Strengthening Governance and Leadership in Kwara State
The Kwara state government recently held a two-day workshop aimed at enhancing the skills of its commissioners, permanent secretaries, and directors. The initiative is part of an ongoing effort to improve good governance, leadership capabilities, and accountability in public service delivery. Organized by the office of the Head of Service in collaboration with Triumph Communication, the event took place at the Wingate Hotel in Ilorin, the state capital.
During the opening ceremony, the acting Head of Service, Dr. Olufunke Shittu, emphasized the importance of the workshop. She stated that the event was designed to refine the existing skills of the governor’s aides by providing them with modern tools and techniques for effective decision-making and leadership aligned with global best practices.
“It was also designed to enhance collaboration between the political and administrative heads for seamless implementation of government policies and programs; and expose us to global best practices in public administration and ethical leadership, reinforcing the need for transparency and accountability, which the present administration is known for,” she said.
Dr. Shittu highlighted that the current administration views good governance and effective leadership as fundamental pillars for sustainable development and efficient service delivery. She commended Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for his dedication to capacity building within the state.
Themed “Effective Governance and Leadership Skills,” the workshop was considered highly relevant in today’s dynamic environment. As Honorable Commissioners and Permanent Secretaries, participants play a critical role in policy formulation and implementation within their respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). Their roles demand a combination of political acumen and administrative expertise to navigate the complexities of modern governance.
In his lead presentation, Professor Emmanuel Ojo from the Political Science department of the University of Ilorin discussed the significance of effective governance and leadership skills in achieving the dividends of democracy. A former chief of staff to the former Oyo state governor, Prof. Ojo outlined several qualities expected from the participants, including loyalty/competence, daily information, a sense of spatial development, being a servant leader, closeness to their constituency, iconic/legacy projects, a flair for data/empiricism, and a listening ear.
He encouraged participants to think creatively when addressing societal challenges. “Daily, the government is confronted with new challenges that were never envisaged before,” he said.
Professor Lambe Kayode Mustapha, a professor of Mass Communication at the University of Ilorin, delivered a presentation on “Effective Communication: A Brief for Top Government Officials.” His insights focused on the importance of clear communication strategies for top government officials.
Governor AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq, represented by his Senior Adviser and Counsellor, Alhaji Saadu Salau, urged the participants to apply the knowledge gained during the workshop to further advance good and effective governance in the state.
Key Takeaways from the Workshop
- Enhanced Leadership Skills: The workshop provided participants with contemporary tools and techniques to improve decision-making and leadership.
- Collaboration Between Sectors: Emphasis was placed on improving collaboration between political and administrative heads to ensure smooth implementation of government policies.
- Global Best Practices: Participants were exposed to international standards in public administration and ethical leadership.
- Transparency and Accountability: The event reinforced the importance of these values in the current administration.
- Innovative Thinking: Experts encouraged participants to adopt creative approaches in solving complex societal issues.
- Communication Strategies: Effective communication was identified as a crucial aspect of leadership for government officials.