The Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), on Tuesday, began a training programme for 120 directors of administration and human resources from the Lagos state public service.
The initiative, which aims to enhance capacity and improve service delivery across ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), is part of broader efforts to reform the public sector in the state.
In her keynote address, Funke Adepoju, director-general of ASCON, described the training as timely and necessary, commending the Lagos state government for prioritising the professional development of senior civil servants.
“The decision to retool 120 of the state’s finest directors at ASCON is a flagship example of how deliberate investment in people can catalyse institutional transformation,” Adepoju said.
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She added that the selected directors play a strategic role in shaping the direction and effectiveness of the public service, noting that the training is anchored on five thematic pillars: strategic planning, talent management, performance management, employee relations, and learning and development.
“These pillars are enablers of change. Your departments are not on the periphery — you manage the people who execute government mandates. Your effectiveness is directly tied to service delivery outcomes,” she said.
Adepoju explained that the programme had been designed to be practical, immersive, and competency-based, equipping participants with both knowledge and leadership skills required in a rapidly evolving governance environment.
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The programme is themed: “Retooling for Excellence: The Strategic Role of Administration and Human Resource Managers – Focusing on the 5 Pillars of HR in the Lagos State Public Service.”
Representing Bode Agoro, the Lagos state head of service, at the opening ceremony, Aina Ololade, permanent secretary, Ministry of Waterfront and Infrastructure Development, said the training demonstrates the state government’s commitment to strengthening its workforce.
“This programme is a testament to our administration’s vision of a dynamic, efficient, and people-centered civil service,” she said.
Sunkanmi Oyegbola, permanent secretary, public service, office of the head of service, encouraged participants to take the training seriously, saying it is an opportunity to reposition the system.
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“This is the time to reengineer the system. This is the time to rise and build the Lagos of our collective dreams,” she said.
Some participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity, describing the training as timely and impactful.
Niyi Oladipupo, HR manager at the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for supporting the initiative, saying the experience would enhance their capacity to lead change.
Bamidele Eniayejuni, ASCON director of studies, said the programme had been specially curated to provide practical tools to help the directors navigate a dynamic public sector environment.
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