By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has announced that the state civil service will be fully digitalised by next year, marking a major leap toward efficient, transparent and technology-driven governance.
The governor made this known at the end-of-year thanksgiving and award ceremony organised to honour retired civil servants of the Government House Administration, Lokoja.
Represented at the event by the Head of Service of Kogi State, Dr Elijah Evenemi, Governor Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment where civil servants can thrive in unity, productivity and gratitude to God.
He described thanksgiving as a gateway to greater blessings, noting that the ceremony provided an opportunity not only to appreciate God but also to celebrate dedication, perseverance and service to the state.
According to Dr Evenemi, the occasion marked the end of a year characterised by hard work, resilience and notable achievements, despite prevailing challenges.
He highlighted significant improvements in the welfare of Government House staff, attributing them to the Ododo administration’s people-focused policies, particularly the prompt payment of salaries and the provision of training and capacity-building opportunities across ministries, departments and agencies.
The Head of Service disclosed that Kogi State has already begun transitioning from manual to digital personnel records, stressing that by next year all civil service records will be fully digitalised.
He explained that the initiative would simplify administrative processes such as promotions, transfers and personal data updates, while eliminating repeated physical submissions and cumbersome verification procedures.
“This reform aligns with global best practices and has the full approval and backing of His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo,” he said.
Pastor Evenemi further assured workers of the administration’s unwavering commitment to peace and security, noting that the state government, in collaboration with federal authorities and security agencies, is intensifying efforts to combat insecurity and guarantee a safe working environment.
He commended the organisers of the programme and praised the Director-General, Government House Administration, Alhaji Shuibu Oricha Umar, for his exemplary leadership and dedication to duty, praying for divine wisdom and strength to enable him to do more for the state.
The Head of Service congratulated all award recipients and urged other staff to remain diligent, assuring them that excellence and commitment would always be recognised and rewarded.
In her remarks, the Director, Government House Administration, Pastor Praise Akubo, thanked staff for their support and cooperation since she assumed office, urging them to remain steadfast in their duties to enhance effective service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the retirees, a former Director of Government House Administration, Mrs Comfort Bello, expressed deep appreciation to the directors, staff and management of Government House for the support and cooperation she enjoyed throughout her years of service.
She thanked Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his leadership, prayed for sustained peace and security in Kogi State, and asked for God’s protection over all participants.
In their goodwill messages, the Director of Protocol, Government House, Alhaji Suleiman Ibrahim, and the Director-General of the Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation, Princess Nana Hawau Yussuf, commended Governor Ododo for fostering an environment that enables civil servants to perform optimally. They also encouraged retirees to continue mentoring serving officers and sharing their wealth of experience.
The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of awards to outstanding staff, including Mrs Comfort Bello, in recognition of her exemplary service and invaluable contributions to the Government House Administration.