Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has urged Civil Servants to be versatile in their knowledge of government policies and activities, stressing that they must always speak from a position of knowledge.
He stated this on Tuesday during a virtual session of the Lagos State Public Service Accelerator Program’s Fireside Chat Series, themed: “Experiential Learning with Communication, Courtesy, and Credibility: Humanising Public Institutions.”
Describing the program as an excellent initiative for continuous learning, the Governor encouraged participants to adopt a “Pass-It-On” approach to knowledge sharing within their Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
He noted that there was nothing better than sustained learning for personal and professional growth and called on participants to remain dedicated, stay the course, build relevant skills, and interact productively with colleagues.
Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence that the platform would endure and become a fixture in the State’s public service system, with the pioneering set laying the foundation for its growth.
He also emphasised that human capital development was as crucial as infrastructure development, adding that “we must build our people if we are to secure a better future for Lagos State.”
Earlier, the Honourable Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Mr. Afolabi Ayantayo, welcomed participants and explained that the Public Service Accelerator Program was designed to equip officers with leadership and interpersonal skills that will enable them to resolve conflicts and influence positive change.
He said it also sought to enhance service delivery by improving civil servants’ communication abilities, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and innovation.
According to him, the program promotes a sustainable learning culture within MDAs through the Pass-It-On model, drives the adoption of digital tools and policy innovation, and boosts morale and productivity by aligning personal growth with organisational vision.
In her address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Establishments and Training, Mrs. Olubusola Abidakun, revealed that 100 participants were selected through a rigorous interview process that ensured equal representation of men and women across various MDAs.
She recalled that the program was officially launched on May 29, 2025, with the Deputy Governor, the Head of Service, senior government officials, and other dignitaries in attendance.
Since its inception, she noted, participants have benefited from a variety of sessions covering topics such as personal branding, effective communication and presentation skills, workplace relationships, work-life balance, mental health, cyber security, conflict prevention, diplomacy at work, financial literacy, and the application of artificial intelligence in government.
They have also undertaken case studies, group and team project presentations, and mentoring sessions with Permanent Secretaries to gain practical insights from experienced leaders.
The Fireside Chat with Governor Sanwo-Olu represents a major milestone in the calendar of the Lagos State Public Service Accelerator Program in its effort to nurture a professional and innovative public service capable of meeting the demands of dynamic governance.
(LASG)
