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By Fred Itua, Abuja
Recently, the Federal Capital Territory Administration ( FCTA) took up spanners and other work implements and serviced the engine room of its operating system.
•Participants at the event
It was the fourth edition of FCTA Staff Recognition and Award for Outstanding Performance.
About 191 workers picked up various awards, having been selected out of many, for distinguishing themselves in their secretariats, departments and agencies.
Daily Sun gathered that the recognition and awards were introduced four years ago to break civil service boredom, cure apathy among the younger generation and instil professionalism and excellence among workers.
To the fourth edition’s awardees who smiled home without restraint, it was a new dawn for their civil service career and life generally.
Many of them confessed that a new sense of patriotism and commitment had been rekindled in them for the civil service.
Some of the awardees among the junior staff cadre said they were just doing their best, discharging their responsibilities and least expected the recognition.
Others confessed that they were provoked to good works, having witnessed the first, second and third editions of the award ceremony.
They noted that seeing their colleagues who were recognised previously, pumped the adrenaline in them to put in best performance, which distinguished them.
According to them, the initial belief that the civil service was “a no man’s land,” being government’s business where ‘soldier comes and goes’ has evaporated.
They said they now see a new civil service where hope is rising for the younger generation to invest their lives and get premium value.
Awardees, especially junior and middle cadre staff members, said the recognition and honour have lifted their spirits and ignited in them passion for more service.
The awards have continued to elicit mixed feelings for the workers, some of them confessed that they never had any expectations to be honoured for performing the official functions they were always paid for.
Some of the workers who were recognised said receiving the letter of nomination was like a dream of the night.
The recognition and award undoubtedly injected a new sense of patriotism, hard work and culture of excellence into the civil service system.
In 2023, about 184 staff members were recognised and honoured.
Some of the awardees in 2023, noted that they have not stopped cherishing the award.
One of those who received the award in 2023, Adeola Abosede, who works in the press office of the minister, noted that both the letter of nomination and certificate of recognition have been included in her lists of most cherished treasures.
The young lady, who was honoured for outstanding performance and dedication to duty, noted that looking at the certificate of recognition daily has remained a source of inspiration and energy, and she has not recovered from the “shock” or surprises that hit her initially, after being nominated.
“When I got my letter of nomination to come for the award, it was a big shock to me. In fact, I woke up every day to check my certificate.”
Also Elizabeth Aliu, another awardee in the the third edition, has continued to bask in the euphoria of the award for more than one year now.
Aliu, who is attached to the Department of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement of FCTA, described the award as “a big milestone.”
She disclosed that the recognition rejuvenated her dedication to duty.
Aliu also expressed gratitude to her immediate boss and the administration, for the opportunity to serve.
According to her, “I was recognised under the Management Recognition Category. I am overwhelmed with joy. This is a testament of hard work and dedication to duty.
“I am grateful beyond words to FCTA and my immediate boss in the department for the motivation.
“To me, this is a milestone and I hope to keep learning and serving while I strive for excellence,” Aliu added.
Daily Sun gathered that the recognition and awards have also put several agencies in the FCTA on their toes, competing and enhancing service delivery, especially agencies that generate revenue. They were said to have been motivated by the awards to double their efforts.
It was learnt that secretariats, departments and agencies (SDAs) with 100% and above improvement in the “revenue generation” category was created at the 2021 FCT Awards, to encourage them.
Some of the SDAs that were recognised and rewarded for their sterling performance in revenue generation and other service improvements include Parks and Recreation, under Abuja Metropolitan Management Council; Satellite Town Development Department; FCT Science Technology & Innovation Department; and the Abuja Geographic Information System.
All these were winners of the SDAs with 100% and above IGR category at the fourth edition of the FCT Awards.
With the reward system having come to stay and in its fourth year now, the administration said it was time to extract more commitment from workers.
The administration launched a civil servants creed, saying there was need for the workers to be properly guided in ethical conduct while aspiring for professionalism and increased productivity.
The creed was launched by the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, through his representative, the FCT General-Counsel/Secretary, Legal Services Secretariat, Barrister Salman Dako.
Acting director, FCTA Department of Reforms Coordination and Service Improvement, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, explained that the creed, developed with the support of the former permanent secretary of FCTA, Olusade Adesola, “embodies the values and principles that are essential for the effective and efficient delivery of public services to the citizens of Abuja”.
Ahmadu noted that FCT administration wants to build a world- class and results oriented civil service sector that will guarantee values and efficient service delivery for the citizens.
According to her, “this initiative underscores the commitment of the department to instill a sense of purpose and professionalism among civil servants, emphasizing the importance of accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct in their daily responsibilities. By articulating a clear set of standards and expectations, the Civil Servants Creed serves as a framework to inspire and guide employees in upholding the highest standards of service delivery.
“The launch of the creed is not only a symbolic gesture but also a practical tool to cultivate a culture of excellence and dedication within the civil service. It acknowledges the crucial role that civil servants play in governance and public administration and highlights the significance of their contributions to the development and well-being of the Federal Capital Territory.
“Through the Civil Servants Creed, the department aims to empower civil servants, nurturing a sense of pride and ownership in their work, while promoting a deep sense of responsibility towards the citizens they serve. It reinforces the fundamental values of professionalism, respect and commitment to public service, ultimately contributing to a more efficient, responsive and citizen-centric administration.”
She added that “this launch also represents a pivotal step towards enhancing overall public sector governance and administration in Abuja. By promoting a values-driven approach to service delivery, the Civil Servants Creed aligns with the broader objectives of institutional reform and capacity-building, ultimately contributing to the realization of a more accountable and effective civil service.
“The Federal Capital Territory Administration’s commitment to the Civil Servants Creed reflects a proactive and forward-thinking approach to strengthening the organizational culture and ethos of public service. This initiative has the potential to inspire a renewed sense of purpose and professionalism among civil servants, ultimately fostering a more accountable, transparent, and citizen-focused public administration in Abuja, Nigeria.”
