Baskadia

... _Promise a unique, reinvented Service through Capacity, Manpower Development and Staff Welfare_ Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, *Hon. Darlington Bassey* has stressed that Capacity Development through continuous Training and Retraining of workforce under the Unified Local Government system, is top priority of the Prince Bassey Edet Otu's led administration. He also said that Staff Welfare is very pivotal, as this is the driving force for productivity.

Hon. Bassey disclosed this as the newly reconstituted Local Government Service Commission in a bid to settles down to discharge its core mandate effectively, embarked on Familiarization visit and tour across the 18 Local Government Areas of Cross River State. The visit was also a deliberate step by the Commission to meet first hand with Staff of the Unified Local Government Service.

Addressing a cremé of obviously elated, anxiously vivacious gentlemen and women of the workforce, the Chairman, in company of all Commissioners of the Commission, disclosed with utmost clarity, the new policy thrust of the Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, as encapsulated in his "People First" agenda, with interest to build capacity and reinvent general administration at the third tier of government.

"Let me begin by thanking His Excellency, Prince Bassey Otu, for finding us worthy enough to appoint us to discharge this all-important responsibility ensuring a reinvented Service. This is also important because this Team has been carefully selected, having men and women who were former HOLGAs, Chairmen of Councils and professionals with very rich experience in Local Government administration. "I am one of you. I served in the Local Government Service,

growing through the ranks and retired as Deputy Director and was first appointed as a Commissioner in the last dispensation. My colleagues seated here also have versed experience in their respective areas in the Local Government and have been part of the system." "We decided to embark on this Familiarization tour to introduce ourselves to you and to commend you for remaining steadfast even in the absence of the Commission's leadership before now.

We are indeed proud of you all." While expressing joy with the Chairman and his entourage and conveying their heartfelt congratulations, the Heads of Local Government Administration (HOLGAs) in each of the LGAs visited, commended the Governor for putting together such a wonderful Team. They also presented their scorecards and challenges, prominent among which includes staff shortage; Training and issues affecting internal revenue generation of their LGAs.

Some especially LGAs within the border and those with Security challenges, solicited for improved security to enhance performance. Speaking further on the innovation for optimum performance, the Chairman of Commission outlined the new policy roadmap bothering on welfare, Training, innovative and s innovative and smart governance. He disclosed that going forward, welfare accrued to staff will be delivered timely and that training which is very paramount for productivity,

will become "Train the Trainer" styled. Staff Welfare is a top priority of the Governor. The Commission has also secured the one percent (1%) which will be utilized for the benefit of all. To be eligible for the benefits, the Commission Chairman harped on dedication to work. He also said that no staff will be allowed to hold on to a particular schedule for too long, stating that placement of responsibility will be strictly on performance and output.

On the issue of absenteeism and truancy, the Commission informed that punitive and drastic measures will be used on defaulters, stating that rules guiding the service will be in full force. Other innovations that the Commission is bringing on board includes, among others; •Trainings (ASCON) and other relevant trainings to become regular •Promotions, appointment of Heads of department including HOLGA to be based on seniority and competence, irrespective of profession.

Dress Code (Smart and corporate attire), Annual Thanksgiving to become a regular activity, •Introduction of "Happy Hour" (an off-peak, off-the-job moment where staff meet quarterly to interact and unwind). Highlights of the visit include interactive sessions, staff participation and friendly pleasantries between the Commission and Staff of the LGAs.