The Chairman of the Delta State Local Government Service Commission, Hon. (Pastor) Joseph Otirhue, has called on staff of the Unified Local Government Service to demonstrate greater commitment, diligence and professionalism in the discharge of their responsibilities, stressing that dedication to duty remains the hallmark of an efficient public service.
Otirhue made the call while addressing staff during the July 2026 Promotion Interview conducted by the Commission in Asaba, the Delta State capital.
He noted that the Commission had maintained a tradition of conducting promotion interviews as and when due, describing the exercise as part of its commitment to rewarding hard work and enhancing productivity within the local government service, even as he urged employees to uphold the high standards already established and strive for continuous improvement.
The Commission Chairman commended officers who have consistently exhibited dedication and discipline in their various departments, but expressed concern over the poor work ethic displayed by some staff.
He warned that indifference to official duties would no longer be tolerated, adding that officers found wanting would face appropriate disciplinary measures.
According to him, securing employment in today’s labour market is increasingly difficult, making it imperative for workers to value their jobs by remaining committed, punctual and productive.
He further emphasized that every public servant has a moral and professional obligation to justify the salaries paid from public funds through effective service delivery. Quoting the popular maxim that “he who does not work should not eat,” Otirhue urged staff to embrace hard work as a core value of the public service.
The Commission Chairman stated that since the present board assumed office, promotion exercises had been conducted promptly and consistently and called on members of the Unified Local Government Service to reciprocate the Commission’s commitment by carrying out their official responsibilities with dedication and integrity.
He also encouraged workers to maintain regular attendance at work, conduct themselves in ways that project their respective local government councils positively, and avoid actions capable of creating negative public perceptions of the service.
Otirhue further advised staff to extend their engagement beyond the council secretariats by reaching out to rural communities to sensitise residents on government policies, programmes and development initiatives, thereby strengthening public awareness and participation in governance.
A total of 938 staff of the Unified Local Government Service participated in the promotion interview, during which their credentials were thoroughly scrutinised for advancement to the next grade level.
In addition, 28 officers who had obtained higher qualifications in various disciplines were screened for inter-cadre transfer.
The Commission also disclosed that officers who failed to attend the promotion interview without prior approval had their promotions withheld, while those who could not present the required certificates or professional licences were denied promotion pending compliance with the stipulated requirements.
