INEC Rewards Dedication as Customer Service Week Kicks Off

INEC Rewards Dedication as Customer Service Week Kicks Off

•Yakubu urges staff to uphold empathy, accountability

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday joined organisations across the world to commemorate the 2025 Customer Service Week, recognising outstanding leadership and commitment to service excellence under the theme “Mission Possible.”

The ceremony, held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, celebrated the dedication of staff and leadership whose efforts have continued to drive INEC’s public service delivery.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, received the Excellent Service Delivery Award, while the National Commissioners were honoured with Leadership Awards. The Secretary to the Commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, was presented with the Amazon of Excellent Service Delivery Award for her commitment to efficiency and institutional excellence.

In his keynote address, Prof. Yakubu said the Customer Service Week provided an opportunity for reflection and renewed commitment to the Commission’s core values.

“Customer Service Week reminds us that every complaint and inquiry responded to, every concern addressed, and every moment of engagement reinforces the Commission’s commitment to serving the public interest.

“Action speaks louder than words. And I’m one of those who believe that work is actually prayer in action, so we should pray but keep working,” he said.

Yakubu urged INEC staff to continue to uphold empathy, responsiveness, and accountability, stressing that excellence in service must remain a shared pursuit.

In his remarks, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Health and Welfare Committee, Prof. Sani Adam, praised the SERVICOM Unit for its role in promoting productivity and a friendly workplace culture.

“We have a vibrant SERVICOM department, and year after year, Customer Service Week is commemorated to familiarise both Commission members and the general public that INEC is a friendly place to work.

“Over the years, the Chairman has given huge support to the operation of SERVICOM, and that has strengthened a culture of excellence,” he said.

Speaking after receiving her award, Oriaran-Anthony dedicated the recognition to all INEC staff, describing it as a collective achievement.

“This award is not for me alone; it is for every staff member who picks up a call, responds to an inquiry, assists a voter, or provides clarification with patience and professionalism. That is what true service means,” she said.

She added that recognition would continue throughout the week across INEC offices nationwide, ensuring that dedication and excellence are duly celebrated.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that every Nigerian who interacts with INEC experiences courtesy, fairness, and efficiency. That is the culture we are building, and that is the legacy we must sustain,” she emphasized.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Acting National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of SERVICOM, Anthony Oshin, Ngozi Akinbodewa commended INEC for institutionalising a culture of service excellence and transparency.

She lauded the leadership and staff for aligning the Commission’s operations with SERVICOM’s principles of responsiveness, accountability, and public trust.

The 2025 Customer Service Week, which runs from October 6 to 10, provides an opportunity for institutions like INEC to celebrate their workforce, assess their service impact, and reaffirm their dedication to professionalism and empathy in public service.