FirstPower Warns Staff Against Switching off Phones While Sleeping

By Praise Chinecherem

FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited have charged its staff to uphold discipline, commitment, integrity and continuous self-development in their service to the company and the public.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Okechukwu Okafor, gave the charge to staff of Awka and Enugwu-Ukwu Districts of the company at the company’s headquarters in Awka Anambra State.

The well-attended staff engagement session formed part of the MD’s ongoing leadership and motivational engagement and interaction with workers across the various operational districts of the company.

Speaking on commitment and responsiveness in service delivery, Engr. Okafor warned staff against the habit of switching off their phones while sleeping.

He reminded them that they operate in a critical service industry where emergencies, operational issues and customer needs can arise at any time.

He also recounted some instances, including personal examples, where timely phone calls helped to resolve critical challenges, avert serious problems and reinforce people’s confidence in the company.

“There are other instances where negligence and switching off phones reportedly led to serious damaging consequences, including the loss of jobs,” he added.

The FirstPower boss also cautioned the workers against extortion, compromise, unethical conduct, and temporary gains capable of destroying their future, noting that genuine success comes through diligence, professionalism, integrity, and doing the right thing consistently.

He also emphasized the need for better customer relations, reminding the workers that every customer deserves to be treated with respect, dignity and professionalism, irrespective of status.

“A customer neglected, ignored, maltreated, frustrated or extorted by a staff today could be that staff’s destiny helper tomorrow in one way or the other.

Okafor warned the staff not to allow temporary gains or the little money they collect illegally from customers to destroy their entire future.

Regarding leadership and organizational culture, the MD described leadership as “a positive threat” that must challenge complacency, inspire accountability, confront mediocrity, and model integrity and vision within the system.

He also reminded managers at the various levels in the company not to compromise or lower standards because of sentiments or fear of criticism, even as he encouraged junior staff to see strict supervision and correction as part of leadership training for greater responsibilities ahead.