The Parastatals Monitoring Office (PMO) recently held its 2024 management retreat, themed: “Effective SMART City Management; Monitoring As A Panacea for Success” at the Amber Residence, GRA, Ikeja.
In her opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Parastatals Monitoring Office, Mrs Adetutu Ososanya (FCA) said taking a break from the day-to-day activities can be challenging, especially when so much is happening in various departments and units.
However, there is a need for investment in the retreat to take time to reflect, reconnect, and recharge on the activities and programmes of the office in the coming year.
According to the Permanent Secretary, “Today, we are here to look at the big picture, to gain perspective on the work we do, the values that guide us, and the future we want to build. It’s a unique opportunity to step back from the demands of today’s projects and zoom in on how we are leading, what our teams need, and the best paths forward”.
Most organisations, she said, see leadership in terms of strategy, driving performance, and achieving results, but it is also about vision, inspiration, and the ability to build a culture that nurtures innovation, creativity, and resilience.
Ososanya said, “As leaders, it’s our role not only to ensure we meet targets but to create an environment where our people can thrive, and where they feel supported in their work and motivated to bring their best every day”.
“One of our goals of the retreat is to align on the kind of culture we want to foster. What do we want to stand for, not just as leaders, but as an organisation? What do we want our subordinates to feel when they step through our doors? And perhaps most importantly, how do we demonstrate that culture, not just in words but in action?” she added.
She said the role of managers is to approach challenges with courage and with a problem-solving mindset, inspiring team members to do the same. This begins with the management being open about areas of Improvement and committing to the growth of the Parastatals Monitoring Office.
Ososanya encouraged participants to take time and reflect on their style of leadership in terms of organisation growth, effective communication, leading with more empathy, and driving team members with a sense of purpose.
She challenged participants to leave not just with ideas, but with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to follow through.
Earlier, in her welcome address, the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mrs. Folasade Salako said the management retreat is more than just a break; it’s a space to reflect on what management has accomplished together and to acknowledge the challenges they have overcome as a team. It is also a time to identify areas where offices can grow, adapt and improve in ways that will make them stronger and more agile.
According to Salako, “Our vision for PMO is a shared one, built upon the dedication, talent, and resilience that each of you brings. I am confident that the time we spend here will serve to reinforce our commitment, sharpen our focus, and set us on a course for even greater success”.
The theme of the retreat, she said, was carefully chosen due to the peculiar nature of Lagos State which is striving towards emerging as a Smart City with the slogan, #Greater Lagos Rising.
The Director, Administration and Human Resources appreciated participants for their hard work, dedication, and the passion they bring to their roles and make the retreat a productive, enjoyable, and inspiring experience for everyone.
In his lecture on the theme of the retreat, Mr. Olufemi Sholaja, Director, Learning and Development, PSSDC, Magodo, said a smart city is an urban area where technology and data collection help improve quality of life as well as sustainability and efficiency of city operation.
While pointing out that Smart City technologies used in government include ICT, he outlined features of a smart city, including the use of the Internet of Things, automation, Artificial Intelligence, smart energy, transportation and infrastructure, among others.
Also, Mr. Adetona Akeem, Director of ICT, PSSDC, Magodo, took participants on how to supercharge their productivity with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and techniques, while Mr. Rasheed Olakunle, a Faculty Member of PSSDC, Magodo, took participants through the application of AI in service delivery.
Other lectures delivered include managing the dynamics of change for higher productivity.
