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Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, on Tuesday engaged public servants in the State, where he made a firm commitment to fulfill his campaign promises to change the face of the state civil service, top of which will address their welfare.
The Governor who spoke at an interactive session held at the Adeyemi- Bero Auditorium, Alausa said his administration will focus on building the capacity of staff, which will enhance their productivity on the one hand, and prepare them for a worthwhile life after service on the other.
He said his vision is to build a public service devoid of discrimination and inhibitions.
“My dream for the public service is to have an establishment that would prepare you for a worthwhile life after service. What happens to each and every one of us when we leave the service is what I am after the next four years. There are a lot of opportunities, but you must work for it. I desire a public service where there would be no discrimination or where your circumstances will inhibit you from progressing”, according to a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Habib Aruna.
He added that in the last few days, his interactions since his inauguration has centred on his desire to harmonise the public service in a manner where each public servant would be able to rise to his or her potentials.
“We would not discriminate to say this is your own career path or this is where you belong. We must have good sense of harmony where people in the parastatals or in the local government service or in the mainstream are at par. So, that plan has a future for everyone, so, we would have a civil service that cross fertilize and we can exchange expertise and that is where the future of the service is going”.
“On my path, you know I believe strongly that I have to show leadership by example and I also have to bring back everything that God has endowed me with to be able to bring it back to the public service and I am ready to do that”, he said.
He expressed his readiness to meet the Joint Negotiating Council and resolve all issues relating to workers’ welfare stressing that he desires to see a harmonious relationship between government and the various unions.
“The major vision is that I want a better civil service; I am ready to address issues that relate to welfare. I know that whatever it is I am today, it is through the kind of training that I have received in the civil service, so I would base major emphasis on capacity building and training”.
Explaining his pronouncement on the creation of new ministries, the Governor explained that it was not intended to increase the cost of governance adding that the new ministries will be created by realigning existing ones, hence the number of ministries remain at 24.
He sought the support and cooperation of all the public servants, promising to do everything possible to make life easier for them.
“I will accord you the respect that you deserve, I am ready to reward hard work, merit and professionalism, that is all that I gained from this place and so long as you are good, the top is your seat”.
Notable among those who attended the meeting were the Deputy Governor, Dr (Mrs) Oluranti Adebule, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, the Chief of Staff, Mr Olukunle Ojo, the Head of Service, Mrs Sade Jaji, the Body of Permanent Secretaries and public servants in the State.
