By Awhawha Awhawha
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Saturday, tasked public servants to render service with integrity, diligence, and a deep commitment to the betterment of the state and country.
Governor Oborevwori gave the charge at the retirement thanksgiving of the retired Delta State Head of Service, Mr. Reginald Bayoko, held at the Grace and Progress Family Church, Asaba.
While congratulating the outgone Head of Service for his services to the state, the Governor lauded Bayoko for remaining steadfast through trials and triumphs and thanked God for sustaining him throughout his remarkable and illustrious career in service
Governor Oborevwori who was accompanied by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme ,Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, and top government functionaries, said; “we are here gathered in gratitude, a celebration for the glory of God Almighty, for the remarkable service and well-deserved retirement of my brother, Mr. Reginald Bayoko.
“It is a moment of reflection, appreciation, and thanksgiving for a man who has given 35 years of his life for the noble cause of public service.
“In that 35 years, he was a permanent secretary for almost 10 years. In that 35 years, he was Head of Service for almost 10 years, almost 19 years and we give God all the praise.
“I always encourage people to cultivate a heart of gratitude, especially towards God. Today, people who have been in this service for 10 years, they want to be like Bayoko.
“They want to be like a permanent secretary. Why don’t you wait for your turn? Because it’s turn by turn.
“Some are due for retirement. They will not give space for the young ones to grow, they will change their date of birth.”
To the celebrant, Oborevwori said, “you have run your race with honour, courage, and humility. You have not only led but also mentored and inspired countless young Deltans who now look up to you as a role model.
“As you step into this new chapter of life, I have no doubt that your work and experience, wisdom and passion for uplifting others, will continue to shine in new and meaningful ways.
“As we partake in this thanksgiving service, let us all be reminded of the sacred duties we hold to our communities and our state.
“Let us strive to emulate the selfless and faithful service that Bayoko exemplified throughout his career.
“In whatever capacity we serve, let us do so with integrity, diligence, and a deep commitment to the betterment of our state.”
In a sermon on “Don’t forget”, Bishop Chuka Agwuegbo, charged Christians and people in authority to always remember that all they have attained and achieved in life were by God’s mercy.
While congratulating the chief celebrant, Mr. Reginald Bayoko on his successful retirement as Head of Service, he described Bayoko as a wonderful and brilliant administrator who contributed his quota to the growth and development of the civil service.
He said man had a natural propensity to forget, adding that there were many Bible accounts of how men forgot God after making it in life and warned that the end was always disastrous for those who do not give gratitude to God for their blessings.
In his remarks, Bayoko thanked God for a remarkable career in the civil service and expressed appreciation to Governor Oborevwori and former Governors of the state for the opportunity to serve the state in several capacities.