Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has called for the restructuring and reengineering of the civil service to meet the present needs of the country.

Okowa gave the charge on Sunday at a thanksgiving service by Mr Reginald Bayoko for his appointment as the State Head of Service at Grace and Progress Family Chapel, Asaba.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the thanksgiving also coincided with Bayoko’s 50th birthday celebration.

Okowa said that the civil service as the engine room of governance needed to be restructured into a more dedicated, effective and efficient service with service delivery as its watchword.

“There is the need to rebuild the civil service and this must start from the heart, as governance is from the heart, there is the need for dedication, efficiency and effectiveness.

“It is not all about money, we need more dedicated civil servants while weeding out the bad ones.”

The governor congratulated Bayoko on his appointment and birthday celebration, adding that his appointment was divine.

“Your appointment is God’s will; He has decided to make you Head of Service at this time and at the age of 50 so that you can restructure the service.

“You have a long time on the seat, there is a lot to be done to rebuild the service, we have a lot of good civil servants but there are also some bad ones.”

He, however, charged the people to be fervent in prayers, saying that “it is only God that can heal Nigeria.”

Okowa, who commended the religious leaders for their prayers, said that the country needed God’s intervention to overcome its numerous challenges.

He, however, charged religious leaders to continue to pray for the nation and the state, especially in this difficult time.

Earlier, in a sermon, Bishop Chuka Agwegbo admonished Christians to always praise God with understanding for His favours in their life.

He, however, charged Bayoko to keep praising God for His favours and remain loyal to God and to the government.

Agwegbo also charged the Head of Service to use his position for the edification of God’s kingdom, his family, the administration and humanity. (NAN)

•Photo shows Governor Okowa.