Charges Management to deliver on Mandate

The Benue Public Service Institute, a policy institution envisioned to be a reference point for policy training, research, and manpower development in the North-Central geo-political zone was officially commissioned in Makurdi, the Benue State capital on Thursday, September 19, 2024.

Performing the ceremony at the Main Auditorium of the Institute, Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia highlighted the importance of the institute in achieving his vision for the state saying “the institute was established to create a policy think-tank that would be ranked with other renowned institutes across the nation”.

Represented by his deputy, H.E Barr. Dr. Sam Ode, mni, the Governor revealed that his vision was to make “Benue Public Service Institute a hub for policy training, research, and manpower development in the shortest possible time”. He expressed confidence that the management team carefully selected would deliver on this expectation.

While assuring the management that government would look into their challenges, with a view to fast-track infrastructure and academic development, Governor Alia enjoined the management team to use the resources available to them to generate income, adding “as a government, there are endless competing needs for funds, and therefore, you must learn to look inward for solutions”.

The commissioning ceremony was followed by a training workshop for Government House staff, which was also flagged off by the Governor. The workshop is aimed at equipping government officials with the necessary skills to effectively deliver on their duties.

In a goodwill message, Secretary to the Benue State Government, Barr. Mrs. Deborah Serumun Aber praised the efforts and intentions of Governor Hyacinth Alia in establishing the Benue Public Service Institute, and commended the Governor’s vision and commitment to creating a policy and research hub that will drive development and growth in the North Central region of the country.

Barr. Mrs. Aber who expressed confidence that the management team put in place by the Governor will deliver on their mandate, also assured the team that the doors of government are open and that any concerns or issues that may arise will be given due attention to enable them achieve their goals.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Director General of the Benue Public Service Institute, Prof. Terkura Tarnande expressed gratitude to the Governor of Benue State for establishing the institute, which he said was aimed at “training public servants and building their capacity to efficiently execute the laudable programmes of your administration”.

Prof. Tarnande assured the Governor of their commitment to delivering a world-class training institute that will be comparable to other famous institutions in the country, and pledged that they would put in their best efforts to ensure the success of the institute.

The Director General however, stated that despite their resolve to execute their mandate, they are faced with some daunting challenges, which include infrastructural disrepair, lack of operational vehicles and basic training equipment, as well as shortage of technical staff, and appealed to the state government to assist them tackle the challenges to ensure a smooth take-off.

Director, Administration and Finance, Benue Public Service Institute, Barr. Mrs. Cecilia Ohemu, in a vote of thanks, expressed appreciation to the Governor of Benue State and his Deputy for their visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to revitalise the state’s public service, and bring back the lost glory of Benue State.

The establishment of the Benue Public Service Institute is a significant milestone for the state, and it is expected to play a critical role in enhancing the capacity of public servants and driving development in the North-Central geo-political zone.

Specifically, the institute is expected to serve as a think-thank to the state government in the area of civil service managemnet reforms and sustainable development. It is equally mandated to conduct high quality research and publish reputable journals; provide consultancy services and collaborate with universities and other organisations to train for certificates in various professional areas.

Ior Ikyereve
Deputy Chief Press Secretary
Office of the Deputy Governor
Benue State

Photo credit: Bone Gabriel