The Edo State Government has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to prioritizing its workforce’s welfare. Accordingly, the government has started the construction of a new civil service club in Benin City.
Edo State Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa, spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony. He reiterated that what has been happening in Edo State Civil/Public service is unprecedented in the history of the State. He expressed that Governor Obaseki is the best Governor in the Country. In line with this, the Head of Service said the State now has a Governor who puts the Civil/public service on the front burner.
He says, “Governor believes that governance will not be effective without an effective and very functional public service. He has therefore left no stone unturned in ensuring that they have everything required for the Civil/Public service to perform optimally.” Here, he recalled the official commissioning of JOOPSA recently in Benin City. Accordingly, Anthony Okungbowa said it was the first in the State and the Country.
The HOS explained that the groundbreaking ceremony was another demonstration of the commitment. Governor Obaseki wants to ensure that the civil service of Edo State becomes the best that it can be. He seeks to make the area unrivalled in the history of civil services in the Country.
The Governor believes that when workers have been developed intellectually through JOOPSA and perform their duties in a good work environment, the Secretariat will have a good relaxation centre after official hours.
The HOS expressed his appreciation to Governor for his efforts. Further, he called on civil and public servants to give back to the State through hard work and commitment. He implored them to do everything possible to ensure service delivery was smooth.
This will justify the confidence reposed in the workforce by the Governor and Government of Edo State. He reemphasized that the new civil service club would provide an opportunity to unwind and relax.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman Public Service Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), Comrade Godwin Oisamai, said that the civil service club was given to civil/public servants to unwind and relax after work and at weekends, saying that it was a huge relief for them when the State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, demonstrated his support towards the comfort of Edo State Public/Civil servants who consider the complex as a place to rest, relax and find comfort after work.
The JNC Chairman also, on behalf of the workers, expressed his appreciation for the gigantic structure of the labour house that will soon be commissioned under the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), adding that through this, the Governor has demonstrated protection of labour, a satellite of International Labour Organisation (ILO), thus reiterating the fact that Governor Obaseki has done well.
Assuring the Governor of workers’ solidarity, the JNC Chairman further appealed to the Governor through the Head of Service for his periodic conversation to be held at the complex after completion, as workers will find it more convenient in their environment while meeting with them.
On his part, the Managing Director, Edo State Public Building Maintenance Agency, Engr. Austin Osakue said the location of the new civil service club is for ease of accessibility, saying that they can not overemphasise the importance of relaxation and recreation activities. Accordingly, underscoring the reason the Governor is very concerned about the well-being of workers.
He expressed his gratitude to Obaseki for making the event a reality. Osakue also said that the staff club would serve as a hub for interaction, relaxation and personal growth; while providing a space where friendship can flourish, ideas can grow, and all professionals can strengthen bonds.
He says, “It is not just about working in the office. One still needs to make time out to relax and unwind and settle personal well-being after work.”
Osakue explained that the building will house a table tennis hall, Gym room, Canteen, Meeting Hall, Dance floor/podium, Offices, and indoor and outdoor bars.
At the same time, urging the Edo workforce to continue to work together with the same enthusiasm, unity, and professionalism that define the organization within the coming months when the club’s construction is completed, Osakue said that the groundbreaking ceremony did not only mark the beginning of a physical structure but also the continuation of the positive spirit that drives them forward.
He further informed them that indigenous and reputable contractors would handle the project. Further, he added that they have selected construction materials for the complex for their durability and potential for reuse/recycling, environmental compatibility and low maintenance cost; he also said that they expect the project to complete within five months. He said, “By January 2024, the government will commission the new Civil Service Club for use.”
Highpoint of the ceremony was the Groundbreaking ceremony carried out by the Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa, on behalf of the State Governor.
