Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has stated that his administration remains resolute in its commitment to strengthening the state’s public service through targeted capacity-building programmes, performance-driven culture, technology adoption, and leadership development germane for a modern, responsive, and citizen-centric workforce.
The Governor made this statement today at the closing ceremony of the Lagos State Public Service Accelerator Programme (PSAP), tagged “Pass It On: Sustaining Excellence in Public Service,” held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, noted that from inception, his administration has placed human capital development at the core of its strategy for reforming the public service, adding that his administration understands that to achieve the bold goals of the THEMES+ agenda, the state must invest deliberately in the capacity, mindset, and effectiveness of the people who turn policy into tangible results for the citizens of Lagos.
According to him, “Over the years, our administration has remained resolute in its commitment to strengthening the public service, the backbone of government operations and the engine of policy execution. We understand that to truly achieve the bold goals of our THEMES+ agenda, we must invest deliberately in the capacity, mindset, and effectiveness of the people who turn policy into tangible results for the citizens of Lagos.”
Speaking further, Sanwo-Olu stated that the Lagos State Public Service Accelerator Program is an initiative that reflects his government’s commitment to shaping a future-ready public service for a Greater Lagos and an investment on the workforce which will not only modernize the way government works but also equip the officers with the tools, knowledge, and mindset to solve 21st-century problems with innovation, empathy, and accountability.
“This initiative reminds us that excellence in service delivery is a continuous journey that must be nurtured, institutionalized, and passed down through generations of public servants. Investments in our people will not only modernize the way government works but also equip our officers with the tools, knowledge, and mindset to solve 21st-century problems with innovation, empathy, and accountability,” he said.
The Governor, therefore, reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering support for the PSAP and other similar initiatives that foster excellence, innovation, and accountability within the service, stating that his government will continue to provide the enabling environment, resources, and leadership necessary for a public service that Lagosians can be proud of.
In his goodwill message, Chairman, House Committee on Establishments, Training, Pensions and Public Service, Hon. Oladele Ajayi, noted that the program stands as a clear testament to the THEMES+ Agenda of the present administration, reinforcing the drive towards a resilient, people-centered, and future-ready public service.
Hon. Ajayi added that by deliberately investing in the next generation of public servants, particularly at Grade Levels 12- 14, the State is ensuring that the values of diligence, innovation, accountability, and service delivery remain enduring legacies.
He stated further that the theme of the programme reminds the government that true excellence in governance lies not only in individual achievements but in building a culture of knowledge transfer, mentorship, and continuity.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Mr. Afolabi Ayantayo, stated that the Ministry has remained steadfast in its mandate to empower, equip, and reposition the state workforce to meet the demands of a 21st-century public service, stressing that the strength of Lagos lies not only in its infrastructure or economic vibrancy, but also in the quality, professionalism, and commitment of its public servants.
Ayantayo stated further that over the past three months, the PSAP has provided an intensive and enriching experience, encompassing leadership and communication, innovation, technology, mental health, diplomacy, teamwork, and financial literacy, which is in line with the government’s commitment to building a workforce that is innovative, resilient, and globally competitive.
He added that participants have engaged in experiential learning, case studies, mentoring sessions with Permanent Secretaries, and the Pass-It-On initiative, cascading their knowledge to over 500 younger colleagues across 20 MDAs, stressing that the initiative is the multiplier effect that sustains excellence in the public service.
In his lecture, Director-General, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Mr. Ayo Omotayo, has noted that excellence in public service must be institutionalized, not episodic, and anchored on deliberate systems that ensure continuity and progress, while he underscored the critical role of middle-level officers, pointing out that cadres at levels 12 to 14 serve as the backbone of governance by interpreting policy directives, drafting frameworks, and mentoring younger officers.
According to him, empowering this cadre guarantees continuity, institutional memory, and resilience in the public service.
