Civil Servants Must Embrace Innovation, Digital Transformation, Excellence In Service Delivery – Perm. Sec. Information

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Binyerem C. Ukaire, has called on officers and staff of the Ministry to embrace innovation, continuous learning, digital transformation, teamwork and excellence in service delivery as critical tools for building a productive, citizen-centred and world-class public service.
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Dr. Ukaire made the call on Monday in Abuja during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Civil Service Week Celebration, which commenced at the Ministry’s headquarters and will run from June 22 to June 28, 2026.

Welcoming participants to the event, the Permanent Secretary described the Civil Service Week as a significant annual celebration dedicated to recognising the invaluable contributions of civil servants to national development.

She commended members of staff for their commitment and sacrifices in ensuring effective public administration and national progress. “Today is your day. We are here to celebrate every one of you who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure continuity, stability and progress in public administration,” she said.

Speaking on the theme of the 2026 celebration, “Transforming Public Institutions Through Advancing Innovation, Participation and Inclusion,” Dr. Ukaire noted that the theme aligns with ongoing Federal Government reforms aimed at strengthening public institutions through technology-driven administration, enhanced capacity building, innovation and improved service delivery.

According to her, the Ministry must continue to play its strategic role as the engine room of government communication and national orientation while adapting to the evolving demands of modern governance.

She therefore urged staff to uphold the core values of the public service, including integrity, professionalism, accountability, patriotism and excellence. “Let us embrace innovation, continuous learning, teamwork and excellence in service delivery as we strive to deliver on the mandate entrusted to us by the Nigerian people,” she stated.

The Permanent Secretary further stressed the need for workers to remain committed to personal and professional development, noting that learning, adaptation and innovation are essential requirements for effective public service in the digital age.

She called on staff to recommit themselves to the vision of a responsive and efficient public service capable of supporting national development and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. “Change has come, but you are the ones who will make that change happen. Let us all play our part and put our hands on deck to actualise the vision of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation,” Dr. Ukaire added.

The Permanent Secretary also encouraged all officers and staff to actively participate in the week-long activities lined up for the celebration, including the special Juma’at prayer and interdenominational thanksgiving service.

The opening ceremony featured sensitisation presentations on the six pillars of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 2021–2025), delivered by directors and senior officers of the Ministry.

Speaking on Pillar One: Capability Building, the Director, Public Communications, Barr. Henshaw Ogubike, emphasised the importance of continuous learning, talent management, mentoring and career development in building a competent and motivated workforce capable of meeting the demands of modern governance.

Representing the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mrs. Dickson Amaka highlighted the significance of the Performance Management System (PMS) in promoting accountability, productivity and alignment of individual performance with institutional objectives.

On Pillar Three: Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), the Deputy Director, Human Resources Management, Mr. Peter Davwet underscored the role of the platform in enhancing transparency, accountability and efficiency in payroll administration across the Federal Civil Service.

Delivering a presentation on Innovation, the Director, Production, Publicity and Documentary, Mr. Ibidapo Okunnu, encouraged staff to embrace creativity and innovative thinking as essential drivers of efficiency and improved service delivery, noting that innovation remains central to ongoing civil service reforms.

Similarly, the Deputy Director, ICT, Mr. Ifeanyi Okereke, who spoke on Digitalisation, stressed the importance of fully utilising government digital platforms, official email systems and emerging technologies to improve operational efficiency, transparency and inter-agency collaboration.

Speaking on Staff Welfare, the Director, Public Relations and Protocol, Dr. Haruna Suleiman, highlighted various initiatives introduced by the Federal Government to improve the wellbeing of civil servants, including career progression opportunities, housing schemes, loan facilities and improved working conditions.

Ministry of Information

Also speaking at the event, representatives of staff and labour unions pledged their continued support for reforms aimed at strengthening capacity development, staff welfare and institutional effectiveness, while urging workers to take ownership of the ongoing transformation agenda.

The opening ceremony marked the commencement of a week-long programme designed to celebrate the contributions of civil servants and deepen awareness of reforms aimed at repositioning the Federal Civil Service for greater efficiency, innovation and service delivery to Nigerians.

Suleiman Haruna, PhD,
Director, Public Relations and Protocol
Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation
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Monday, 22 June, 2026

EFCC Arraigns Two For Alleged Breach Of Trust In Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Abuja Zonal Directorate has arraigned one Shamsudeen Lawal and Abubakar Abdulkadir before Justice A.Y. Shafa of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court Nyanya, Abuja.
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They were arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and obtaining by false pretence.

