President Obasanjo Extolls the Nigerian Civil Service

President Olusegun Obasanjo has noted that in the evolving world environment confronted with the challenges of modernization and globalisation the social system in Nigeria must adapt and that its public servants who are the operators of the system need to change with the times.

He gave the advise in his remarks at the dinner held in Abuja on Sunday June 23, 2002 to celebrate the year's Civil Service day. President Obasanjo said his administration is eager to rejuvenate the civil service hence in the last three years it has devoted attention and resources to refurbish, rehabilitate and re-orientate the service.

He acknowledged the positive changes that has been recorded so far and enjoined all civil servants to strive harder to change the image of the service from being corrupt ridden and inefficient to a modern institution that can effectively move Nigeria forward. He said the Nigerian civil service must rise to its rightful position as a model for civil service on the African continent.

President Obasanjo congratulated civil servants who were honoured at the dinner stressing that it is a challenge for others to embrace the virtues that distinguished those being offered various awards. According to him such virtues include hardwork, industry, professionalism, integrity and honesty.

Bolaji Adebiyi
Nigeria Information Service Centre
June 27, 2002