ASCON trains 120 top Lagos Directors to power Public Sector Reform

The Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) has launched an intensive capacity-building programme for 120 Directors of Administration and Human Resources from the Lagos State Public Service.

This is aimed at strengthening strategic leadership and improving service delivery across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

Speaking at the opening ceremony on Tuesday, ASCON Director-General, Mrs Funke Adepoju, described the initiative as “timely and transformative,” praising the Lagos State Government for making a “bold and historic investment in human capital.”

“The decision to retool 120 of the State’s finest Directors at ASCON is a flagship example of how deliberate investment in people can catalyse institutional transformation. This cadre holds immense strategic potential in advancing governance reforms,” Adepoju said.

The training is built around five key pillars: Strategic Planning, Talent Management, Performance Management, Employee Relations, and Learning & Development.

These, according to Adepoju, are not just academic concepts but critical drivers of reform, innovation, and accountability in the public sector.

“These pillars are enablers of change. You manage the people who execute government mandates. Your effectiveness is directly tied to service delivery outcomes,” she added.

The programme, themed “Retooling for Excellence: The Strategic Role of Administration and Human Resource Managers”, has been carefully designed to be practical, immersive, and competency-based, equipping directors with actionable skills to lead in a rapidly evolving governance environment.

In his remarks, the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr Bode Agoro, represented by Mrs Aina Ololade, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Waterfront and Infrastructure Development, said the initiative reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to professional development and institutional excellence.

“This programme is a testament to our administration’s vision of a dynamic, efficient, and people-centered civil service,” he said.

Also speaking, Mrs Sunkanmi Oyegbola, Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, encouraged participants to seize the moment and lead with renewed vigour.

“This is the time to reengineer the system. This is the time to rise and build the Lagos of our collective dreams,” she urged.

Participants praised the training for its relevance and impact. Mr Niyi Oladipupo, HR Manager at the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, expressed appreciation for the Governor’s leadership.

“We are grateful for the Governor’s vision and support. This training will undoubtedly strengthen our capacity to lead change in our respective MDAs,” he noted.

Mr Bamidele Eniayejuni, ASCON’s Director of Studies, affirmed that the programme was crafted to empower public service leaders to navigate the complexities of today’s fast-evolving administrative landscape.