The Lagos State Head of Service (HoS), Bode Agoro, has emphasized the critical role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in shaping the strategic orientation, mindset, and culture of effective service delivery.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2023 Retreat for Directors of Administration and Human Resource (A&HR) in Epe, Agoro underscored the importance of staying attuned to current dynamics in the business world to address organizational challenges in today’s economy.
He said: “For this reason, our approach to solving organizational challenges in today’s economy should always be in tune with the current dynamics in the business world.
“Let me reiterate that ICT plays a vital role in proffering solutions to the numerous challenges being encountered in our work environment, therefore, as HR practitioners in the public sector seeking to be competitive in this modern world, we can’t afford to live in retrogression, we need to keep improving our ICT skills in order to fit into the ever competitive business world,” he stated.
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Strategic Importance of ICT in Modern Public Service
Agoro stressed the indispensable role of ICT in proffering solutions to the myriad challenges faced in the work environment. He urged HR practitioners in the public sector to continually enhance their ICT skills to remain competitive. Recognizing the diverse generational workforce, encompassing Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z, Agoro highlighted the need for HR professionals to apply emotional intelligence in managing varied orientations to achieve optimal performance.
Call for Continuous Learning and Self-Development
The HoS admonished directors to embark on continuous self-discovery to enhance their job performance. He emphasized the significance of self-development in advancing skill sets, increasing productivity, boosting self-confidence, and providing direction for achieving unbeatable successes. Agoro expressed expectations that the retreat would pave the way for charting strategies to leverage the lessons learned in improving service delivery across the state.
In Agoro’s words, “It is, therefore, my expectation that at the end of this 3-day retreat, you will have charted the way forward on how best you all can take advantage of the lessons learnt to improve service delivery in our dear State.
“I expect that the presentations/sessions will be interactive and participatory and that participants will take full advantage of the opportunity provided by this platform to interact, exchange views and share experiences while mixing and bonding in a way that would create synergies for a mutually and collectively beneficial future in the Public Service,” he added.
Continuous Learning and Networking Opportunities
The Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Mrs. Sunkanmi Oyegbola, reiterated the importance of the retreat as an avenue for continuous learning, enabling directors to embrace a growth mindset. She emphasized the continuous nature of the retreat, providing participants with opportunities to network and engage in learning and relearning sessions.
Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, the Director of Service Matters, disclosed that 109 Directors of Administration and Human Resource from various government ministries, departments, and agencies were selected to sharpen their skills and broaden their knowledge.
The retreat serves as a platform for HR directors to not only enhance their technological proficiency but also foster collaboration, share experiences, and build synergies for a collectively beneficial future in the Lagos State Public Service. The call for embracing ICT underscores the commitment to modernise public service delivery in line with contemporary business demands.