct, discipline, and excellence, noting that the Civil Service has no room for indolence.
The Head of Service also commended Governor Douye Diri for his commitment to promoting professionalism in the Civil Service through the recruitment of new personnel and the sponsorship of the training programme aimed at enhancing officers’ understanding of Public Service ethics, rules, and procedures.
Dr. Sawyer disclosed that a total of 1,779 public servants registered for the training and are currently participating in the lecture sessions.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, Mr. Perekiye Buruboyefe, told participants that the training programme and the subsequent examination were being conducted in fulfillment of the provisions of the Public Service Rules and to assess officers’ readiness to excel in the Service.
He noted that newly employed officers who fail to attend and pass the prescribed examination may not be considered for promotion.
According to him, every new knowledge acquired contributes positively to personal growth and professional development. He therefore encouraged participants to take the training seriously and make the most of the opportunity provided.
