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OBJ Calls For Recognition Of Technocrats In Civil Service
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has emphasised the need for recognition of technocrats in the civil service, stressing their crucial role in driving reforms and effective governance.
Speaking at the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation’s national workshop in Abuja, yesterday, Obasanjo said, “Technocrats have power, and we must recognise that.”
The Aig-Imoumhuede Foundation is a philanthropic organisation dedicated to improving Africa’s public service and access to primary health care.
The former president referred to the Permanent Secretaries and other civil servants as the technocrats.
He highlighted the importance of collaboration between political heads and technocrats, citing examples from his own experience.
“Reform requires political heads and technocrats working together, respecting and understanding each other. That’s when you can have real reform,” he said.
Obasanjo also emphasised the need for continuity in personnel, stating, “The greatest pain of reform is discontinuity. Continuity of personnel is crucial. Reform is a lifelong process, a journey, not a destination.”
He praised the outgoing and incoming heads of service, saying, “I’m delighted that a lady is handing over to another lady. For me, we are getting there, and we will get there.
“I will continue to respect the Nigerian public service, particularly the technocrats, until I die.”
In a keynote, the outgoing Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, emphasised the importance of understanding why many reforms in Nigeria fail and how to address these challenges.
She stated, “Reforming a system can be daunting, and challenges will arise. It is essential to recognise that there are no infallible systems, and reform is continuous.”
Esan identified several impediments to reform programme implementation in Nigeria, including a lack of inclusive implementation strategy, poor funding, and resistance to change.
She highlighted the Office of the Head of Service’s efforts to address these challenges, including wide stakeholder consultation, governance structure for reform initiatives, and capacity building.
Esan emphasised the key elements for successful reform programmrs, saying, “Systems and support structures, partnerships, high-level monitoring, capacity building, compensation systems, and change management strategy are crucial for success.”
She also acknowledged the progress made in re-engineering the civil service, saying, “It is essential to recognize and celebrate the good work of our officers and partners while sanctioning indiscipline and poor performance.”
In his welcome address at the foundation’s national workshop,
the chairman of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede stated, “It is not their public service, it is your public service, it is our public service, and understand that as it strengthens, you strengthen as well.”
Aig-Imoukhuede highlighted the importance of efficient and motivated public service in achieving good governance, production and distribution of public goods, formulation and implementation of economic policy, and management of public expenditure.
He noted that Nigeria’s current Human Development Index ranking of 161 out of 189 countries is a reflection of the performance of government over several decades.
He emphasised the need for a strong public service, saying, “This is what is holding us back. And you would agree that there’s a correlation between the strength of a country’s public sector and its strength as a nation.”
Aig-Imoukhuede also highlighted the foundation’s efforts to transform public service delivery, including building a critical mass of public sector leaders, providing technical support and funding for digitization efforts, and upskilling thousands of workers in the civil service.
He called on all stakeholders to join hands and make a commitment to reform the public service, saying, “This conversation does not end here. And indeed, the Nigerian Public Sector Reform Project reboots here.”
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.