… Flags off leadership course for senior public officials
In furtherance of its determination to reposition the public service as a driver of development, the Ogun State Government will fully harness the opportunities afforded by the presence of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona School of Governance Studies at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye. The Ogun State Governor and Visitor to the University, Prince Dapo Abiodun CON, made the pledge, saying his administration will take advantage of the institution to inspire excellence, find better ways to solve problems and meet the people’s expectations.
Speaking on Monday, 7th April, 2025 while flagging off a five-day Strategic Leadership and Management Course for Permanent Secretaries, General Managers and Heads of Parastatals in Ogun State Public Service held at the Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona School of Governance Studies (NIPSS-OSKASOGS), Ago-Iwoye, Governor Abiodun emphasised the need to create a public service that is not only efficient and reliable, but also capable of driving long-term transformation.
Represented by the State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, he noted that the institution, established at OOU through the visionary leadership of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, has become crucial to the attainment of the goals and objectives of his administration’s agenda. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the School’s takeover by the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Africa’s foremost institution for public policy and leadership development.
The Governor, who described the public service as the bridge between policy and the people, charged the participants, as senior officers at the forefront of policy implementation of government, to take insights from the training that would benefit the entire State.
He said, “This training is a clear reflection of our Administration’s commitment to strengthening thepublic service as a driver of development.
“We live in a world of shifting realities—economic uncertainty, rapid technological changes, and growing public expectations. But within these challenges are opportunities. With institutions like NIPSS providing world-class training, we can better anticipate change, lead proactively, and deliver outcomes that matter to our citizens.”
“Your roles as Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Parastatals are critical. You stand at the forefront of policy implementation, and your insight, judgment, and coordination are essential to the success of government initiatives.”
The Governor explained that the training was an opportunity to deepen the participants’ understanding of governance, sharpen their strategic thinking and strengthen the institutions they lead.
“It is designed to enhance not only your individual capacities but also the collective performance of our public service. In Ogun State, we have a responsibility to deliver value, improve lives, and safeguard the welfare of our people. That means we must go beyond business-as-usual,” he further said.
“Our citizens look to us to uphold the highest standards. We must lead by example and remain faithful to the principles of transparency, responsibility, and service. This programme is part of our broader effort to build a public service that is knowledgeable, accountable, and future-focused,” Governor Abiodun told the senior public officials.
In his remarks at the event, the Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, lauded the Governor for his steadfast belief in a well-equipped, knowledgeable and forward-thinking public service as the foundation of effective governance and sustainable development.
He thanked Governor Abiodun for approving the training programme in fulfilment of his previous promise during the 90th Birthday and 64th Coronation Anniversary of the Awujale that the Permanent Secretaries in the State would be the first beneficiaries of the School of Governance Studies.
“I must emphasise that this training programme has further underscored the need to solidify our shared mission of making Ogun State a beacon of excellence in Public and Civil Service administration. Ogun State economy is anchored on strategic development pillars as encapsulated in the ISEYA mantra which has brought about enhanced infrastructural advancement with new economic development clusters in strategic locations,” Onasanya said. The Head of Service assured that the impact of the training programme will resonate across all Ministries, Departments and Agencies and reinforce the position of the State as a trailblazer in public sector excellence in Nigeria.
The NIPSS Director-General, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, in his speech, said the strategic leadership and management courses of the Institute were designed to sharpen the intellectual acumen of decision-makers and ensure that Nigeria’s governance structures aligned with global best practices.
Prof. Omotayo praised the Awujale for his unwavering commitment to the development of governance and leadership training in Nigeria, noting that his foresight and dedication led to the establishment of the School and subsequent handover to the Federal Government.
“This selfless act guarantees that future generations will benefit from a structured leadership training environment, deeply rooted in values of service, integrity, and excellence. NIPSS, in turn, will remain committed to upholding and protecting this noble legacy, ensuring that the Oba (Dr) Sikiru KayodeAdetona School of Governance Studies thrives and continues to be a hub of excellence,” he said.
He enjoined the participants to approach the training with an open mind, a willingness to engage and a deep commitment to absorbing the invaluable lessons to be shared.
“In today’s globalised world, strategic management also requires agility. Leaders must be able to anticipate change, adapt strategies as needed, and have the foresight to stay ahead of trends. This is particularly critical in areas such as policy, governance and economic development, where the stakes are high, and the impact is far reaching,” the Director-General informed his audience.
Also speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, conveyed the good wishes of the University Management, Staff and Students to the course participants and reaffirmed the resolve of the institution to providing the enabling environment for effective learning. Prof. Agboola, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Olatundun Oderinde, appreciated the Awujale for his educational investments in the University and vowed to uphold the legacy of the foremost traditional ruler.
The Awujale was represented by his daughter, Princess Adetoun Adetona, at the event which was also graced by the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Abdulrazaq Adenugba, Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, and the Director of NIPSS-OSKASOGS, Prof. Sola Adeyanju, among others.
