“I wish to state that the civil service must not lose sight of its age long function of guiding the Government of the day in the formulation of policies and driving their implementation in the interest of national development and the continuum of governance. The importance of these roles cannot be overemphasized particularly in view of the fast approaching transition of the governance of the country.”
*Photo: Dr (Mrs) Yemi-Esan*
2023 New Year Message from Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, CFR, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
Compliments of the season to all civil servants and Happy New Year 2023. l give thanks to Almighty God for seeing us through the year 2022.
The beginning of a new year provides an opportunity for us to reflect on the preceding year because it is a crucial aspect of the learning process. It allows us to identify and understand reasons for our flaws and most importantly celebrate our achievements. This is with the objective of advancing our development and fulfilling purpose.
Our recent journey towards the transformation of our identity and mission has indeed been quite eventful. Consequent upon the devastating effects of COVID, we resolved to look inwards and take proactive steps to ensure that the Civil Service is able to play its critical role in the disrupted space.
Thus, our reform programmes driven within the framework of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025 (FCSSIP 25) which was fine tuned by all stakeholders at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic has garnered remarkable momentum as key deliverables of the plan have begun to materialize. These are with particular reference to Digitalisation of our workflow, Capacity Building and Welfare of our teeming Workforce, the emplacement of a Reward and Recognition Scheme, institutionalizing a Performance Management System and the Introduction of a Quality Management System.
Notwithstanding our collective and noble achievements, we must not lose focus on the bigger picture or greater prize which is to evolve a ‘New Civil Service of Our Dream’ – one that is alien to the previously negative narrative of inefficiency and is able to meet the needs of citizens and compete globally. Towards this vision, our culture of meritocracy, professionalism, continuous self-development and leveraging on technology must be upheld.
It is important to appreciate His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari for the unprecedented support to the development of the civil service as well as those of our partners and stakeholders. It is hoped that the modest feats would compliment other legacy achievements of the administration.
I wish to state that the civil service must not lose sight of its age long function of guiding the Government of the day in the formulation of policies and driving their implementation in the interest of national development and the continuum of governance. The importance of these roles cannot be overemphasized particularly in view of the fast approaching transition of the governance of the country.
It is our responsibility as custodians of extant rules and policies to continue to provide professional and ethical counsel to our political leaderships in a manner that would ensure stability of the service and sustain the confidence the executive and other arms of government have reposed in the service.
Therefore. as we reflect on what we could have done better in 2022, let us continue to work towards consolidating on our gains in 2023.
I wish you and your loved ones a truly peaceful and prosperous Year 2023 by the mercies and grace of the Almighty.
Happy New Year once again.
