NOA calls for civil service reforms in Kwara

By Muyideen Aliyu

Renewed calls for civil service reforms and citizen-centered governance have been identified as the essential antidote for public service efficiency.

This was highlighted by the Ilorin Zonal Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Princess Dr. Priscilla Gondualuor, during a courtesy visit to the Kwara State Head of Service in Ilorin to seek collaborations for enhanced service delivery.

The Zonal Director was received by the Acting Head of Service, Dr. Olufunke Mercy Shittu, where both parties discussed strategies to improve public administration in the state. The visit focused on reinvigorating civil service ethics, with an emphasis on professionalism, responsiveness, and accountability.

Speaking during the visit, Shittu reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to a citizen-driven approach to governance. She noted that mechanisms such as stakeholder engagement across the three senatorial districts and merit-based recruitment processes have been institutionalized to ensure transparency.

She commended Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (CON) for re-engineering the state civil service into a merit-driven system and praised the NOA team for refocusing commitment within the service.

Earlier, Gondualuor highlighted the agency’s commitment to fostering partnerships with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) through research and policy alignment. She explained that the agency’s recent restructuring into a four-tier system, with the North-Central Zonal Headquarters domiciled in Kwara State, is designed to strengthen coordination.

She emphasized the importance of the National Values Charter, describing it as a social contract between the government and citizens. According to her, the charter outlines seven commitments for the government, including equality, democracy, and meritocracy, and seven responsibilities for citizens, such as discipline and transparency.

The NOA boss called for sanctions against negligence and a renewed commitment to merit-based processes across the service.

In separate votes of thanks, the NOA State Director, Alhaji Dare Abdulganiyu, and the Director of Administration and Finance in the Office of the Head of Service, Mrs. Florence Balogun, commended the government for its milestones in civil service transformation.

As part of the agreed action points, the Office of the Head of Service is expected to strengthen the State Civil Service Charter and enforce disciplinary measures where necessary. Additionally, the NOA will collaborate with relevant ministries to replace worn-out national flags and distribute materials promoting national symbols.