Public servants must match talent with discipline, says Edo HoS

By Olatonmiwa Osho

Edo State Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, has called for stronger discipline among civil and public servants, warning that talent without discipline could undermine organisational performance.

Okungbowa spoke at the fifth edition of the Public Service Knowledge-Sharing Series, organised virtually by the Office of the Head of Service.

Speaking on the theme, “Cultivating a Culture of Discipline for Organisational Growth and Mastering Self-Discipline in a Distracted World,” he described discipline as a foundation for professional growth and effective service delivery.

He stressed that competence and talent must be matched with adherence to rules and standards to achieve meaningful results, noting that discipline in the public service is rule-based.

The guest speaker and immediate past Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, Stella Obialor, said individual habits could shape workplace culture and productivity.

She urged public servants to remain focused and encouraged leaders to lead by example.

Obialor also emphasised consistency and personal responsibility, saying discipline should be practised regardless of convenience and not merely in response to external monitoring.

The programme ended with a ward round led by Okungbowa and Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Christopher Okaeben, to assess compliance with discipline standards across ministries, departments and agencies.