Being Text of the Speech by His Excellency, Alhaji (Dr.) Aliyu Akwe Doma, OON (Madauchin Doma), Executive Governor of Nasarawa State on the Occasion of the Swearing-in of 3 Newly Appointed Permanent Secretaries, Inauguration of the Boards of Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Hospitals Management Board, Scholarship Board and Agency for Adult and Non-Formal Education, Lafia, Tuesday, 7th September, 2010

PROTOCOL:

I welcome you all to this important occasion of:

1)    The swearing-in of three (3) new Permanent Secretaries; and,

2)    The inauguration of the Governing Boards of:
1.    Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital;
2.    State Hospitals Management Board;
3.    State Scholarship Board;
4.    State Agency for Adult and Non-formal Education.

I appreciate the galaxy of personalities who are     here today to witness this event.  It is an eloquent demonstration of your continuous support, solidarity and partnership with this Administration.  I am glad that I can always count on this spirit of cooperation.

Today's event is yet another significant milestone in our continuous efforts and commitment towards the effective management of the public service for efficient service delivery.

The appointment of additional Permanent Secretaries and constitution of these Boards are, therefore, not only to fill existing vacancies, but to revamp and strengthen the machinery of Government. The appointments will also entrench professionalism and enhance productivity in the public service of the State. 

I need to point out that in appointing the Permanent Secretaries and the members of these Boards, Government gave due consideration to wealth of experience, professionalism, proven integrity and loyalty as the commanding principles of our policy of meritocracy in appointments into public offices.

At this juncture, let me point out to our new Permanent Secretaries that by your appointment, you are expected to contribute your quota to service delivery by the public service. You must apply your creativity and ingenuity in addressing the challenges of the service. I also expect that you will provide good advice and guidance to the political heads of your respective Ministries and Agencies, at all times.

The constitution of the Governing Boards of these four Agencies underscores the important priority Government attaches to the health and educational sectors of the State.  It is for this reason that we have continued to deploy resources to the development of infrastructure, equipment and personnel in these areas.

Perhaps I need to mention that only recently I constituted a High-Powered Task Force on general renovations and upgrading of facilities at the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia.  We intend to extend similar gestures to other general hospitals and health centres across the State, in due course.

Similarly, we have evolved a new scholarship policy to enhance the manpower requirements of the State and to encourage our students to face their studies with commitment and dedication. To this end, I recently approved the upward review of scholarship allowances to our students in tertiary institutions, at home and abroad.

Furthermore, we are determined to strengthen the Agency for Adult and Non-Formal Education in order to create opportunities for our adult population to access education for self development and contribute their quota to the socio-economic development of the State.

My dear appointees, I wish to stress that your valuable contributions to the growth and development of the public service will go a long way in placing the service on solid foundation towards achieving our set objectives.  I should also remind you of the need to be creative in ideas and prudent in the management of scarce resources.

I congratulate you all for your well-deserved appointments.  It is my hope and, indeed, my expectation that you will justify the confidence reposed in you. I assure you of our maximum cooperation, support and encouragement, at all times.

Ladies and gentlemen, on this note, it is now my pleasure to:
1)    formally welcome on board the three (3) new Permanent Secretaries; and to,

2)    inaugurate the Governing Boards of the aforementioned Parastatals in the State.

14.    Thank you and God bless.