Samuel Bello, Abuja

Following an assessment of the performance of employees and commitment to their work, the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, on Tuesday, awarded 16 of its staffers with Honourable Minister’s Outstanding Performance and Permanent’s Secretary’s Productive Staff Awards.

Delivering his speech during the ceremony, the minister, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, said by recognizing excellence through the awards, the productivity of workers would improve, wealth creation would grow and Nigeria would become more prosperous.

This, according to him, remains the surest way to fight and defeat extreme poverty, and be in a situation where the country could feed, shelter and clothe all Nigerians, fight illiteracy and improve the health of all citizens.

He said the awards should spur all the awardees to work harder, and be an inspiration to others, as well as contribute more to the success of the ministry and the country at large.

The minister therefore charged those who were not selected for the awards not to give up hope, but rather work harder so that they would be recognized in future.

Onu while observing the significance of the ceremony as an important beginning in the rise of the country to true greatness, further admonished the recipients of the awards to also work harder, saying ‘anybody who is in a race and starts looking behind, can be easily overtaken’.

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Earlier in his welcome address, Permanent Secretary, Mr. Bitrus Nabasu, said the award was a clarion call for a change of attitude, for a positive upward adjustment of workers’ habit, for deliberate decision to embrace the ideals of diligence, excellence, discipline and consciousness.

He added that collectively, the genuine and assiduous input would culminate in the institutionalization of the much desired, much promoted Efficient, Productive, Incorruptible and Citizen-centred (EPIC) culture in the civil service which is sure to transform the country.

Responding on behalf of the awardees, Agoro Olayiwola, appreciated the minister, permanent secretary and committee members for the great job.

Olayiwola also promised not to let them down, pointing out that it was a call to service and challenge to do more.

The awardees include, under Honourable Minister’s Outstanding Performance Award (Directorate Level), Udoh E. J, Director, first position; Agoro Olayiwola, Assistant Director, second position; and Ajibola G. O, Assistant Director, third position.

Under Honourable Minister’s Outstanding Performance Award (Senior Staff Level) were Ukpem Emmanuel, first position;  Ifeobu Ezenwa, second position; while third position went to Obije Ocheche. Under Junior Staff Level were Sunday John Obot, first position; as well as Mrs. Evelyn Ugwu, Photographer (Press Unit) second position and Adegbiyan Oiarotimi came third position.

Under Permanent Secretary’s Productive Staff Award, Lawal Sagir, came first position; while Nathaniel Ujah, got second; as well as Itsuokor Itsisor Lawrence and Olumide Akindele, came third respectively. Under Permanent Secretary’s Innovative Staff Award. They were Mrs. Stella C. Igwilo, Assistant Director, first position; followed by Anpe M. F., Assistant Director, second position and Mrs. Zahara’u Yahaya, got third position.