By Hassan Abubàkar.
Kogi State Government has inaugurated a groundbreaking in-house training program for administrative and executive officers, heralding a new era in civil service promotions. The innovative approach prioritizes performance aiming to enhance productivity and efficiency.
In a remark to declare the four day training program open, the Kogi State Head of Civil Service, Mr. Elijah Evinemi, said the event marks the beginning of the transformative journey of equipping administrators to drive positive change.
“We recognize optimal performance as the cornerstone of effective civil service delivery.
“The mandate of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is clear: reform the civil service. We’ve engaged renowned institutions like LIPS, Koro, ASCO and the Center for Management Development for capacity building. This training lays the foundation for excellence.
“We’re transitioning from manual operations to Gen Z administration, embracing artificial intelligence while recognizing the vital human element. Our goal is to equip you with expertise to manage finance and non-financial assets effectively,” Evinemi emphasized.
The Head of Civil Service noted that all that was needed for the program to succeed has been provided by the Governor, adding that the training is free for all participants.
Deputy Director of Training in the office of the Head of Civil Service, Hajia Mariam Yakubu, emphasized that they are committed to reforming the civil service through capacity building.
“Our mandate is clear: optimal performance from civil servants.
“Prior to the BACH program, our public secretaries underwent training before exams, yielding impressive results. This in-house training from October 28-31, 2024, at the State Secretariat, will empower administrators and human resource managers to drive positive change,” Yakubu said.
Also speaking, a resource person, Elder Sunday Ude who is the Permanent Secretary, Local Government Service Commission, stressed that financial regulations are crucial for effective public service administration.
“Understanding these regulations enables civil servants to manage resources efficiently.
“The Local Government Service Commission’s role includes recruitment, promotion, deployment, discipline and transfer of local government employees. Effective financial management is vital for optimal service delivery,” Ude said.
Mrs. A. E. Onoja, Director of Establishment, Office of the Head of Civil Service who was also a resource person highlighted that “leadership and emotional intelligence are vital for driving progress. Effective leaders empathize with their teams, guiding them toward excellence.”
“A good leader shows gentleness, kindness and empathy, understanding followers’ challenges. Leaders must utilize emotional intelligence to assess team members’ well-being and provide direction for optimal performance.”
She commended Governor Ododo for his support to the civil service emphasizing the need for total commitment and loyalty of all civil servants in the state.
