Housing Ministry Celebrates Top Staff at 2025 Ministerial Awards Ceremony
The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has honored its outstanding staff at the 2025 Ministerial Rewards and Recognition Award Ceremony, reinforcing its dedication to fostering excellence, integrity, and superior service delivery within the Civil Service. The event, held in Abuja, was presided over by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, who highlighted the initiative's alignment with the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation's directive to institutionalize a culture of merit-based recognition, productivity, and excellence across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
Minister Dangiwa Commends Award Selection Committee
In his address, Minister Dangiwa expressed profound gratitude to the Award Selection Committee for their diligence and transparency throughout the screening process. He noted that their rigorous efforts ensured that only truly deserving staff were recognized and awarded. "This occasion is one of the proud moments for the Ministry. I am particularly pleased with the spread of award categories and the quality of awardees selected from across various departments," Dangiwa stated, underscoring the broad representation of high achievers.
Emphasis on Mentorship and Institutional Knowledge
The Minister further stressed the critical importance of mentorship in the Civil Service, urging Directors and senior officers to actively groom and guide younger officers before their eventual exit from the system. Dangiwa emphasized that sustained mentorship is essential for preserving institutional knowledge and strengthening the future of the Civil Service, ensuring continuity and enhanced performance.
Permanent Secretary Outlines Strategic Goals
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, described the awards as a strategic initiative designed to motivate staff, encourage healthy competition, and reinforce a culture of excellence and accountability. Belgore pointed out that the Ministry's previous successes at national Civil Service Awards, where some staff emerged as winners, have inspired a renewed drive to achieve greater recognition at the national level.
"Our goal this year is not only to participate but to excel by winning multiple awards, including the overall best in the Civil Service category, which comes with significant incentives such as houses, vehicles, and computers," he stated, outlining ambitious targets for the Ministry.
Rigorous Selection Process and Institutionalized Recognition
The Permanent Secretary explained that while many officers are deserving of recognition, the awardees represent the peak of performance, having emerged through a rigorous and merit-driven selection process. He added that the Ministry has institutionalized a robust recognition system, which includes monthly staff awards and departmental "Staff of the Month" displays, culminating in the selection of overall best performers. "Those honoured today have demonstrated consistent excellence and have earned their recognition through hard work and commitment to duty," Belgore affirmed.
Director Highlights Transparency and Performance Criteria
Earlier in the event, the Director of the Special Projects Unit, Mr. Olatunde Ajayi, described the ceremony as a platform to celebrate excellence and inspire others to strive for higher standards of service delivery. He assured attendees that the selection process adopted by the Ministerial Awards Selection Committee was thorough, transparent, and strictly guided by Federal Public Service policies and guidelines. According to him, the criteria focused on measurable performance, accountability, commitment to service delivery, and continuous improvement, ensuring a fair and objective evaluation.
The 2025 Ministerial Rewards and Recognition Award Ceremony underscores the Ministry's unwavering commitment to building a motivated workforce driven by excellence, professionalism, and dedication to national development. This initiative not only rewards past achievements but also sets a benchmark for future performance, encouraging all staff to contribute to the Ministry's mission of enhancing housing and urban development across Nigeria.
