President Bola Tinubu delivered a resolute message to Nigerian public servants, urging them to uphold the trust bestowed upon them by the Nigerian people while emphasizing the crucial need for accountability and dedication to excellence in public service, according to The Nation.
His remarks came during the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS) held at the State House Conference Centre on Saturday night. Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the prestigious event, President Tinubu underscored the imperative of fostering an environment where transparency prevails and public institutions operate with integrity. He commended the efforts made to curb malfeasance within public service but acknowledged persistent challenges arising from misuse of entrusted responsibilities.
"Institutions are in place to prevent dysfunction, yet there are instances where the trust of the nation is exploited," stated President Tinubu through a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Information, Stanley Nkwocha. He reiterated the government's commitment to creating a merit-based environment where public servants are valued and motivated to deliver their best for the nation.
VP Shettima, delivering the President's address titled "Honouring the Heartbeats of Public Service," emphasized the necessity for public servants to be accountable to the citizens they serve. He stressed, "Our public service must live up to its role as a public trust, where officials are answerable to the people. We must remind ourselves continually that public institutions are not personal enterprises."
The NEAPS initiative, a collaboration between the private sector and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), received full endorsement from President Tinubu. He praised its strategic role in setting benchmarks for excellence and inspiring positive change across Nigerian society. According to him, such recognition and rewards are pivotal in nurturing a culture of dedication and meritocracy within the public sector.
Acknowledging the honorees of the evening, President Tinubu extolled their contributions to national progress and highlighted the importance of their role in motivating others. He emphasized, "Excellence must be recognized and celebrated, as it serves as a beacon for others to follow." The awards ceremony, beyond its ceremonial aspect, serves to highlight the unsung heroes whose commitment drives the wheels of government and society forward.