By Olamilekan FAWAS
Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Monday said the injection of innovative ideas in the implementation policies was key to building a sustainable and competitive economy in the state.
Ambode, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule, made the assertion at the Public Service Day Commemoration with the theme, “Transforming Governance to Realise Sustainable Development Goals”.
TBI Africa reports that the Conference of African Civil Service Ministries in 1994, mandated all African countries to commemorate Public Service Day every June 23 to recognise the productivity and resilient efforts of public servants.
The governor said implementing policies in an innovative manner could also transform governance positively and meet the needs of the people.
“The realities of the 21st century, driven by knowledge and technology, cannot be ignored if we truly desire to transform our state to a smart city and build an economy that is globally competitive.
“This is why we initiated the growth mind set programme to bring about a change of orientation, attitude and behaviour of public servants.
“I enjoin you all to fully embrace this initiative because it is the only way to go for the Lagos State public service to continue to occupy its leadership position and remain relevant in a fast changing world.
“In turn, you will be helping to actually use this administration’s development agenda to better the lives of the people,” he said.
Ambode promised that his administration would continue to prioritise workers’ welfare as well as give true meaning to governance by ensuring that no one was left behind in the distribution of the benefits of good governance.
In his lecture, Prof. Adeleke Fakoya, the Dean, Faculty of Arts, Lagos State University, described Lagos as the wealthiest economy in Africa, safest, politically stable, hospitable, heart and soul of development in the country.
According to him, these feats were achievable due to policies of different administrations and the administration of such policies by public servants to solve problems in the society and drive sustainable development.
Fakoya urged the state government to prioritise data collection in the state.
“Transformation is useless without public interest, therefore, the government should pay more attention to data for proper formulation of policies and planning to cater for the increasing population in the state, ” he said.
The don also called for salary upgrade for public servants to meet economic realities.
Contributing, Mr Toba Otusanya, Director-General, Lagos State Office of Transformation, Innovation and Creativity, identified capacity building for public servants as one of the critical factors in transforming governance.
Otusanya said public servants should be modern, innovative and effective as drivers of government policy.
Speaking, Mrs Folasade Adesoye, Head of Service, Lagos State, said the celebration provided an opportunity to reflect on the journey and progress made toward transforming the state civil service into an effective tool of governance.
Adesoye said outstanding public servants were recognised to encourage them for higher productivity and motivate others towards quality service delivery and implantation of policies for public good.
She urged public servants to remain focused and steadfast in the discharge of their duties to ensure continuity of good governance, growth and development of the state for a better tomorrow.
No fewer than 90 officers from the different state ministries, departments and agencies received Outstanding Public Service awards.
