01, July 2026
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has once again restated his commitment to workers’ welfare with the approval of a 13th-month salary for all civil servants in the state.
He made the announcement at the 2026 Public Service Week Dinner and Awards Night in Asaba. At the same event, he also approved a threefold increase in cash prizes for outstanding public servants.
Describing the night as a moment to celebrate excellence and take stock of public service performance, the governor said the theme _“Reforms, Resilience and Results”_ reflects the focus of his administration’s MORE Agenda.
According to him, reforms will only work when civil servants are well motivated, properly equipped, and supported by policies that protect their welfare and career growth.
He praised the Delta State Public Service for its dedication and professionalism, noting that their commitment has been key to delivering government programmes across various sectors.
Reaffirming his pro-worker position, Oborevwori said memos relating to civil servants’ welfare get his immediate approval.
> _“When I see any memo concerning the welfare of civil servants, I always approve it because I know the importance of having over 60,000 workers standing with this administration,”_ he said.
*More Welfare Packages Announced*
The governor disclosed that the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters are now completed and will be commissioned soon after the internal roads are tarred. He added that official vehicles have been procured for the 11 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries.
He also assured workers that affordable housing remains a top priority, and said his government will keep pursuing practical solutions and partnerships to improve housing access.
In another major welfare move, Oborevwori revealed that salaries for the Head of Service and Permanent Secretaries have been raised by more than 50 per cent.
He urged Permanent Secretaries and Directors to maintain integrity, professionalism, and due process. Describing Permanent Secretaries as the _“landlords”_ of the system, he said commissioners are only _“tenants”_ who come and go, while the public service remains permanent.
> _“You are the landlords in the system while commissioners are tenants. Commissioners come and go, but the public service remains. Protect the system and always do the right thing,”_ he told them.
The governor congratulated all award winners and promised that his administration will continue to place workers’ welfare first while driving reforms to make the public service stronger and more result-oriented for Deltans.
Earlier, the State Head of Service, Dr. Mininim Oseji, said the 2026 Public Service Week was a time for reflection, professional growth, team bonding, and recognizing excellence.
She thanked Governor Oborevwori for his consistent support, saying his interventions have boosted workers’ morale and performance. She also urged civil servants to embrace ongoing reforms, emphasizing that integrity, innovation, and dedication are critical for an efficient public service.
*Award Winners*
The high point of the evening was the presentation of awards to top civil servants. Mr. Abuga Dennis of the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources was named Best Civil Servant Farmer. Chinwe Atisele of the Hospitals Management Board and Mr. Reuben Udolu of the Ministry of Women Affairs were recognized as the most punctual staff.
All recipients received cash prizes and plaques from the governor for their outstanding service.
