Mr Sam Chinda, out-going Enugu State Comptroller of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), has identified 10 positive working attitudes and ethics for a successful public service career.
Chinda, who is exiting the service after attaining mandatory 60 years retirement age, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday that a public servant must develop passion for his job in order to excel.
“Having or developing passion for the job entails putting in your best as well as being focused on the job as required to effectively complete your daily tasks.
“The passion is also necessary as you are not only working to be paid salary but rendering a service for the betterment of the society and country at large,’’ he said.
The NIS boss said that the second point was learning the job very well and paying attention to details of carrying out the job by superiors and trainers.
“Thirdly, do not place money and gratification first, so that it does not becloud your sense of duty and judgment.
“Fourthly, develop and sustain good relationship with colleagues no matter your perceived or natural differences with them.
“Fifthly, you must plan your life from day one you entered to service the public.
“The planning covers both present, futuristic as well as retirement plans; since you will never be in service forever,’’ he advised.
Chinda advised public and civil servants to be prudent and manage their monthly salaries very well; while cultivating the habit of saving monthly, no matter how little.
“Yes, the seventh, is do not compare yourself or your achievements or possessions with another colleague of yours in the same office or work environment.
“This is very important for young people in service since you do not know and they might not honestly tell you how they came about the achievements or personal possessions.
“Eight, maintain a good name in all your dealings; while maintaining the `right track and philosophy’ over life generally.
“Do not ever pull people down; but lend a helping hand to pull people up in any way you can in life, especially among your colleagues,’’ he said.
According to him, the last, which is voluntary but helpful, is engaging in farming where possible since the civil/public service rule permits that.
“Take a practical lesson on any aspect of agriculture from a successful farmer in the field,’’ said Chinda, who bowed out of NIS Enugu State Command after several years of impactful service to the nation. (NAN)
