By James Ndubuisi Nwakpa
For Chief Romanus Nwasum, Chairman of the Ebonyi State Local Government Service Commission (LGSC), integrity has become more than a personal virtue, it has become a defining hallmark of his public service.
That reputation received another boost on Wednesday when the Advocacy for Peace and Value Re-orientation conferred on him the Integrity Stewardship Service Ambassador Award at the headquarters of the commission in Abakaliki.
The non-governmental organisation said the honour followed an independent assessment of Nwasum’s leadership, administrative performance and commitment to ethical leadership, insisting that the recognition was based solely on merit rather than influence or lobbying.
Presenting the award, the organization’s Director, Mr. Abraham Abubakar Onyibo, described the LGSC chairman as a public servant whose transparency, accountability and dedication to duty have transformed the commission and improved its service delivery.
According to him, the Ebonyi State Local Government Service Commission has recorded remarkable progress under Nwasum’s leadership, earning recognition as one of the best-performing commissions in the South-East.
Onyibo attributed the achievement to the chairman’s commitment to institutional reforms, staff welfare, regular training and retraining of workers, youth and women empowerment, community peace-building and conflict resolution.
He noted that the organisaytion recognises only individuals who distinguish themselves through exemplary leadership, integrity and selfless service after undergoing rigorous and confidential assessments.
Receiving the award, Nwasum described the honour as a challenge to remain steadfast in upholding the principles of integrity, accountability and excellence in public service.
He dedicated the recognition to the staff of the commission, applauding their commitment and professionalism, which he said have contributed significantly to the successes recorded by the commission.
The LGSC chairman, who also serves as the National Secretary of the Association of Local Government Service Commissions of Nigeria, reaffirmed his commitment to implementing reforms that align with the People’s Charter of Needs policy of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
He disclosed that the commission has continued to invest in capacity-building initiatives for its workforce, noting that the programmes have improved productivity, efficiency and overall service delivery across the local government system.
In their words of commendations, the Commissioner I of the commission, Architect Augustine Nwechara, and Commissioner II, Hon. Monday Nwigbo, described him as a leader whose adherence to due process, integrity and accountability has inspired confidence among staff and repositioned the commission for greater performance.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Conference of Principal Officers of the Local Government Service Commission, Chief Moses Oshibe, and the Administrative Officer of Oshiri Development Centre in Onicha Local Government Area, Mr. Patrick Igwe, praised Nwasum’s visionary leadership and applauded the Advocacy for Peace and Value Re-orientation for recognising his contributions.
The latest honour adds to a growing list of awards Chief Nwasum has received from government institutions, professional bodies, religious organisations and community groups in recognition of his contributions to public administration and ethical leadership.
