The Edo State Head of Service (HOS), Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to sustaining a culture of excellence, recognition and motivation in the State’s workforce.
Dr. Okungbowa gave the assurance during the presentation of awards to outstanding officers in the October, 2025 edition of the Best Staff of the Month initiative of the OHOS, which held at the Government House in Benin City, where Tejumola Elizabeth Ogunlaja, emerged as the Best Performing Staff of the Month, while Mrs. Oremeyi Efe-Makpamekun and Destiny Chukwu, came as the first and the second runners-up, respectively.
The HOS expressed delight that the monthly recognition programme, which had become a symbol of motivation and service excellence within his Office, had continued to thrive despite challenges. He commended the Permanent Secretary, Directors, and staff of the Office of the Head of Service for their continued support and collaboration, noting that their collective efforts had ensured the success and consistency of the award initiative.
“We are glad to sustain this initiative in spite of all odds. As the Bible admonishes, we have put our hand on the plough and we are not looking back”. Dr. Okungbowa stated.
Reflecting on the dynamics of a productive workplace, he likened an organization to a building made up of several blocks, recounting an analogy once shared with him by Wole Iyamu SAN, emphasizing that every staff plays a crucial role in holding the structure together.
In his words, “A workplace is like a wall built with several blocks. If one block is removed, the structure becomes incomplete. Everyone is important, and when each person plays a part, we can achieve our shared goals. It may not always be in monetary form, but recognition matters. The progress we are making today is because of your dedication. I urge everyone to continue giving their best so that our office can function even more effectively”.
Dr. Okungbowa stressed the importance of appreciation and recognition as tools for motivation, adding that no month should pass without acknowledging the efforts of hardworking staff.
Encouraging other staff who were yet to win, Dr. Okungbowa assured them that their diligence would not go unnoticed.
“Those who won today once stood where you are. If you keep working hard, your turn will come. We see your efforts, and there are still many months ahead”. He concluded.
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Tejumola Elizabeth Ogunlaja, the best performing staff of the month appreciated the HOS and other management staff for the honor bestowed.
She asserted, “On behalf of myself and other awardees, I thank God almighty for his grace and the leadership of our great office to have been named Staff of the Month. This recognition means a lot to me and this will continue to inspire me to give my best every day. This achievement is not mine alone, it was teamwork, collaboration, and positive spirit from my other colleagues.
The event ended with applause and renewed enthusiasm among staff, who appreciated Dr. Okumgbowa’s commitment to celebrating diligence and inspiring excellence across the Edo State Public Service.
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