Only strong, trained leaders can envision appropriate future for civil service - Ambode

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Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Dr. Benson Oke with top government officials and union members during the training

Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Dr. Benson Oke with top government officials and union members during the training

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday said only strong and trained leaders can envision the right and appropriate future for the state civil service.

The governor spoke while declaring open training on “Leadership Development and Organisational Effectiveness,” for labour leaders in Lagos, held in Ikeja, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.

According to Ambode,  where leaders did not possess the attitude, aptitude and skills that were relevant for the times, they became fundamentally flawed in any attempt to craft a beneficial and compelling vision for their organizations.

“And, as we all know, in the absence of vision, the people perish as the institutions become rudderless and their journey becomes one without a map. Trained, visionary and, therefore, strong leaders will also beneficially impact their organisations by being able to inspire the people in the organization to enthusiastically buy into the vision crafted by the leadership,” Ambode, who was represented by the Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Dr. Benson Oke said.

The governor stated that there was no effective leadership without a mobilised and enthused followership, arguing that the Lagos State Public Service and the organised labour and trade unions operating within it would benefit from the work and example of labour leaders who could inspire their followers to supporting beneficial policies.

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“Indeed, a strong leader who resolutely believes in the vision of the organisation will magnetically attract followers who will join the movement to fulfill the mission and realise the vision. There is also the need for excellent communications and relational skills to form part of the fabric of any leadership development strategy. Of course, the promotion and propagation of an organisation’s vision and mission calls for the presence of excellent communications and relational skills in the leaders of organisations,” he said.

On the benefits of leadership training, Ambode said it would increase productivity, help retain people; help nurture future leaders, increase employee engagement; implement an effective leadership style, help people make better decisions, as well as result in better decision-making.

Ambode was of the view that proper leadership sets a clear vision and effectively communicates it to followers, providing them with a clear understanding of the organisational direction; fostered effective planning which is important when it comes to meeting organisational goals, among others.

He added that leadership maximised efficiency, initiates action, instills motivation, provides guidance, creates confidence, builds morale and built an efficient work environment.

The governor said he was optimistic that the training would transform labour unions into better leaders and prized officers of the Lagos State Public Service who could be entrusted with responsibilities and projects, having been equipped with the skills that could enhance service delivery.

He sid he was confident that if the union leaders learn, understand and imbibe the principles to be taught in the workshop, they would help in the endeavour of government’s commitment to maintain the foremost place of the Lagos State Public Service in the comity of public service organisations in Nigeria, Africa and the World as a whole.

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