The Head of Service of the Lagos State Government, Mr Bode Agoro, has stressed the importance of a skilled, future-ready workforce in promoting development in the public sector.
Agoro said this at the Lead the Future Conference 2024, themed ‘Strategic Positioning: Leadership and Competitiveness in an Era of Disruption’, held in Lagos.
Agoro, while speaking on the topic, ‘The Future of Work: Public Sector Perspectives on Workforce and Leadership Development’ shared insights into the Lagos state’s efforts to build a highly skilled, innovative, and agile workforce. At the heart of these efforts is a commitment to training, cross-sector collaboration, and leadership development.
“We understand that innovation is key. If you don’t innovate, you will become a dinosaur, and that is not where we want to be. The government is investing heavily in capacity building through its Learning Management System, which allows officers to acquire skills both locally and internationally,” Agoro said.
Agoro, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Head of Service, Lagos State, Mrs Sunkanmi Oyegbola, noted that agencies like the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology are pivotal in ensuring that government staff remains competitive in an ever-changing global landscape.
In addition to local training initiatives, Agoro pointed to successful partnerships with the private sector, such as the collaboration with Samsung to establish a training centre for young engineers.
“The handshake between the public and private sectors is crucial. We have exchange programs where public sector officers learn from the private sector, and vice versa. This cross-pollination ensures we all better understand each other’s operations,” he mentioned.
He recognised the importance of leadership noting that the Lagos government has launched several initiatives aimed at nurturing future leaders.
Agoro further highlighted the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, which trains young Nigerians from across the country, and other Academies, that focus on youth employability and entrepreneurship.
“We are building capacity in governance and fostering leadership from an early age,” Agoro explained.
The government’s investment in youth extends to agriculture, with programs like the Young Farmers Club promoting food security and mechanized farming.
“For the future to grow, we must ensure that our youth are empowered in every sector, from governance to agriculture. We teach them how to plant, how to enjoy farming, and how to become the food producers of tomorrow,” he stated.
Agoro cited the expansion of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic as an example of how the state is leveraging digital tools to improve public services.
“We are ensuring that our officers are equipped with the skills needed to drive initiatives like telemedicine, and we are making sure businesses can thrive with the ease of doing business supported by technology,” he noted.
For the future, Agoro stressed the importance of mentoring and coaching within the public sector.
“We are focused on nurturing leaders who are agile, innovative, and ready to challenge the status quo. The progress of Lagos is a collective responsibility of serving officers, retired officers, and the private sector.”
Agoro reaffirmed that the state’s commitment to building a skilled and forward-thinking workforce is a journey, not a destination. Excellence is a continuous effort, and we must work together to build a workforce that meets the challenges of tomorrow.
