BY RITA OYIBOKA
The Delta State Head of Service, Mr. Reginald Bayoko has inaugurated a two-day interactive leadership retreat hosted by the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) and facilitated by Leadership and Professional Ethics Consult.
The two-day retreat, which commenced yesterday, in Asaba, Delta State, brought together senior civil servants for lectures, panel discussions, and interactive sessions aimed at enhancing ethical standards and leadership skills within the public sector.
In his opening address, Mr. Bayoko emphasised the retreat’s crucial role in equipping civil servants with the skills required for responsible and transparent service delivery. “As participants, you are here to reinforce the very foundation of our civil service: leadership defined by integrity and a commitment to ethical governance,” he said, encouraging attendees to engage in discussions that would refine their understanding of ethical leadership.
He further highlighted that sessions would include practical exercises, real-world case studies, and strategies for ethical decision-making, as well as exercises to improve communication and collaborative problem-solving skills.
Also speaking, Functioning Permanent Secretary, Establishment and Pensions, Sir Kingsley Olomukoro, praised Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for his financial backing and commitment to civil service excellence.
Olomukoro described the workshop as a pivotal initiative to foster ethical responsibility and accountability among Delta State’s senior civil servants. “This workshop is tailored to cultivate a disciplined and efficient workforce and reduce potential governance lapses,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, the former Director-General of the National Labour Institute, Dr. John Olarewaju lauded NIPSS’s legacy as a think tank addressing Nigeria’s complex governance challenges.
He commended Delta State’s prioritisation of civil servant training, underscoring that effective development hinges not on resources alone, but on the expertise of the workforce. “The State’s investment in the training and retraining of its officials will undoubtedly enhance service delivery for the benefit of its citizens,” he added.
Speaking with The Pointer, a resource person at the event and retired Director of Public Enlightenment and Education at the Independent Corrupt Commission (ICPC), Alh. Baba Ashiru urged participants to absorb the insights shared during the retreat. “This experience has the potential to profoundly elevate the standards of public service in Delta State,” he said.
