Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro has called on Directors of Administration and Human Resources in the State Public Service to exhibit exemplary ethical behaviour and consistently uphold the values of the service.
Agoro emphasised that the approach would inspire younger officers to adopt acceptable leadership qualities, ultimately facilitating the succession planning process in the Public Service.
He stated this at a three-day retreat organised by the Public Service Office / Office of the Head of Service for 75 Directors of Administration and Human Resources, held at the Jubilee Chalets, Epe, Lagos.
Agoro noted that this year’s retreat, themed, “Leadership Development and Succession Planning: Ensuring Robust Talent Management for Effective Service Delivery,” underscores the urgent need to address the significant leadership gap in today’s Public Service.
He emphasised that leadership development enhances individuals’ ability to perform in leadership roles, facilitating the execution of the organisation’s strategy by fostering alignment, gaining support, and enhancing the capabilities of others.
The Head of Service stated that as human resources strategists in the State Public Service, leadership development begins with them, adding that they can only cultivate the leadership capabilities of others if they first develop the leadership within themselves.
He asserted that it is the responsibility of Administration and Human Resources leaders to bridge the gap through strong leadership development and effective succession planning.
Agoro stated that to achieve this, they must intentionally adopt a culture of talent management, which involves strategically bringing in the right talent and helping them develop to their full potential while aligning with organisational objectives.
He expressed deep gratitude to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his Deputy Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, for prioritising the capacity building of the workforce in the State Public Service and approving the organisation of the retreat.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Mrs. Sunkanmi Oyegbola, urged all Directors of Administration and Human Resources in the Lagos State Public Service to lead by example.
She also encouraged them to establish succession plans for their respective Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), to ensure a smooth transition when they retire.
One of the participants at the retreat, Mr. Abdulrafiu Fashola, appreciated Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for the great opportunity granted to the Directors of Administration and Human Resources in the State Public Service to be able to learn, unlearn and relearn new strategies in the human resource practice.
He stressed that the retreat will also enable them to network and align with the THEMES Plus Agenda of the present administration.
