By Olawale Abdul-Fatah
As Lagos moves further to cement it Smart City status, the State Head of Service, Hakeem Muri – Okunola, has tasked directors in the State Public Service to intensify their acquisition of knowledge, skills and keep abreast with technology that aids their effectiveness at work.
Muri–Okunola added that these would assist them to proffer solutions to any modern public administration challenges that could arise in the state.
He stated this on Wednesday during the opening session of 2019 Retreat for Directors in the Administrative and Human Resource Cadre organized by the Public Service Office in the Head of Service Office held in Lekki Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
While hinting the directors on the task ahead for any evolving Smart City, the Head of Service argued that relevant knowledge, skills, and competences would be needed to discharge their duties and responsibilities with efficiency and effectiveness
”As human societies advance and societal needs change, you must abreast yourselves with the new technologies which emerge alongside new challenges that require modern management tools, new knowledge and new skills for proficiency in Information and Communication Technology’’ he said.
Muri-Okunola stated that technology is a major thrust of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, urging the participants to familiarize themselves with the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda of the present Administration.
The Head of Service noted that to assist them to understand the thrust of the present administration formed reasons this year’s Retreat theme: “Relevance of Directors of Administration and Human Resource in the implementation of the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda”, was deliberately chosen.
He added that it was important for the directors to recognize the fast paced evolution of precepts, concepts, strategies, and technologies in the work environment, especially under the present administration.
“It is only by recognizing and embracing a continuous learning culture that the Administration and Human Resource Cadre will continue to remain, not just relevant, but indispensable, to the Public Service in general”.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Office of the Head of Service, Samson Ajibade, noted that the theme for this Year’s Retreat was apt and in tandem with Sanwo – Olu’s administration policies and reform.
He, however, implored all the participants to work in-tandem with the Permanent Secretaries in their respective Ministries for quick implementation of the present administration’s policies.
The Permanent Secretary tasked the directors to coordinate activities of departments in their Ministries Department and Agencies.
Ajibade stressed that the directors must roll up their sleeves to ensure the on-going reforms started by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is achieved.
