By Chol D. Johnson
Central Equatoria State Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony has directed newly appointed ministers, advisors and commissioners to prioritize service delivery to citizens, outlining four major agendas for the state.
Speaking on Monday during the swearing-in ceremony in Juba, Adil emphasized that the new leadership must focus on peace and security, urban cleanliness, economic revival through agriculture, and improved social services.
“We have four big service agendas to our people in the state, which need to work on,” Adil said. He stressed that security and peace remain the foremost priority, requiring greater government effort to stabilize communities.
The second agenda, he noted, is to keep Juba and other towns in CES such as Yei and Terekeka clean, green, and safe. “We need to restore order,” he added.
Adil further highlighted the revival of the state’s economy through agriculture and recognition of cooperative activities as the third agenda. The fourth, he said, is the delivery of essential services in education, health, water, and empowerment programs for youth and women.
He announced the establishment of Yei University at the former UNMISS base in Yei County, positioning it as a public institution alongside the University of Juba.
“This morning, I took a decision to establish a public university in the former UNMISS base in Yei County, called Yei University,” Adil declared as he commended outgoing officials for their contributions to state development.
The ceremony followed presidential decrees issued by President Salva Kiir Mayardit over the weekend, which removed and appointed new ministers, advisers, commissioners, and independent commissioners in CES.
Deputy Governor Paulino Lukudu Obede reiterated that service delivery requires individual responsibility. “Our people require our services in the country through individuals’ responsibility to support the people in service delivery,” Lukudu said.
He emphasized youth and women empowerment through employment opportunities, the need for a conducive business environment, road construction, and improved security in remote areas.
Lukudu also called for the return of citizens from refugee camps ahead of the forthcoming elections. “As election is coming, we need to transport our people back home from refugee camps in neighbouring countries,” he expressed.
Anna Kaku Samson, newly appointed CES Political Adviser, underscored unity among diverse political actors.
“We are from different political parties, but our agenda in this state, our common agenda is to unite and work together for the people of CES,” she said assuring that the advisers will work as a united team to deliver services and strengthen governance.
Augustine Ladu Martin, the new Minister of Cabinet Affairs, pledged collaboration with the governor to achieve service delivery and emphasized that achieving service delivery is a collective responsibility of all government officials. “There is a saying that if you walk far to achieve something, walk together,” he noted.
Huda Micha Laila, newly appointed Commissioner of Lainya County, expressed gratitude for the appointments and promised to work closely with paramount chiefs and vulnerable communities. “As we are appointed, we will work with paramount chiefs in the areas and vulnerable people,” Micha said.
She noted that many citizens remain displaced in refugee camps or have migrated to Juba due to lack of services in their counties. “Our people are in displacement, refugee camps, and Juba city because they lack services in their counties,” she explained.
The commissioner pledged to coordinate security issues in the counties with verified reports and ensure grassroots support.
The newly appointed officials collectively promised to advance peace, development, and service delivery across Central Equatoria State, aligning their efforts with the governor’s directive and the president’s vision for the state.