The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building a dynamic and future-oriented public service by urging civil servants to transform into ‘civic innovators’ capable of driving meaningful change.
This call was made by the Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Afolabi Ayantayo, during the inauguration of a strategic training programme titled “Leveraging Talent Development for the Next Public Service,” held recently in Alausa, Ikeja.
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Ayantayo described the initiative as a timely intervention and stressed the need for a fundamental shift in the mindset and responsibilities of public servants—from traditional bureaucrats to proactive, solution-oriented change agents.
“In an era defined by rapid change, maintaining the status quo is no longer an option for our public institutions. The next public service must be characterised by innovation, adaptability, and a strong commitment to core values,” he said.
The Commissioner highlighted the importance of talent development as a cornerstone of effective governance.
He argued that recruitment alone is not sufficient, calling for continuous upskilling and alignment of public sector competencies with the strategic priorities of the state.
“Simply recruiting talent is insufficient; we must actively cultivate it, enhance skills, and align it with the strategic imperatives of a public service deeply focused on the well-being of our citizens,” he added.
Ayantayo noted that the training programme represents a deliberate investment in capacity building, performance management, and fostering a culture of continuous learning across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
He commended the facilitators and resource persons for their expertise and urged participants to fully embrace the opportunity to redefine their roles in line with contemporary governance demands.
“You are not merely civil servants; you are potential civic innovators—the engine room of government,” he declared.
“The future efficacy of our administration depends on a well-trained, talented, and transformed workforce, and that is the path you are now on.”
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The intensive training is a key element of the Ministry’s broader strategy to reposition the Lagos State Public Service in alignment with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus Agenda.
Over 100 participants drawn from various cadres and MDAs across the state are currently taking part in the programme.
