Former President Goodluck Jonathan has emphasized the importance of visionary leadership in enhancing the welfare of civil servants, contrasting effective governance with unethical political practices. Speaking at the inauguration of the Edo State Civil Service Secretariat Complex on Sapele Road in Benin on Wednesday, Jonathan praised Governor Godwin Obaseki for his progressive initiatives.
Jonathan highlighted the significance of creating a conducive working environment, acknowledging Obaseki’s efforts in establishing a modern secretariat. “It takes a leader with vision to provide such an edifice,” he noted, underscoring the rarity and quality of the facility within Nigeria.
He also commended the governor for offering automatic employment to first-class graduates, a move aimed at harnessing the state’s intellectual resources rather than engaging in political manipulation. Jonathan contrasted this with other states where governors allegedly support criminal activities for electoral gains, such as ballot box snatching and voter intimidation.
The former president encouraged undergraduates to prioritize their education to benefit from employment opportunities like those in Edo State. “Focus on your studies and strive for excellence instead of engaging in detrimental activities,” he advised.
Governor Obaseki, in his address, stressed the need to upgrade public service infrastructure and personnel capabilities to achieve maximum productivity. He expressed confidence that the late Brigadier-General Samuel Ogbemudia, a notable former governor of the state, would be proud of the new developments.
