*By: Aishat Ohunene Yusuf*
The 2025 Kogi State Civil Service Week, themed “Igniting Digital Transformation”, commenced in a grand style with a free medical outreach at the State Secretariat Complex, Lokoja, followed by a spiritually enriching Special Jummah Prayer at the Secretariat Mosque.
The medical outreach, organized by the Office of the Head of Civil Service, provided free consultations, drug prescriptions, health education, and counseling to civil servants and residents. The participants were screened for hypertension, diabetes, malaria, and other common ailments, with referrals offered where necessary.
The Head of Civil Service, Dr. Elijah Evinemi, FCA, ably represented by the Permanent Secretary, Administration and Public Service, Mr. Celestine Idoko, Mni, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to safeguarding the health of the workforce as a foundation to sustained productivity.
In his words, “A healthy workforce is an efficient workforce. This outreach is our way of giving back to our dedicated civil servants and ensuring that their wellbeing remains at the forefront of our agenda.”
Speaking to journalists, some civil servants who benefited from the outreach expressed delight at the revival of the Civil Service Week, noting that such initiatives not only boost morale but also enhance efficiency and overall output. They also appreciated the chief servant of the state, His Excellency Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo FCA, and the Head of Civil Service for consistently placing the welfare of civil servants at the heart of governance.
In a similar spirit of devotion, Muslim civil servants gathered for the Special Jummah Prayer to commemorate the Civil Service week celebration as one of the highlighted activities for the week-long event. The session drew both serving and retired civil servants, alongside top government functionaries. Representing the Head of Civil Service, the Director of Administration, Alh. Ahmed Idris, urged civil servants to remain steadfast in their duties and loyal to the government, which continues to prioritize their welfare at the center of its mission.
The Imam of the Secretariat Mosque, Mallam Ibrahim Haruna, in his sermon dwells on the virtues of service, integrity, and dedication to duty, urging civil servants to see their work as a trust from God. The prayer session featured the recitation of the Holy Qur’an and a special supplication of the Qunut for the peace, progress, and prosperity of Kogi State, the success of the present administration of His Excellency, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo FCA, the Head of civil service, civil servants and the citizens of the state.
The day’s events marked a purposeful and spiritually uplifting tone to the week-long celebration, which will continue with public lectures, sports competitions, Church Service for the Christian civil servants, and a grand award night.
Information officer,
Office of the Head of Civil Service.
