AS part of efforts aimed at improving quality service delivery at the public sector level, the Emily Aig-Imoukhuede Memorial Fund has awarded N500,000 each to 39 outstanding civil servants who have demonstrated exemplary dedication and performances.

At the award ceremony held recently during the Civil Service Week Gala and Award Night in Abuja, the Chairman of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, announced plans to establish an annual award honouring the top male and female culture ambassadors in each ministry, following the success of the endowment fund, adding that details regarding the awards will be disclosed in the near future.

According to Aig-Imoukhuede, the Emily Aig-Imoukhuede Memorial Award serves a dual purpose of recognition and inspiration. “It aims to celebrate civil servants who consistently exhibit dedication, excellence, and a strong commitment to public service, contributing significantly to the welfare of Nigerians.”

He emphasised that besides the monetary reward, the recognition serves as a powerful motivator, signaling that exceptional performance is highly valued and celebrated within the civil service.

The chairman noted that the award would also take the format of the endowment fund, with the cash prizes for the culture ambassadors made public soon.

Looking ahead, Aig-Imoukhuede expressed confidence that the Emily Aig-Imoukhuede Memorial Award will enhance the efficiency and impact of the civil service, saying by acknowledging and rewarding excellence, the initiative promotes a culture of professionalism, accountability, and innovation.

He anticipates a ripple effect where more civil servants strive for award-worthy accomplishments, thereby raising the overall standard of service delivery across the nation.

Reflecting on the award’s origins, Aig-Imoukhuede highlighted that it was established in honour of his late mother, Pastor Emily Aig-Imoukhuede, a dedicated advocate for public service who devoted her career to serving her community and nation.

He underscored the pivotal role civil servants play in nation-building, noting their lifelong commitment compared to the tenure of political officeholders. “It is essential that we preserve, support, and celebrate them when they excel,” he asserted.

In her opening remarks, the Head of Service, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, affirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to implementing a sustainable reward and recognition system as outlined in the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025.

She reiterated the importance of fostering a rewarding and purpose-driven civil service that attracts and retains top talent, thus contributing to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

Yemi-Esan highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing employee morale, productivity, and loyalty within the civil service.

She further disclosed that 46 ministries and extra-ministerial departments submitted nominations for the awards, with six ministries disqualified for lack of proper citation and another six submitting double nominations. Following rigorous scrutiny and adherence to service-wide criteria, 39 nominees surpassed the cut-off mark and were selected for the 2024 Federal Civil Service Rewards and Recognition.

Prior to announcing the award winners, Dr Comfort Adeosun, Permanent Secretary overseeing the Office of the Head of Service, detailed the meticulous selection process. Initiated in March 2024, this process ensured nominees were evaluated objectively, devoid of favouritism or bias. “Each nominee met the 53 percent cutoff mark, with the highest scorer achieving 80 percent,” she disclosed.

The honoured civil servants were acknowledged for implementing impactful reforms within their respective ministries, thereby enhancing government revenue generation.

The ceremony culminated in Mr. Obasi Ikemefuna from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security receiving the prestigious Presidential Merit Award, accompanied by a land gift in Abuja. Mr Rasaq Kolawole Oyetola secured the second position, awarded a house in Abuja, while Mrs. Mercy Olanike, a Director at the Ministry of Transportation, clinched the overall best award, receiving an SUV.

Expressing her gratitude on behalf of the awardees, Olanike commended the president, head of service, and the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation for recognising their efforts.