Sanwo-Olu Reaffirms Commitment to Modernizing Lagos Public Service

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has restated his administration’s commitment to strengthening the state’s public service through capacity-building initiatives, adoption of technology, leadership development, and a performance-driven culture.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Lagos State Public Service Accelerator Programme (PSAP), themed “Pass It On: Sustaining Excellence in Public Service,” and held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, the Governor, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, said human capital development remains central to government reforms.

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Sanwo-Olu noted that to achieve the objectives of the THEMES+ agenda, his administration has deliberately invested in enhancing the capacity, mindset, and effectiveness of the state workforce, describing public servants as the engine of policy execution.

“The Accelerator Programme reflects our commitment to shaping a future-ready public service for a Greater Lagos,” he said. “It is not just about modernizing government operations but also about equipping officers with the tools, knowledge, and mindset to solve 21st-century problems with innovation, empathy, and accountability.”

The Governor reaffirmed support for the PSAP and similar initiatives, pledging to continue providing the resources and environment needed for a public service that Lagos residents can be proud of.

In a goodwill message, Hon. Oladele Ajayi, Chairman of the House Committee on Establishments, Training, Pensions and Public Service, described the programme as a strong testament to the THEMES+ agenda.

He emphasized the importance of mentoring and knowledge transfer, especially among officers at Grade Levels 12 to 14, who play a critical role in ensuring continuity and resilience in governance.

Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Afolabi Ayantayo, highlighted the achievements of the programme over the past three months, which covered leadership, communication, innovation, technology, mental health, teamwork, and financial literacy.

He noted that participants had cascaded their knowledge to over 500 younger colleagues across 20 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), reinforcing a culture of excellence.

Also speaking, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), stressed that excellence in public service must be institutionalized through deliberate systems.

He underscored the role of middle-level officers as the backbone of governance, responsible for interpreting directives, drafting frameworks, and mentoring junior staff.

According to him, empowering this cadre ensures continuity, institutional memory, and resilience in the public service.