COVID-19: Despite job losses, workers laud Buhari for non-disengagement

President Muhammadu Buhari has been commended for not sacking some workers in the federal civil service over the impact of COVID-19 on the nation and global economy.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF), Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, said this on Friday in Abuja at a special Jumuat service as part of activities commemorating the 2021 Civil Service Week, themed, “Building the Africa we want through embracing an African culture that underpins purpose-driven leadership in the face of crisis.”

According to her, the event was a special occasion for the nation’s civil service and since Nigeria put everything in the hands of God, it has to be done.

Represented by Dr. Nasir Sani Gwarzo, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Investment, Dr. Yemi-Esan, said, “We are doing this event to seek God’s guidance and protection and support for the civil service. And to thank the Almighty, for all the good has done to us and pray for the future as well. The same thing will be done on Sunday in the churches.

Many things have happened to Nigeria’s civil service. One of them is the challenge of COVID-19 for the last year.

“As you know, many of our staff, particularly those below the level of level 12, have always been at home throughout this year. And in his magnanimity, Mr. President, unlike other countries where the workers were laid off, on like in the private sector where workers were laid off, he (President) continued to pay their salaries even when they remain at home.

“So, we are not taking this for granted. We must use this opportunity to thank Mr. President for that magnanimity, and also our Head of Service for introducing all the new innovations that have told you that too numerous for me to mention, but suffice to say that very soon Nigerians will see the impact of this innovation.”

She also said that this year’s theme, which is putting technology into use in civil service is going to open up new chapters.

She said, “I want to assure you that Nigeria has taken bold and very, very ambitious steps towards improving the civil service under the leadership of our head of service. New innovations have been introduced, both in terms of building capacity of the staff, introducing new technology. I assure you that in the next few years, people will start seeing the impact of today’s investments.”