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ASABA — Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare with the approval of a 13th-month salary for civil servants across the state.

The governor made the announcement at the 2026 Public Service Week Dinner and Awards Night in Asaba, where he also approved a threefold increase in cash rewards for outstanding public servants.

Speaking at the event, Oborevwori described the gathering as a platform to celebrate excellence, assess the progress of the public service and encourage greater productivity among workers. He noted that the theme of the week, “Reforms, Resilience and Results,” resonates with the objectives of his administration’s MORE Agenda.

According to him, sustainable reforms can only succeed when workers are adequately motivated, equipped and supported through policies that enhance their welfare and professional development.

The governor commended civil servants in the state for their dedication, professionalism and commitment, which he said have been critical to the successful implementation of government programmes and policies across various sectors.

Reiterating his administration’s worker-friendly disposition, Oborevwori said welfare matters receive immediate attention whenever they come before him.

“When I see any memo concerning the welfare of civil servants, I always approve it because I know the importance of having over 60,000 workers standing with this administration,” he said.

The governor also disclosed that the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters had been completed and would soon be commissioned after the completion of the internal road network.

He further announced that official vehicles had been procured for the state’s 11 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries, while assuring workers that affordable housing remained a major priority of his administration.

Oborevwori said the government would continue to explore practical solutions and strategic partnerships to improve access to housing for civil servants.

In another welfare-related measure, the governor revealed that the salaries of the Head of Service and Permanent Secretaries had been increased by more than 50 per cent.

He charged Permanent Secretaries and Directors to uphold integrity, professionalism and due process in the discharge of their duties, describing Permanent Secretaries as the institutional memory of government.

“You are the landlords in the system while commissioners are tenants. Commissioners come and go, but the public service remains. Protect the system and always do the right thing,” he advised.

The governor congratulated award recipients and assured workers that his administration would continue to prioritise their welfare while implementing reforms aimed at strengthening the public service and improving service delivery to Deltans.

Earlier, the State Head of Service, Dr. Mininim Oseji, said the 2026 Public Service Week offered an opportunity for reflection, professional growth, institutional bonding and recognition of excellence within the service.

She commended Governor Oborevwori for his consistent support for the public service, noting that the administration’s interventions had significantly boosted workers’ morale and performance.

Oseji urged civil servants to embrace ongoing reforms and remain committed to integrity, innovation and dedication, which she described as essential ingredients for an efficient and productive public service.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to exceptional civil servants. Mr. Abuga Dennis of the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources emerged as the Best Civil Servant Farmer, while Chinwe Atisele of the Hospitals Management Board and Mr. Reuben Udolu of the Ministry of Women Affairs received awards as the most punctual staff members.

The awardees were presented with plaques and enhanced cash prizes by Governor Oborevwori in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the Delta State Public Service.