The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, emphasized the vital role of integrity and accountability within the state’s civil service, urging top officials to exemplify these values in their daily duties. Addressing a gathering of high-ranking civil servants at a five-day strategic leadership and management training program, the governor, represented by Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, stressed the importance of leading by example and upholding the principles of transparency, responsibility, and service. This call to action underscores the administration’s dedication to fostering a culture of ethical conduct and professionalism within the public sector, aiming to build public trust and ensure efficient service delivery. The training, held at the Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona School of Governance Studies, signals the government’s commitment to investing in human capital development to strengthen the civil service as an engine for progress.
The training program, which brought together permanent secretaries, principals-general, general managers, clerks of the state’s House of Assembly, auditors general, executive secretaries, and heads of professional bodies, among others, signifies a direct fulfillment of a promise made by the governor’s administration. By providing this opportunity for capacity building, the government aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of its top civil servants, empowering them to effectively navigate the complexities of their roles and contribute to the state’s overall development agenda. Abiodun’s acknowledgment of the civil servants as the bedrock of the public service further emphasizes the importance of their contributions and the administration’s dedication to supporting their professional growth.
Governor Abiodun expressed his gratitude to several key figures instrumental in the training’s realization. He commended the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr) Sikiru Adetona, for facilitating the establishment of the Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona School of Governance Studies, the venue of the training program. The governor also lauded President Bola Tinubu for approving the school’s integration with the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), a move that strengthens the institution’s capacity and expands its reach. This collaboration ensures the delivery of a robust and relevant curriculum tailored to the specific needs of Ogun State’s civil servants, equipping them with the tools to excel in their respective positions.
The Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, echoed the governor’s sentiments and reassured him that the investment in the human capital development of the public service would yield positive returns. He emphasized the commitment of the civil service to translate the acquired knowledge, insights, and skills into improved service delivery for the citizens of Ogun State. This commitment reflects the administration’s broader goal of building a responsive and effective public service that caters to the needs of the populace. The collaborative nature of the training, involving the state government, traditional leadership, and national institutions, demonstrates a shared vision for strengthening governance and fostering development within Ogun State.
Prof. Sola Adeyanju, the Director of the Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona School of Governance Studies, and Prof. Ayodeji Omotayo, the Director General of NIPSS, both expressed confidence in the transformative potential of the training program. They asserted that the training would not only enhance the professional trajectories of the participants but also contribute significantly to the realization of a stronger, more sustainable, and more prosperous Ogun State. This shared belief highlights the strategic importance of investing in leadership development within the civil service, as it directly impacts the state’s ability to achieve its developmental goals and improve the lives of its citizens.
The collaborative efforts of the state government, traditional leadership, and national institutions like NIPSS signify a shared commitment to enhancing governance and promoting sustainable development in Ogun State. The training program embodies this commitment by equipping top civil servants with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively contribute to the state’s progress. By emphasizing integrity, accountability, and service, Governor Abiodun’s administration seeks to cultivate a robust and efficient public service that serves the needs of the people and drives the state towards a brighter future. The focus on leadership development underscores the importance of investing in human capital within the civil service to achieve long-term growth and prosperity for Ogun State.
