Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has commended Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State for his commitment to promoting academic excellence among youths by offering automatic employment to First Class graduates of Edo State origin from universities across the country. Dr. Jonathan expressed his admiration during the official commissioning of the Edo State Civil Service Secretariat Complex in Benin City on Wednesday.
During his address, Dr. Jonathan highlighted that Governor Obaseki’s policy of automatic employment transcends political affiliations, setting a commendable standard for other governors to follow. “When the Head of Service mentioned the automatic employment of First Class graduates in his speech, I was quite pleased,” Jonathan said. “In some states, governors are busy encouraging criminals because of politics. But in Edo State, you are encouraging the brains here.”
Jonathan further emphasized the importance of nurturing talent from all political backgrounds, stating, “The brains don’t come from one political party. The brains come from all political parties. You are not supporting these brains to win elections but to build a state. For you to build a state, you have to build the people.”
In addition to praising the governor’s efforts in fostering academic excellence, Dr. Jonathan also lauded Governor Obaseki for improving the welfare and working conditions of civil servants in the state. “Let me also join the civil servants in thanking you for improving their welfare. Before now, civil servants went home with salaries that couldn’t sustain them. Now, you are paying them salaries that can.”
Reflecting on the challenges and vision required for effective leadership, Jonathan noted, “To be a leader, especially a political leader, you must have a vision. No matter the challenges, you must find a way to do what you need to do. That is why you are the governor.”
Chief Mike Oghiadomhe, former Chief of Staff to President Jonathan, also praised Governor Obaseki’s achievements and prayed for his successor to build on his legacies. Oghiadomhe acknowledged the significant strides made under Obaseki’s leadership, particularly in transforming the civil service.
Governor Obaseki, in his remarks, recalled his initial visit to the Civil Service Secretariat Complex upon assuming office and his commitment to revamping it. He emphasized that a conducive working environment leads to a productive workforce, thereby boosting overall productivity. “The complex was in a very sorry state, and I promised to revamp it to make it conducive for workers,” Obaseki stated.
The state Head of Service, Mr. Anthony Okungbowa, also expressed gratitude to Governor Obaseki for revolutionizing and digitalizing the state civil service. He highlighted that Edo State is unique in offering automatic employment to First Class graduates of Edo origin and in paying the highest minimum wage in the country.
“While other states are making excuses and couldn’t raise their minimum wage, Edo State is leading by example,” Okungbowa said. “The governor has provided a conducive environment for the state workers to be effective in their day-to-day assignments.”
The ceremony underscored the administration’s commitment to academic excellence, civil service reform, and the welfare of its citizens, setting a benchmark for other states in Nigeria.