The Ekiti State Government has urged public servants in the state to embrace continuous training, innovation and professional development to enhance efficiency, accountability and effective service delivery.
The Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye made the call while addressing participants at a training workshop with the theme “Upscaling the Level of Public Servants.” held in Ado Ekiti.
Chief Afuye explained that the increasing demands of governance required a competent, innovative, responsive and result-oriented public service capable of translating government policies and programmes into tangible benefits for the people.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Adeleke Adefolaju, the Deputy Governor
described the workshop as timely, and strategically designed to bring the best out of the workers in her office.
According to Chief Monisade Afuye, the public service remains a critical instrument for implementing government policies, monitoring programmes and evaluating outcomes, stressing that the quality of governance largely depends on the competence, commitment, discipline and professionalism of public servants.
She explained that improving the capacity of public servants goes beyond acquiring additional certificates or attending training programmes, adding that it involves strengthening professional skills, developing positive work attitudes, embracing innovation and upholding ethical standards.
While speaking on the rapid advancement of technology, Chief Afuye said changing citizens’ expectations and increasing demands for transparency and accountability had made continuous learning imperative for public servants.
She advised government officials to always be willing to learn, unlearn and relearn to remain relevant and effective in the discharge of their responsibilities.
“Well-designed capacity development programmes would equip public servants with the technical, administrative, managerial and interpersonal skills needed to improve productivity, promote teamwork, strengthen decision-making and enhance responsiveness to the needs of government and citizens”
While emphasizing the importance of professionalism in public administration, Chief Afuye challenged the public servants in Ekiti State to demonstrate integrity, impartiality, diligence and loyalty to constituted authority.
“Civil Servants should ensure that their decisions and official responsibilities reflected the principles of accountability and public interest and commended the administration of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for its commitment to building a responsive, efficient and people-oriented system of governance in Ekiti State.”
Speaking at the seminar, “Upscaling the Level of Public Servants” the Resource Person, Dr Oke Aruleba encouraged civil servants to develop the right mindset, embracing modern administrative practices and cultivate a strong commitment to public interest.
Dr Aruleba futher explained that “upscaling the level of public servants involves improving their knowledge, skills, attitudes, competencies, ethical standards and overall capacity to perform their duties more effectively. It also entails developing the right mindset, embracing modern administrative practices and cultivating a strong commitment to public interest”
On ethical conduct, the Resource Person stressed the importance of integrity, impartiality, transparency, accountability and respect for established rules and procedures, noting that professional competence must be supported by a strong commitment to public interest.
Dr Aruleba also identified communication, time management, digital literacy, teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving as essential competencies required to improve productivity and workplace performance
He also called on senior officers and supervisors to provide an enabling environment for the practical application of newly acquired skills, noting that mentoring, knowledge sharing, teamwork and constructive feedback should become integral parts of the public service culture.
In a remark, the Director of Administration and Supply, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr Ariyo Akindele described public service as a calling that demands responsibility, sacrifice and commitment, saying that professional development should translate into improved institutional performance and contribute to the overall development of the state.
Mr Akindele however appreciated Governor Biodun Oyebanji and Chief Monisade Afuye for their passion at enduring effective public service by giving workers at the Deputy Governor’s office privilege to attend the training.
Participants at the programme include Permanent Secretary, Directors , Senior officers and junior officers at the Deputy Governor’s office.
COV ORIOLA AFOLABI
