Nkechinyere Ewa
The Chairman of the Ebonyi State Local Government Service Commission, Romanus Nwasum, has reaffirmed his commitment to deepening reforms in the state’s local government system following his recognition with an award for integrity, due process and public service.
Speaking after receiving an award from advocacy for peace and value re-orientation Nwasum said the honour was not just a recognition but a call to greater responsibility, stressing that he would remain committed to transparency, fairness and improving the welfare and productivity of local government workers.
He explained that he accepted the award because it reflected the principles that have guided his leadership.
“I have rejected several awards in the past because I always assess the credibility of the organisation and whether the reasons for the award truly reflect my work. This time, after reviewing what they articulated, I found that it resembled how I work, so I accepted it,” he said.
Nwasum noted that since assuming office in 2024, the commission has embarked on comprehensive reforms aimed at restoring discipline, professionalism and efficiency in the local government service.
According to him, the commission organised a series of capacity-building workshops, including training on attitudinal change, civil service ethics, relationships between political office holders and civil servants, and financial management.
He said the trainings were already yielding positive results, adding that many local government officials now better understand accountability and prudent management of public funds.
“Attitude does not change overnight, but the little we have done is already producing positive changes. Our workers are becoming more committed and enthusiastic. We are convinced we are on the right path towards restoring the glory and status of the local government system,” he stated.
Nwasum also observed that poor work ethics previously witnessed in some councils were partly caused by leadership failures, noting that the commission has continued to insist that government business must be conducted in official offices in line with established civil service procedures.
Earlier, Director of the presenting organisation, Abraham Abubakar, commended the Ebonyi State Local Government Service Commission for promoting professionalism and maintaining high ethical standards among local government workers.
He particularly praised the commission’s commitment to continuous training and retraining of staff, describing it as a major factor that has transformed the local government system in the state.
Also speaking, Commissioner II of the commission, Monday Nwigbo, described Nwasum as “an institution,” whose exemplary leadership and outstanding track record continue to inspire excellence.
“After studying Mr. Nwasum, you will excel in every aspect of life. His record speaks for him at all times,” Nwigbo said.
Responding to the commendations, Nwasum attributed the commission’s achievements to integrity and the collective commitment of its members and staff.
“Value orientation and integrity are not sold in the market; they are built into the people. We follow the rule of law, we are fair to everyone and committed to doing justice in the discharge of our responsibilities,” he said.
He pledged that the recognition would motivate him to work even harder, saying the award had placed greater responsibility on him to uphold the values of accountability, integrity and excellent public service in Ebonyi State’s local government system.