The Ebonyi State Civil Service Commission has commenced the screening and possible confirmation of staff at the state-owned Okadigbo International Airport who have successfully completed a two-year probation period.
The exercise, which kicked off at the commission’s office in Centenary City, Abakaliki, has been widely welcomed by employees who described it as a morale booster.
Addressing officers during the exercise, the commission’s chairperson, Mrs Virginia Oketa, applauded Governor Francis Nwifuru for prioritising workers’ welfare, noting his recent approval of an additional N20,000 to civil servants’ salaries.
She urged staff to uphold professionalism, loyalty and discipline, stressing that the probation period was designed to test commitment to service delivery. According to her, no appointment becomes permanent until it is confirmed.
“Every officer must present original certificates for verification; statements of results will not be accepted,” she warned.
Mrs Oketa further advised workers to maintain modest dressing and proper conduct, observing that appearance shapes the public’s perception of service delivery, particularly at the airport. She also asked staff to continue to pray for the governor and his family.
A statement issued on Wednesday by the commission’s information department, signed by Obinna E. I., confirmed that the screening covered key departments, including human resources, administration and airport operations.
Some of the workers who spoke to journalists expressed appreciation to the governor for ensuring timely payment of salaries and creating an opportunity for their confirmation.
Ajah Nnamdi from Ishielu Local Government Area said, “The governor has shown that he values workers by making our welfare a priority.” Another staff member, Oketa Chidimma Cheryl, described Mr Nwifuru as “the best governor I have encountered.”
