Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Tuesday unveiled a fresh package of welfare incentives for civil servants, declaring his resolve to become the first governor in the state’s history to introduce a 13th-month salary for workers.
The governor made the landmark pledge at the 2026 Public Service Week Dinner and Awards Night held at the Event Centre, Asaba, where he also announced a threefold increase in cash rewards for outstanding public servants as part of measures aimed at promoting excellence, dedication and productivity in the state workforce.
Addressing civil servants, Oborevwori said his administration remained steadfast in its commitment to building a modern, efficient and highly motivated public service capable of driving sustainable development across the state.
He said the theme of this year’s Public Service Week, “Reforms, Resilience and Results,” perfectly encapsulates the philosophy of his administration’s MORE Agenda, which places workers at the centre of governance and service delivery.
According to the governor, enduring reforms can only flourish where workers are adequately motivated, professionally equipped and supported by policies that prioritise their welfare and career advancement.
He applauded the Delta State Public Service for its resilience, discipline and professionalism, describing civil servants as the engine room of government whose unwavering commitment has continued to translate government policies into tangible dividends across infrastructure, healthcare, education, security and economic development.
In further demonstration of his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, Oborevwori disclosed that the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters had been completed and would soon be commissioned after the surrounding roads are fully tarred to ensure the project meets the expected standard.
He also announced that official vehicles procured for the eleven newly appointed Permanent Secretaries are ready for distribution, describing the gesture as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen administrative efficiency and institutional effectiveness.
The governor reaffirmed that affordable housing remains a key pillar of his administration’s workers’ welfare agenda, assuring civil servants that government would continue to pursue strategic partnerships and practical initiatives to expand access to decent and affordable homes.
He further revealed that the salaries of the Head of Service and Permanent Secretaries had been reviewed upward by more than 50 per cent, describing the decision as a deliberate investment in leadership within the public service.
While pledging improved welfare, Oborevwori challenged Permanent Secretaries and Directors to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency and due process in project execution, warning that his administration would not condone any breach of established procedures.
In a move that drew loud applause from the audience, the governor announced that he would personally provide additional funds to triple the cash prizes for recipients of awards presented during the Public Service Week celebration.
He commended the Head of Service, Permanent Secretaries, Directors and the entire workforce for their loyalty, professionalism and unwavering commitment, assuring them that his administration would continue to place workers’ welfare at the heart of governance.
Congratulating the award recipients, Oborevwori urged public servants to remain committed to excellence, stressing that the impressive developmental strides recorded by his administration were made possible through the collective efforts of government and the public service.
Earlier, the Head of Service, Dr. Mrs. Mininim Oseji, described the 2026 Public Service Week as a celebration of excellence and a platform for reflection, capacity building, physical wellness and institutional renewal.
She said the week-long activities underscored the importance of a healthy, motivated and united workforce in delivering efficient public service, while commending Governor Oborevwori for his sustained commitment to strengthening the state’s civil service through far-reaching reforms and welfare initiatives.
Dr. Oseji urged public servants to embrace innovation, discipline and professionalism, noting that the future of the Delta State Public Service depends on a workforce committed to excellence and accountability.
The ceremony climaxed with the presentation of awards to outstanding civil servants by Governor Oborevwori.
Mr. Abuga Dennis of the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources emerged as the Best Civil Servant Farmer, while Mrs. Chinwe Atisele of the Hospitals Management Board and Mr. Reuben Udolu of the Ministry of Women Affairs received honours for exemplary punctuality and dedication to duty.
The event attracted top government functionaries, senior civil servants and other dignitaries who gathered to celebrate excellence and reaffirm the strategic role of the public service in advancing Delta State’s development agenda.