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Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has recognised the Public service as a veritable driver of development reiterating his administration’s commitment to strengthening its public service and its continued growth.
He made the remark while declaring open a Strategic Leadership and Management Course, designed for Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Parastatals in the State Public Service in conjunction with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, at Oba Sikiru Adetona School of Governance, (OSKASOGS), Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye.
Represented by his Deputy Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the Governor said it was his vision to position Ogun State’s public service amongst the best in the nation, stressing that the public service was the bridge between policies made and the people and as senior officers, the choices they make today would shape the future of the State.
He noted that the programme was part of his Administration’s broader efforts at building a public service that was knowledgeable, accountable, and future-focused, noting that, beyond theories, it offers them practical tools to support their work as senior public officials.
The State helmsman revealed that their roles as Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Parastatals were critical, emphasising that they stand at the forefront of policy implementation, insisting that their insight, judgment, and coordination were essential to the success of government initiatives.
While appreciating, the Awujale and Paramount ruler of Ijebu land, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Adetona, for facilitating the establishment of the School at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Gov. Abiodun, acknowledged President Bola Tinubu, for approving the School’s takeover by the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), charging all participants to work together with Government to create a public service that would not only be efficient and reliable, but also capable of driving long-term transformation.
Speaking, Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, commended Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration, for his efforts towards the progress of the State service as well as prioritising the welfare of civil servants, saying the strategic studies for PS was a testament of the Governor’s commitment towards training and retraining of the workforce, while assuring that the knowledge, insight and Strategic skills acquired would be used to transform and improve service delivery in the State.
In his remarks, Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, lauded the initiative of Ogun State Governor, for organising the programme for Permanent Secretaries and top government Agencies Directors, considering the pivotal role they play towards the development of public service.
He pointed out that Strategic leadership was important to good governance, and as government policy drivers, they should be at the forefront in leading strategies, enhance effective service delivery and make innovative, adaptable, resilience, and bring to bear their knowledge in order to surmount all hurdles in service.
Speaking, the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebu land HRM, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Adetona, represented by the Chairman board of Directors, NIPSS-OSKASOGS,
Princess Adetoun Adetona-Daramola, expressed the institute’s commitment to training senior leaders in public sectors and captains of industries with a view to promoting good governance and enhance service delivery.
Also speaking, the Director General, (DG) NIPSS Kuru, Prof. Ayodeji Omotayo, said in today’s globalised world, strategic management also requires agility, as leadership must be able to anticipate change, adapt strategies and have foresight to stay ahead of trends, noting that it was particularly critical in areas such as policy, governance and economic development where the stakes are high and the impact was far reaching.
The Director (NIPSS) OSKASOGS, Prof. Shola Adeyanju, said the Institute has served as a think tank and training ground for some of the most senior leaders in public sectors and captains of industries, explaining that course after completion would not only shape their professional journey but also contribute to the realisation of a stronger, more sustainable and prosperous Ogun State.
The Chairman Governor’s advisory council who is also a retired Permanent Secretary, Chief Olu Okuboyejo, in his contribution, appreciated the Governor for the initiative, saying it has demonstrated his commitment to good governance and improved service delivery, noting that progress was not based solely on infrastructure and politics but on service transformation, while saying the programmes would help participants to be equipped, empower and be given the opportunity to use the skills acquired to shape governance and the state service, also reminding them that leadership was not about holding a title but taking action on policies.
Chairman, Association of retired Permanent Secretaries, Engr. Adeniyi Adeola and the Chairman Association of Retired Head of Service in the state, Princess Iyabo Odulate, in their separate remarks, expressed delight for the initiatives, saying the idea was one that would not only help to promote good governance but help to improve the service strategically, thanking God for Prince Dapo Abiodun led administration and his developmental strides in the state.
