Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi on Friday presented 32 new Suzuki Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to 22 Permanent Secretaries in the state.

Other beneficiaries of the cars were the judicial officers with six cars as well as the Bauchi State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) which got four.

The governor said that the vehicles were to assist the beneficiaries in the discharge of their official responsibilities and also to serve as a catalyst for improved productivity.

Mr Mohammed, who lauded the judiciary for effective service delivery, also applauded the organised labour for its cordial relationship with the state government.

“A strong civil service is required for the implementation of the policies and programmes of government for the social economic development of the state.

“It is for this reason that government used merit in the appointment of permanent secretaries. This initiative has brought about remarkable improvement in the service delivery in the state,” he said.

He urged the permanent secretaries to continue to do their best in the discharge of their responsibilities by being upright and dedicated to duties.

“So far, I want to confess that I have seen improved productivity in the service because of the calibre of the permanent secretaries we have,” Mr Mohammed said.

In his remark, Yahuza Haruna, the state Head of Civil Service, appreciated the governor for the “kind gesture” and bringing the much-needed intervention into the civil service.

He assured that the civil service would put in its best to help the administration achieve more in the state, and reminded all the beneficiaries to give their best.

(NAN)