The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, George Akume has urged the recently appointed Ministers to uphold national interests above personal, ethnic and sectional interests.
The SGF made the call in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital when he declared open a 2-day retreat for the Ministers saying their duties include upholding national cohesion and promoting peace for national unity and development.
Akume said the induction retreat was designed to equip the inductees with the insights, tools, and guidance necessary for effective performance in their new roles.
According to him, it also provides a platform for knowledge-sharing, strategic planning, and alignment with the Federal Government’s priorities and aspirations of development, stability, and growth in their respective sectors in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The primary purpose of the retreat is to foster a deep understanding of the operational principles, challenges, and expectations that define their responsibilities as Ministers”.
In addition, he said that the inductees will gain insight into the President’s vision for Nigeria and the role each of them will play in achieving that vision
“As an administration, we are implementing a Renewed Hope Agenda that seeks to tackle poverty, enhance security, drive economic diversification, and improve critical infrastructure. To achieve these ambitious goals, we must work as a cohesive and dedicated team
“Let me quickly reiterate that as Ministers of the Federal Republic, you are expected to uphold high level of patriotism, dedication and diligence to the service of our fatherland. As advisers to the President, you are expected to support the President with untainted and selfless advice towards the actualization of his broad vision for the country and its people”.
The SGF further, enjoined the inductees as custodians of public trust and stewards of national resources, to embrace transparency, accountability, and a culture of excellence in every decision they make emphasising that their work should reflect a commitment to the values of integrity, diligence, and patriotism.
“You are to provide leadership for your Ministries in the formulation, implementation and tracking of government policies, programmes and projects. You are expected to also communicate the impacts these programmes and projects are creating in a manner that promote mutually benefiting engagements with the people we serve”.
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy and coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman while settling the context for the retreat said by the end of the two days, each Minister should be well-equipped to understand their ministerial roles and align with the goals of the Administration.
“Navigate the regulatory frameworks around finance and procurement processes confidently. Promote a culture of integrity within your Ministry by upholding the highest standards of ethics and accountability. Engage with the media and public effectively, building trust and credibility. Build effective relationships across government structures, especially with the legislature.”
According to her, the inductees will also safeguard confidentiality and uphold security standards. Execute the Presidential Priorities with measurable outcomes and report on your deliverables to fulfil the President’s mandate.
The immediate past Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha who was one of the Lead Resource Person at the event advised the inductees on the right conduct emphasising that transparency and integrity are non negotiable if they must excel in their field.
“I spoke with them from my heart, I shared my experiences with them because they’re the political heads of their Ministries and they have the responsibility to advise and counsel the President as to the policies formulated and how they’re implemented for the benefit of the good people of Nigeria”.
He added that they should avoid any semblance of affluence and quest for material things.
“That way, if they operate on this tenet, they’ll come out fine and Will be able to deliver on the mandate of Mr President”.
The Ministers are also expected to sign the Performance Bond of their respective Ministries which contain the High Impact Deliverables, Indicators and performance metrics implemented by the Ministries.
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