By Ahmed Yerima
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to comprehensive civil service reforms aimed at restoring efficiency, professionalism and public confidence in governance.
Governor Kefas made this known while declaring open a five-day capacity-building workshop in Jalingo themed: “Rebuilding the Taraba State Civil Service for Optimum Performance: Towards Achieving Effective and Efficient Service Delivery Using ICT.”
The Governor stated that his administration inherited a weakened and structurally distorted civil service system, stressing that deliberate institutional reforms have been introduced since 2023 to reposition the service for optimal performance.
According to him, sustainable development in Taraba State depends largely on a responsive, technology-driven and accountable civil service aligned with global best practices.
He emphasised that effective governance must be anchored on competence, transparency and the strategic deployment of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
Dr. Kefas urged participants to leverage the workshop to strengthen service delivery mechanisms and institutional performance across ministries, departments and agencies.
As part of broader development objectives, the Governor outlined policy priorities in education, agriculture, energy, security and investment promotion.
He also directed the 16 Local Government Chairmen to undertake specific grassroots infrastructure projects, including the renovation of three critical schools, construction of three key roads, and the development of three bridges or culverts within their respective councils.
In his welcome address, the Head of Civil Service, Dr. Ahmed Hamidu Kara, said the training was designed to enhance leadership capacity and provide strategic direction for improved public sector performance.
A paper presented by the Director of Training in the Office of the Head of Service, Dr. Kenneth Mingeh, focused on “An Overview of Strategic Leadership Management in the Public Sector: Nigeria and Taraba State in Focus,” highlighting conceptual and theoretical frameworks for strengthening governance systems.
The workshop, organised for Permanent Secretaries, Secretaries and Directors in the state civil service, also featured an orientation programme for newly elected Local Government Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and senior council officials.
SIDEBAR