Count one reads “That you Shamsudeen Lawal, Abubakar Abdulkadir and another (at large) sometime in 2024 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, did agree amongst yourselves to commit an illegal act to wit: criminal breach of trust while being entrusted the sum of $180,000 USD (One Hundred and Eighty Thousand Dollars) being payment by Data Group for purchase of equipment to service MTN Nigeria Communication Ltd which money you sent to one Ahmed Sarki Mohammed based in Uganda for a different purpose which is in clear violation of the mode in which the trust was to be discharged and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 96 of the Penal Code Law, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Abuja) 1990.and punishable under Section 97 of the same Law.”

Count two reads “That you Shamsudeen Lawal, Abubakar Abdulkadir another (still at large) sometime in 2024 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honorable court while being entrusted the sum of $180,000 USD (One Hundred and Eighty Thousand Dollars) being payment by Data group for purchase of equipment to service MTN Nigeria Communication Ltd which money you sent to one Ahmed Sarki Mohammed based in Uganda for a different purpose which is in clear violation of the mode in which the trust was to be discharged and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 311 of penal code, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Abuja) 1990 and punishable under section 312 of the same Law”.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to them.

EFCC

Following their plea, prosecution counsel, Mariya U. Shariff prayed the court for a date to commence trial.

Counsel to the defendants, J.U. Bolori applied for bail on behalf of his clients. The application was not opposed by the prosecution and Justice Shafa subsequently admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N1,000,000.00 (One Million Naira) with two sureties, one of which must be a business man with a means of livelihood and must swear to an affidavit on the bail bond.

Justice Shafa thereafter adjourned the matter till September 29, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
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Three Arrested as Kogi Security Network Intercepts Illegal Arms Shipment

Kogi State Government has announced a major security breakthrough following the interception of a large cache of illegal arms and ammunition believed to have been destined for criminal groups planning attacks within the state.
According to the government, the successful operation was carried out through a coordinated effort involving local security operatives under the state’s security architecture, Hybrid Forces operating under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army after actionable intelligence was received.
Authorities revealed that intelligence reports uncovered plans by criminal elements to move a shipment of weapons into Kogi State using a Volkswagen Golf 2 vehicle. Security agencies immediately launched a covert operation, tracking the suspects across state lines in collaboration with security agencies and government officials in Sokoto State.
After maintaining surveillance for more than two weeks, operatives arrested three suspects in Sokoto and began investigations that led to the uncovering of a wider arms trafficking syndicate believed to be supplying criminal groups operating in and around Kogi State.
Building on intelligence gathered during the operation, security personnel later intercepted the weapons consignment in Kabba, located in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Recovered items included two AK-47 rifles, multiple AK-47 magazines, 67 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, two pistols, 12 rounds of pistol ammunition, and military uniforms allegedly intended for criminal operations.
Security reports indicate the weapons were part of efforts by criminal groups to rebuild their arsenal after suffering major setbacks in recent security offensives, particularly following the elimination of notorious bandit leader Kachalla Battijo during a failed kidnap attempt at Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu on June 10, 2026.
Anticipating retaliatory attacks, the Kogi State Government intensified intelligence gathering, strengthened surveillance across strategic areas, and expanded collaboration with security agencies nationwide to prevent criminal groups from regrouping.
Authorities say intelligence suggests criminal elements hiding in forest locations within the state have suffered heavy operational losses and are experiencing severe shortages of arms and ammunition due to sustained military pressure.
The government credited the success of the operation to proactive security strategies implemented by the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, describing the interception as evidence that intelligence-driven operations are yielding measurable results.
Special commendation was given to local security forces in Kogi, the Hybrid Forces under the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services (DSS), and officers of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army for their professionalism and coordinated response.
The government also acknowledged the support of the Office of the National Security Adviser under Nuhu Ribadu, as well as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for strengthening the country’s security architecture.
Reassuring residents, the Kogi State Government stated that there is no cause for alarm, emphasizing that security agencies have intensified operations statewide to guarantee public safety.
Officials urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue sharing credible information with security agencies, stressing that the state remains committed to defeating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and all forms of criminal activity.
The statement was signed by Kingsley Femi Fanwo, Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kogi State.