AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
A public lecture for workers on the need to embrace digital operations in a bid to reduce the effects of removal of fuel subsidy on service delivery in the state is being organised by the Lagos State Public Service.
The disclosure was made on Thursday by the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, at a media briefing to kick-off the commemoration of the 2023 Public Service Week at the Public Service Office, Alausa, Ikeja.
Muri-Okunola, disclosing that the public service sector remained the bedrock of a prosperous society, stated that the programme was, among other things, designed to appreciate public servants and reward the outstanding officers.
The HoS spoke on the occasion on ‘Building and sustaining digitalized service,’ as part of activities for the commemoration of the week.
He said that in view of the current economic realities, there was the need for workers to imbibe in civil servants an efficient service delivery skill through digitalization.
“As of today, we all understand the issue around the fuel increase which has actually affected the purchasing power with the fact that civil servants have to come to work through road transportation. Some travel in their private vehicles while others in public buses.
“The topic of the lecture was actually picked in order for civil service to explore the new way of work, the digitalize mode of operations that is going on all over the world, the remote way of working.
“We want to explore how civil servants can work from home. This, we know will require a lot of change in the public service rules and operations. So, it is tailored in-order to understand the new way of working all over the world. The lecture would be delivered by Mr Olugbenga Dada, Deputy President, African Association of Public Administrators and Management and the communique would be submitted to the state government for consideration and implementation.
“The 23rd June of every year has been a notable day to celebrate and appreciate public servants worldwide and Lagos cannot be left out. The public service sector plays a vital role in shaping the foundation of our society. It is through the selfless efforts of we, the public servants that the society has been able to enjoy the many benefits and services that improve lives and foster a thriving community.
“From healthcare to education, infrastructure to public safety, environmental protection to social welfare, it is the tireless work of public servants that keeps our society functioning effectively and efficiently,” he said.
Muri-Okunola lauded the workers for their assiduous services to the state over the years, saying, “The choice of the theme of this year’s celebration – ‘Transforming our service, enriching your experience,’ is to celebrate the commitment, professionalism and dedication demonstrated by our ,public servants.
“Your unwavering determination to serve the public interest and uphold the values of integrity, transparency and accountability deserves utmost respect and admiration. We are the driving force behind the development and progress of the state.”
According to him, the activities will begin with a special jumu’ah service at the secretariat Mosque, on Friday, July 7 and would be followed same day by a free health screening exercise for public servants at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium.
The health screening will cover blood pressure test, cervical/breast/ prostate cancer screening, while a walk for fitness by public servants will take place on Saturday.
An inter-denominational thanks-giving service will take place on Sunday at the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa.
There would be donation to orphanage homes/charity organistaions on Monday with the continuation of the free health screening for public servants.
The activities would continue with long service merit award ceremony on Tuesday, July 11 at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium and rounded off with Mr. Governor’s lunch with outstanding officers at a date to be announced later.
