Enhancing capabilities crucial for effective public administration, according to Ogun Head of Service

Capacity building is crucial for driving efficiency, productivity, high performance, and excellence in the civil service, according to the Ogun State Head of Service, Kehinde Onasanya, who emphasized this point while declaring open a three-day staff retreat.

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The retreat, themed "Enhancing Productivity through Effective Service Delivery in the Civil Service," was organised by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for its staff at Rolak Hotel and Suites, Ijebu-Ode, and took place on Sunday.

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The Governor Dapo Abiodun administration remains committed to manpower development across the civil service, with Onasanya stating that this commitment is based on the belief that a well-trained workforce is more productive and efficient.

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Onasanya noted that the government has continued to invest significantly in various training programmes, workshops, seminars, and retreats designed to improve the competence and productivity of public servants, with this retreat being part of that broader vision.

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He explained that efficiency in the civil service encompasses prudent resource management, professionalism, innovation, teamwork, accountability, and strict adherence to ethics, going beyond mere speed or routine duties.

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Onasanya reminded public servants that their actions and decisions directly affect the confidence reposed in government by the people, emphasizing the importance of responsible behaviour.

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The Ogun State Head of Service commended the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for sustaining periodic retreats, describing them as strategic platforms for staff development and improved performance.

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Onasanya urged participants to approach the retreat with openness and commitment to learning, noting that it provides an opportunity to adopt best practices and unlearn unproductive habits.

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The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, represented by Permanent Secretary, Dr Rotimiolu Akinlesi, stated that the retreat was necessary for reflection on achievements and repositioning for greater results.

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Hamzat noted that any responsible organisation has a duty to reflect on its achievements and reposition itself for greater accomplishments, which is why the three-day workshop was organised.

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The Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Local Government Pensions, Olufisan Osiyale, said the retreat would strengthen capacity, collaboration, and institutional performance while promoting reforms in the civil service.

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The Elese of Ilese-Ijebu, Oba Oluremi Obayomi, commended the state government and the Head of Service for sustained staff development programmes, noting that merit-based selection for advancement has improved competence, innovation, and results in the civil service.