The Bayelsa Rivers Akwa Ibom, Edo and Delta (BRACED) Commission, in partnership with the Edo State government, has charted a new path to a viable public service among the commission‘s member states.
The strategies were evolved at a retreat for heads of service of the BRACED states, which was held at the John Odigie-Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA) from July 3 to July 5, 2024.
The retreat, themed “Leadership in the Public Sector: Strengthening Public Institutions,“ was inaugurated by the governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki.
In his opening remarks, Governor Obaseki highlighted Edo State‘s audacious institutional reforms and the transition from analogue operations to e-governance.
He urged the Heads of Service to learn from each other and to strengthen regional public services by leveraging technology, building capacity, and embracing new ways of working.
The retreat featured several notable and distinguished speakers who provided valuable insights and strategies for public service enhancement.
The chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Professor Tunji Olaopa, delivered an enlightening presentation on “Strategic Leadership in the Civil Service- Challenges, Opportunities,” followed by the convener Ambassador Joe Keshi, who moderated a session with all the Heads of Service.
During this session, participants agreed to draft the “Benin Declaration,” a roadmap for public services in the BRACED States over the next three years.
Abah explored the topic, “Harnessing the Power of Innovation in the Public Sector,”and keynote speaker Mr Steve Oronsaye, former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, gave a thought-provoking lecture on the “Role of Permanent Secretaries in Changing Political Dynamics.”
“He shared practical insights and challenged public sector change leaders to transcend traditional bureaucratic skills and acumen to enable public servants to navigate their roles as experts, regulators, engagers, and reticules.
Dr. Anthony Osa Okungbowa, Head of Service, Edo State, presented a forward-thinking paper on „Digitizing the Civil and Public Service in the BRACED Region – The Edo Story,“ followed by practical insights from Issa Aremu, the Director General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS) in Ilorin, on „Building High Performing Teams and Teamwork in the Public Sector.“
The John Odigie-Oyegun Public Service Academy facilitated this transformative strategy retreat.