The Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Ayotunde Adesugba has reiterated the need for the Unions in the Ministry to ensure adequate security and sanitation measures as criterion for accountability, transparency and probity, the wherewithal of the present administration.
She made the observation while responding to questions raised on welfare and professional conduct of activities in the Ministry during an interactive session with staff on Thursday November 26, 2015. She noted that maintenance issues have been raised with the Union Members concerning the repairs of photocopiers slated for execution in due course, adding that ‘change’ has to begin from the staff of the Ministry.
In his welcome address at the meeting, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammad urged the staff of the Ministry to ensure industrial peace and harmony, saying it is the key to national growth and development. He also said that the Buhari Administration is working round the clock to bring the country back on sound footing.
He emphasized that the task will not be easy as things have gone bad in all spheres of life, stressing that industrial peace and harmony will give proper enabling environments for Government to yield fruits. He intensified that without peace and harmony, there can be no progress in the country. The Minister told the staff that his door will be open to staff members as he is willing to work with them towards realization of the dream to make Nigeria great.
During an interactive session with staff of the Ministry, questions were raised on various issues with regards to staff motivation, the functionality of the Federal Information Centers, diversification of the oil economy using tourism potentials, transportation and staff housing. Other questions raised bordered on the welfare of staff, the Abuja Carnival 2015, salaries, actions and policies of the new administration, Cultural Centres abroad, acquiring local industrial tourism cities, stationery entitlements for Directors and office spaces for newly employed staff.
Responding to the issues raised, the Minister stated that fighting corruption is virile, but certain social issues must be tackled by the Government such as the provision of housing and utilization of mortgages for staff, adding that salary deficit is spread and uniformity in allowance has been advocated by the Government. He further said that there is the need to look inwards first and foremost, before thinking about the centers in Beijing and Brazil as falling oil prize has inflicted serious impact on the resources base of the country. The Minister inferred that each state should designate about 10 states as cultural cities to promote the country’s culture locally.
In her vote of thanks at the meeting, the Permanent Secretary in Ministry, Ayotunde Adesugba thanked the Minister for convening the interactive meeting with a keen and convenient atmosphere for everyone. She also thanked the Directors and staff of the Ministry for responding to the call of the Minister, appealing to the management staff to inspire and mentor subordinates. She further urged the union members not to implore their passion and energy for festivity only, but pay interest in the day to day activities of the Ministry.
The Permanent Secretary advised staff to protect and work in accordance to the Civil Service Rules as well as Public Service and Financial Regulations.
ABUJA (Web Content Management Team Report)
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