Towards a Robust Synergy Between OHSoF and Media
By Abdulsalam Mahmud
For any government organisation that desires to be known through the execution of its statutory mandates, the media is its go-to. With a robust media coverage, an organisation will get to showcase its silent achievements, brilliantly.
World over, the power of the media is unprecedented. The media is a resourceful tool for social mobilization. It is veritable instrument for attracting public goodwill for any institution of government.
An agency like the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, and the Borno State Government, are two institutions in the country that have effectively harnessed the power of the media – greatly to their advantage.
And Nigerians, through a clearly-articulated and well-planned massive media publicity, are well abreast of the strides of Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd) and Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum.
Groundbreaking achievements of the Buba Marwa-led NDLEA in the fight against drug and substance trafficking have received immense attention of the Nigerian media.
On the other hand, Prof. Zulum, owing to the exceptional job his media/PR team does for him, is now a model, especially when one wants to talk about visionary, selfless and progressive leadership in the country.
While the feats of the Borno State Government and NDLEA are staples in the media, little is heard of the revolution taking place in the federal civil service, lately.
The civil service, under the leadership of Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, has scored many firsts, in terms of championing, and launching critical reform agenda, policies and activities for the federal government, in the last two years.
Towards the successful implementation of federal government’s policies, programmes and activities, especially those of the Federal Civil Service, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Yemi-Esan, however has assured of continuous partnership with the media in public enlightenment.
She gave the assurance at a parley with Directors, Editors and Correspondents of media organisations, as part of activities marking the 2022 Civil Service Week, in Abuja.
While commending the media for the coverage and reportage of her activities, since assuming office, Dr. Yemi-Esan, implored them to, always, investigate issues regarding the Service from the Office before reporting.
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This, according to her, will avail them the opportunity to disseminate from an informed and balanced position. She assured them of the willingness and readiness of the Transformative Permanent Secretaries in responding to issues pertaining to their mandates, having undergone basic media training, themselves.
According to her, the media plays a very critical role in the realization of “A New Civil Service,” anchored on strengthening the core values of the system through a cultural revival by sensitizing on the new FCSSIP25 six thematic areas; Capability Building and Talent Sourcing, Performance Management System, Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) – Human Resource Component, Innovation, Digitalization – Enterprise Content Management and Staff Welfare.
“Much emphasis is being placed on strict adherence to the Service’s core values of Accountability, Meritocracy, Loyalty, Professionalism and Efficiency in building “a world-class Service for accelerated national development,” disclosed Dr. Yemi-Esan.
This, she went further to say, is geared towards a “Culture Change,” within the Service, promising Nigerians quality service.
Responding to a concern raised, she charged media workers from government agencies, being on the IPPIS platform, to use the Anonymous Reporting System (ARS) on the Office of the Head of Service’s website in directing their grievances, reporting abnormalities ruining the Service, comments and suggestions that will aid positive growth.
The media sought for and got answers on topical issues about the system. They ranged from salary harmonisation, sanitary conditions of toilets in Federal Secretariats and their environs, tenure elongation, politicisation of postings, quota system in the appointment of Permanent Secretaries to processes for selection and appointment of Permanent Secretaries and employment racketeering.
Satisfactory clarifications were also given on the issuance of circulars and their implementation, allegations of bribery and corruption and life after retirement, by the Head of Service and the Transformative Permanent Secretaries.
While welcoming participants to the media parley, the Permanent Secretary, Service Policies and Strategies Office, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole urged them to maximize the opportunity to interrogate the Service.
In a Vote of Thanks, the Deputy Director, Communications, Office of Head of Service of the Federation, Mallam Mohammed A. Ahmed commended the Head of Service for insights and enthusiasm for the parley to hold.
He also extended his gratitude to the Transformative Permanent Secretaries for an impressive turnout, as well as participating in the robust discourse. He equally appreciated his media colleagues for the excellent relationship.
