The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has recognised and rewarded exceptional staff members across its departments in a bid to strengthen service delivery and foster a culture of excellence.
The colourful award ceremony, held on Monday at the Ministry’s Conference Hall in Abuja, was presided over by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, and attended by Directors, Heads of Departments, and staff of the Ministry.
In his remarks, Dr. Belgore said the recognition was aimed at promoting commitment, hard work, and innovation among staff, adding that performance, professionalism, and good conduct were part of the criteria for selection.
“The purpose of this award ceremony is to encourage dedication and strengthen service delivery. You all, in your own little space, can make a difference, never minding what another person is doing,” he stated.
The Permanent Secretary further explained that the Ministry has institutionalised a monthly recognition scheme in which the best staff from each department is awarded, culminating in an annual award ceremony where an overall best staff and departmental awardees will be honoured.
He also announced the introduction of new categories, including Best Department and Best Director Awards, with “handsome rewards” attached. In addition, he highlighted opportunities for staff to win an Innovation Award by introducing creative ideas to improve the Ministry’s operations.
“The rewards for this are just as big in the overall civil service consideration as that of staff performance. You can win a house, a car, and plenty of money. I want to go and celebrate my staff there,” Dr. Belgore added.
While commending the Reform Coordination and Service Improvement Department for its excellent work, Dr. Belgore assured the awardees of training priority once funding becomes available. He also encouraged staff to aim for higher recognitions such as the prestigious Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) Awards, which bring national visibility.
Earlier, the Head of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, Mrs. Ibifuro Philips-Ogoniba, reiterated that the monthly recognition serves as a reminder that hard work and commitment are the building blocks of effective service delivery.
“Meaningful reforms start with personal discipline, professionalism, and commitment to supporting others. Each awardee has shown a clear dedication to values that directly improve the Ministry’s function,” she said.
Philips-Ogoniba further explained that the Staff of the Month initiative predates the Service Wide Award system, which has now been expanded into four categories: Staff of the Month, Mentorship, Best Dressed, and Most Punctual. She also noted that, in line with OHCSF directives, all awards will now be routed through the Ministerial Award Selection Committee (MASCO), chaired by the Director of Human Resources Management.
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Dr. Ibrahim Kogbe, winner of the EPIC Award at the 2025 International Civil Service Day, thanked the Ministry for creating a culture that values excellence.
“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.
The ceremony ended with applause for the awardees, who pledged renewed commitment to the Ministry’s mandate of making housing affordable for Nigerians and reducing the national housing deficit.
