Kogi State Head of Civil Service, Dr Elijah Evinemi has charged young civil servants in the State to embrace discipline and continuous learning to enhance their efficiency and productivity in the service.
Dr Evinemi gave the charge in Lokoja the State capital when committee of friends came together in an elaborate reception for his exceptional career and academic attainment.
The event honoured his decades-long service to the state and his recent academic milestone: the successful completion of a Doctorate Degree in Accounting and Finance.
Dr Elijah who reaffirmed his commitment to merit-driven reform, digital innovation, and integrity in service delivery, expressed profound appreciation to the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his trust and support.
Reflecting on his rise from a junior clerical officer to the pinnacle of the civil service, the Head of Kogi State Civil Service said 鈥淓verything I am today, I owe to God, and to those He (God) sent to guide me.
鈥淔rom those early days as a Clerk, I never stopped learning. I thank my family, my mentors, my colleagues, and everyone who gave me a reason to keep moving鈥
He thanked the organizing committee, his family, friends, and all civil servants for their support throughout his journey.
Earlier, in his welcome address Alhaji Adeiza Momohjimoh, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee of the occasion, described Dr. Evinemi as a beacon of hard work, discipline, and academic excellence.
Momohjimoh the General Manager Radio Nigeria Prime FM Jemgbe lauded Dr Elijah Evinemi鈥檚 journey from humble beginnings to becoming the administrative leader of the state鈥檚 civil service, describing it as 鈥渁 story every civil servant should study and emulate鈥
He thanked the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for appointing a seasoned professional with capacity, intellect, and passion for reform.
One of the high points was the presentation of a custom portrait of Dr. Evinemi, gifted to him by the 鈥淔orum of Permanent Secretaries鈥 in appreciation of his outstanding service and character.
At the event two keynote lectures added intellectual depth to the ceremony.
The first, titled 鈥淐hallenges in Nigerian Politics and Pathways to Sustainable Democratic Governance鈥, was delivered on behalf of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, former Governor of Kogi State, who was represented at the event.
The second, titled 鈥淒igitalization Governance: Leveraging Computer Algorithms to Drive Kogi State Civil Service Reforms鈥, was presented by Prof. Sunday Eric Adewunmi FNCS from the Federal University Lokoja.
Both lectures reinforced the urgent need for visionary, ethical, and tech-driven leadership in governance.