By Onu Okorie

The Director- General, of Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office MCO

Simon Obadiah has emphasized the importance of discipline and adherence to established regulations in the civil service, urging the inductees to build positive reputations from the outset of their careers.

He stated this during the one-day induction programme, held at Immaculate Platinum Luxury Resorts in Abuja.

“You have to adhere strictly to the rules and make a name for yourself. Building your name is very important from the day you are employed in the civil service,” Obadiah said.

The MCO successfully inducted 111 newly recruited employees, in addition to the 100 staff members previously employed under the administration of the current DG, a figure that will be difficult for future chief executives to surpass.

The induction of the latest batch of 111 employees is reinforcing the MCO workforce and marks what officials described as a significant milestone in the agency’s growth and capacity-building efforts.

The induction also introduced the new employees to the operations of the agency, public service regulations, and financial management procedures as they begin their careers in the civil service.

Speaking at the event, Engr. Obadiah, noted that the induction and administration of the oath of secrecy were designed to acquaint the new staff with public service rules and governance principles.

The Director-General also highlighted the scale of recruitment undertaken during his tenure, revealing that 100 staff members had previously been employed under his administration, a figure he believes will be difficult for future chief executives to surpass. With the induction of the latest batch of 111 employees, MCO has significantly expanded its workforce in line with its mandate of administering and managing mineral titles across the country.

According to MCO, the induction programme featured specialized training modules on the agency’s operations, Public Service Rules, and Financial Regulations to ensure a seamless integration of the new employees into the organization’s work culture.

Guest speaker and Director of Human Resources at the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Mrs. Ijeoma Idika, described induction as an essential component of public service orientation.

“Induction is one of the necessary programmes for newly recruited officers. It helps them understand their environment, the mandate of their office, and the expectations of management,” she said.

In his welcome address, MCO’s Director of Administration, Okechukwu Nwagbara, reminded the recruits that the agency rewards excellence and sanctions misconduct, urging them to remain dedicated, productive, and committed to their responsibilities as civil servants.

Also addressing the gathering, the Director of Monitoring and Coordination, Yakubu Muri, encouraged the new employees to take advantage of the support available from management and to contribute their best to the organization.

“We have a very good leader in the Director-General who is ready to provide the necessary support. Whatever you do will be recognized,” Muri said.

Responding on behalf of the inductees, Olamijulo Oluwapelumi expressed appreciation for the orientation programme and pledged to uphold the values of loyalty, discipline, and diligence in service.

He said the Director-General’s advice to “make a name for yourself in service” was particularly inspiring and would guide his approach to work.

The event concluded with management staff offering words of encouragement and professional guidance to the newly inducted employees as they embark on their careers with the agency.

MCO is the federal agency responsible for the administration and management of mineral titles in Nigeria, with a mandate to provide an efficient, transparent, and independent mining cadastre system for the granting and administration of mining licences.