In a bid to strengthen the State Civil Service and check unemployment, the Taraba State government has employed over 300 hundred graduates in various ministries, agencies and departments.
The State Governor, HE Arc. Darius Ishaku who presented letters of appointment to the new recruits at a ceremony in Jalingo the State Capital, charge successful candidates to be diligent and dedicated to duty as much of the development needs of the state rest on their respective shoulders.
He regretted that “there has never been massive recruitment that cuts across all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies despite the massive retirements, deaths and voluntary withdrawals of service over the years”.
“You will also recall that at my inaugural speech I categorically stated that, we shall reform the Civil Service in Taraba State to expunge mediocrity, instill discipline, ethics and morals to employees in the Civil Service who will serve as the engine that will drive the Rescue Agenda.
“We are today witnessing yet another milestone in the fulfilment of one of the cardinal objectives of the Rescue Mission of my administration, which is providing gainful and sustainable employment for the teeming youths of Taraba State.
“The peace mantra I preach is not restricted to community relationship but extends to the Civil Service which is the implementer of all our programmes and policies, What is required from the Civil Servant is commitment to duty transparency and loyalty to constituted authority for industrial Harmony”.
The governor who was represented at the occasion by his deputy HE, Alhaji Haruna Manu commended the labour movements in the state for their demonstrated understanding, cooperation and dialogue in demanding for worker’s rights even as he acknowledged the Chairman, Members and Staff of the Taraba State Civil Commission for painstakingly delivering the job to the best of their abilities.
The Chairman, Taraba State Civil Service Commission, Chief John Mamman in his welcome speech maintained that “this employment exercise is not only timely but imperative in view of the shortage in the workforce in the state and the growing levels of unemployed youths that are roaming the streets.
Chief Mamman commended His Excellency for graciously approving the appointment and added that it was in line with the vision of the Rescue Mission objectives that the commission has developed programmes that will broaden the horizons of Civil Servants for effective and efficient performance.
He congratulated the successful applicants and urged them to support the government by contributing significantly towards the development of the state and Nigeria at large.
The Head of Service, Mrs. Suzy Jamima Nathan urged , the new employees to be time conscious as the commission will not tolerate lateness to work or truancy.
“Let me remind you all that work resumes by 8:00am and you can only grow on this job if you are dedicated, diligent and prudent. The era of Civil Servants coming to work whenever they want while waiting for salaries at the end of the month is over.
“Other applicants who are not captured in this exercise should not lose hope. Those who are not captured in this phase will be employed in the subsequent exercise”, she stated.
The representative of the benefiting applicants Mr. Umar Bulus commended the governor and all bodies involved in the employment process, describing it as a rare opportunity.
“We want to use this medium to really appreciate His Excellency and pledge our allegiance, commitment and also our loyalty to Taraba State Civil Service. This is an opportunity to serve our State and we will dearly do it with all our heart” he said.
Similarly, one of the beneficiary also doged her cap for the Taraba state government for giving her the opportunity to serve under the civil service after over 14 years of searching and applying for jobs. She however begged the government of Taraba State to do more as many are still in search for jobs.
It would be recalled that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Arc. Darius Dickson Ishaku directed the State Civil Service Commission in 2017 to interview prospective applicants and about Six Thousand candidates were found suitable for employment.
Story by James Ugo
