A new ministry known as the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development has been created by Kwara State Government. According to government, the creation of the new ministry is to allow for proper planning and economic growth of the state.

The state Head of Service, Alhaji Dabarako Mohammed, disclosed this yesterday during a sensitization visit to the office of the State Planning Commission. The sensitization tour was part of the on-going civil service reform programme of the state government.

Dabarako explained that the reform is aimed at enhancing efficiency, productivity and effectiveness among civil servants. The Head of Service spoke of the intention of the present administration to reposition the civil service to enable it compete favourably with its counterparts in other states.

Speaking during the tour, the Chief of Staff, Government House, Alhaji Ladi Hassan, said contrary to the rumour being peddled in some quarters on a so-called retrenchment of civil servants, retirement of civil servants still remain thirty-five years in service or attaining sixty years of age, or whichever comes first.

The Chief of Staff pointed out that Governor Bukola Saraki has achieved a lot in the areas of physical development including provision of roads, water, health and energy among others and is now focusing on human development.

Hassan pledged the commitment of the administration to effective quality and quick service delivery. Ministries visited during the sensitization tour include Works and Finance.

The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Ben Duntoye, was part of the sensitization team.

10/06/09