Housing Ministry Honours Heroes of Service in a Landmark Award Ceremony.
By Raymond Enoch
In a vibrant ceremony filled with applause and appreciation, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development recognized and celebrated its outstanding staff members for their exceptional performance, dedication, and contributions to effective service delivery.
Held at the Ministry’s Conference Hall, the event was presided over by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, and attended by Directors, Heads of Departments, and staff members across all cadres.
In his remarks, Dr. Belgore emphasized that the recognition award is more than a ceremonial gesture—it is a strategic move to strengthen service delivery and foster a culture of excellence within the Ministry.
“You all, in your own little space, can make a difference, never minding what another person is doing,” Dr. Belgore stated.
He highlighted that staff were selected based not only on performance but also on positive attributes such as dedication and professionalism. Making reference to the Head of Civil Service of the Federation Award recently won by a ministry staff member, Dr. Belgore encouraged others to strive for such accolades that shine a positive light on the Ministry.
He revealed the Ministry’s plan to institutionalize monthly awards, which will culminate in a major annual recognition for overall best-performing staff and departments. Furthermore, he announced the introduction of awards for Best Director and Best Department, all with handsome rewards attached.
Another exciting development, he noted, is the introduction of Innovation Awards, which will recognize staff members who bring fresh ideas to drive system improvements. These awards come with substantial incentives,5 including the possibility of winning a house, car, or significant financial prizes.
“The rewards for innovation are just as big as those for staff performance,” Dr. Belgore remarked. “I want to go and celebrate my staff there.”
The Director of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, Mrs. Ibifuro Philips-Ogoniba, in her address, reinforced the importance of the monthly staff recognition initiative, describing it as a vital tool for boosting morale and encouraging professionalism.
“Hard work and commitment are not just good habits,” she said. “They are building blocks of effective service delivery.”
She praised the awardees for setting a high standard and explained that the idea of a Staff of the Month award actually predates the current Service-Wide Awards, which now include categories such as Mentorship, Best Dressed, and Most Punctual.
The awards, she noted, are now officially aligned with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) directive and will henceforth be managed by the Ministerial Award Selection Committee (MASCO), chaired by the Director of Human Resources Management.
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Dr. Ibrahim Kogbe, recipient of the prestigious EPIC Award during the 2025 International Civil Service Day, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry’s leadership.
“This recognition is not just an award; it is a strong motivation for us to keep giving our best to the service of our nation,” he said.
He thanked Dr. Belgore and the management team for creating a culture that values and celebrates excellence, promising that the awardees would continue to uphold the Ministry’s core values and mission.
With this vibrant display of appreciation and the Ministry’s renewed commitment to reward excellence, it is clear that a new era of service motivation and innovation is well underway within the Housing and Urban Development sector.
