The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has described civil servants as indispensable partners in Nigeria’s development, urging them to remain committed to professionalism, efficiency and national service.
Speaking during the Civil Service Week celebration at the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation (FMINO) in Abuja, Idris commended the dedication of public servants and emphasised the strategic role of information management in promoting national unity and development.
According to the Information Minister, the ministry occupies a unique position in government because of its responsibility to communicate policies and foster national cohesion.
“If you don’t disseminate information that will unite us, that will bring us together and drive us towards development, then it means we have failed as a nation.
“Information should unite. It should not bring chaos, disunity or friction,” he stressed.
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The Minister used the occasion to recount his early experience upon assuming office and the steps taken to renovate the ministry’s headquarters. According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu promptly approved a proposal to rehabilitate the facility.
“I had already written a paper in my pocket because I didn’t want to lose the tempo. I brought it out, and Mr. President looked at it and said, Approved. Go and work,” he said.
He noted that despite bureaucratic delays and procurement challenges, the ministry remained determined to complete the renovation project.
“We told ourselves that we must fix this place whatever it will take. Today, we are able to use the lift, and we now have a conducive environment where staff can work effectively,” the Minister stated.
Highlighting the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Idris said the government’s economic reforms were beginning to yield positive results despite initial difficulties. He made reference to improvements in foreign reserves, infrastructure development, educational support through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), and efforts to strengthen national security.
“The economy is indeed turning the corner. Challenges do exist, but we are working to ensure that these challenges give way to prosperity,” he assured.
Addressing the welfare of workers, the Minister disclosed that discussions were ongoing with President Tinubu on measures to improve conditions of service for personnel in the information sector.
“I want to reveal for the first time that we are working with Mr President on what can be done to improve the welfare package of those within the information sector. I want to assure you that Mr. President is going to achieve that,” Idris disclosed.
He therefore called on civil servants to rededicate themselves to the ideals of public service and support ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening governance.
“No nation can develop if its civil servants do not understand the need for us to move together and move the country beyond the expectations of its founding fathers,” he added.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Binyerem Ukaire, applauded the contributions of civil servants, describing them as the backbone of government operations.
“We recognise the efforts of all civil servants who work behind the scenes without much fanfare or celebration. You are the engine room of governance,” she said.
Dr Ukaire urged staff members to uphold the core values of the Federal Civil Service, including efficiency, productivity, integrity and citizen-centred service delivery.
“Every action you take and every work you do benefits fellow Nigerians.
“You are nation builders, and I want you to tell yourself that ‘I am the agent of change,” she noted.
Other highlights of the events were the presentation of Awards to deserving staff.
Reacting to the honours of the day, recognised staff members expressed immense gratitude, noting that the gesture would greatly boost morale across the ministry.
One of the awardees, Filani Oluwatosin Oluwadeboso, stated that the award serves as a powerful motivator.
“It actually encourages me to do more. That means people can actually see what I’m doing behind the scenes, to appreciate me for what I’ve done behind the scenes, and it will make me put more effort in trying to make the civil service a better place,” he said.
For her part, another recipient, Oluwafisola Adurogbangba, described the event as a validating experience for dedicated public servants.
“It is a good feeling to be recognised for your work, for your sacrifices. It’s good, at least, you know, you feel seen that they recognise that you’re working. The management recognises it, and it’s a lovely feeling. And it is something that would spur me to do even better and more in carrying out my duties,” she said.
Offering words of encouragement to her peers, she urged other civil servants to remain dedicated regardless of immediate visibility.
“To my other colleagues, everybody should just focus, just do your work. This recognition shows that the management is watching, and people are looking. Even when you don’t feel seen, somebody is noticing. So everybody should just do the best they can at your level,” she added.
The Civil Service Week celebration brought together management and staff of the ministry to recognise the contributions of public servants and reaffirm their commitment to effective service delivery in support of national development.
