Paragraph 1: A Landmark Initiative for Public Service Excellence
The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has launched a groundbreaking Public Service Excellence Initiative, marking a significant step towards enhancing governance and service delivery in the state. This initiative commenced with a five-day strategic leadership and management course held at the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies Oba (Dr) Sikiru Kayode Adetona School of Governance Studies (NIPSS-OSKASOGS), situated within the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye. This strategic training program, designed specifically for the highest-ranking officials within the Ogun State Civil and Public Service, underscores Governor Abiodun’s unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability across all government ministries, departments, and agencies. The initiative represents a crucial investment in human capital, aiming to equip the state’s top bureaucrats with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive innovation and efficiency in governance.
Paragraph 2: Empowering the Drivers of Development
The inaugural cohort of this high-level training program comprises a select group of key figures within the Ogun State public service. This includes Permanent Secretaries, Principals-General, General Managers, the Clerk of the State House of Assembly, Auditor Generals, Executive Secretaries, and Heads of various Professional Bodies. This diverse assembly of leadership represents the core driving force behind the state’s administrative machinery, and their participation signifies the program’s focus on empowering those who hold the greatest responsibility for shaping public policy and service delivery. Governor Abiodun recognized the crucial role of these public servants, describing them as the bedrock of the state’s administration and emphasizing the training as a fulfillment of his administration’s commitment to their professional development.
Paragraph 3: Collaboration and Visionary Leadership
The establishment of NIPSS-OSKASOGS and the launch of this training program are the result of collaborative efforts and visionary leadership. Governor Abiodun expressed his gratitude to several key figures instrumental in making this initiative a reality. He acknowledged the invaluable contribution of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Dr. Sikiru Kayode Adetona, whose vision and support were crucial in establishing the institution at Olabisi Onabanjo University. He also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the takeover of the institution by the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, ensuring its connection to national-level policy discourse. Finally, he commended the leadership of NIPSS for developing a robust and relevant curriculum tailored to the needs of the participants.
Paragraph 4: A Model for Public Service Reform
The Ogun State Public Service Excellence Initiative has garnered praise and recognition from within and outside the state, highlighting its potential as a model for public service reform across Nigeria. The Head of Service of Ogun State, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, lauded the initiative as a pivotal investment in human capital, emphasizing its role in driving innovation and efficiency within the public sector. The Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, also attended the inauguration and described the program as a pivotal step towards public service reform, expressing Lagos State’s interest in adopting similar training models and fostering inter-state collaboration on capacity building initiatives. This inter-state interest underscores the program’s potential to influence public service development across the nation.
Paragraph 5: Enduring Legacy and Broad Support
The launch of the Public Service Excellence Initiative received widespread commendation from various stakeholders, reflecting its significance as a forward-thinking approach to governance and leadership development. Former Heads of Service, members of the Governor’s Elders Advisory Council, and retired senior officials praised the initiative as a demonstration of Governor Abiodun’s commitment to people-focused leadership. Princess Adetoun Adetona, representing the Awujale, highlighted the alignment of the program with the monarch’s vision of nurturing visionary leaders capable of driving national transformation. Oba Abdul-Razak Adenugba, the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, described the institute as a lasting legacy for the advancement of public service in Nigeria, emphasizing its long-term impact on governance.
Paragraph 6: Transforming Careers and Reshaping Governance
The curriculum of the strategic leadership and management course is meticulously designed to equip participants with the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel in public service and contribute to sustainable development. The modules cover key areas such as public policy development, strategic leadership, emotional intelligence, ethics in public service, and mentorship for productivity. The Director of NIPSS-OSKASOGS, Prof. Sola Adeyanju, and the Director-General of NIPSS, Prof. Ayodeji Omotayo, expressed confidence that the training would not only be transformative for the participants’ careers but also reshape the trajectory of governance in Ogun State. By focusing on these core competencies, the program aims to cultivate a new generation of public servants who are not only highly skilled but also deeply committed to ethical and effective governance.
