Edo state governor, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole has recommended a book entitled “UNDERSTANDING PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AS A TOOL FOR EFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE” to public servants who are interested in governance and want to know how civil service operates.
The book is written by Dr. Simeon Imuekemhe, former Head of Service and immediate past Secretary to Edo state Government. The Comrade Governor who made the recommendation at the unveiling of the book at Emporium Event Centre in Benin City on Wednesday 30th September 2015, described Imuekheme as an outstanding public servant. In his words; “I believe Imuekemhe is an example of an outstanding public servant”.
The governor, who lauded Imuekheme as a loyal public Servant who did not reveal government secrets also noted that the author retired from service before his time, just because he wanted to give other people a chance.
“I am very happy for you. I am glad that you have been able to put in black and white your experience. The good news is that you have published your book at a time when we have a new president” adding that President Buhari had a pedigree for good governance.
The governor stated that the book is coming at a time when Nigeria has a respected black leader who enjoys international recognition even as he pledged to purchase a number of copies to be distributed to permanent secretaries and all level 15 and 16 officers of the state at 10% above the cover price.
The reviewer; Prof. Eddy Erhagbe of the University of Benin praised the author, stressing the importance and relevance of the book to government agencies and Civil Servants.
According to him; “the book is presented in an easy to read manner and is bereft of typographical errors, it is legible and invaluable companion to every public servant”.
Meanwhile, earlier in his remarks, the author of the book, Dr. Imuekemhe appreciated God for his mercies. He explained the events that led to his movement from medical practice into core administration and attributed it to Providence. In his words “I didn’t know anything, I depended on my secretary, I read every book I could on administration and after that I knew what to do”.
“What I tried to do in this book is to look at public administration and I did it as a lay man. This book is a companion to anybody in the public service, the language is simple and tells you anything you need to know in the public service”.
“My inspiration to write this book was drawn from my varied and extensive experience in the public service spanning 32 years out of which 18 years were spent as head of various establishments in the state. The book is aimed at providing the fundamental ingredients required for public officers and students of Public Administration to understand the basic principles of governance.
The occasion was chaired by Justice Olubor retired President of Customary Court of Appeal.
Writing is a tedious work that requires thoughtfulness, creativity and hardwork to put ideas together. Hence we find in society very few persons who venture to carry out this demanding vocation.
A medical doctor turned a technocrat, Dr. Imuekemhe learnt the political ropes of the career and excelled to the extent that after his retirement from the office of secretary to the state government, he has published a book on Public Administration. This is indeed commendable and points to the fact that anyone can become a leader in any field if he is willing to pay the dues and obey the silent voice of God.
Dr. Imuekheme has paid the price and has demonstrated the quality of versatility which is an important ingredient of leadership and success. His effort is commendable and his progress from one career to the other has been remarkably edifying.
A new chapter has opened for yet another journey.

Related News