Ogun State Bureau of Public Service Reforms Empowers Staff as Change Agents for Enhanced Service Delivery
Ogun State Bureau of Public Service Reforms Empowers Staff as Change Agents for Enhanced Service Delivery
The Ogun State Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) has urged selected staff from various government agencies to see themselves as ambassadors and agents of change to enhance service delivery.
At the annual retreat held at the Simeon Adebo Library Conference Hall in Abeokuta, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, the State Head of Service, emphasized that the theme “Effective Implementation and Coordination of Reforms Initiatives” represents a crucial milestone in the transformation of the civil service. He encouraged participants to immerse themselves in enlightenment programs, reflect on the goals of the current administration, and work towards improving governance, stressing that a “civil service without reform is a dead service.”
Onasanya urged the attendees to collaborate rather than operate in isolation, advocating for a deeper knowledge application in their professional roles to create meaningful change. He reassured them that the state government has provided ample opportunities for learning and growth.
In his opening address, Mr. Jola Oyeneye, the Permanent Secretary of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, expressed gratitude to the state government for supporting various reforms, including those related to education, health, and the economy. Oyeneye reviewed last year’s workplace outcomes and outlined the ongoing initiatives for the current year, highlighting the Bureau’s commitment to fostering excellence in public service delivery grounded in core values such as integrity, technical competence, efficiency, and professionalism.
He noted the attributes of effective change agents—passion, resilience, creativity, collaboration, empathy, and a growth mindset—and urged participants to build compelling cases for reform, identify the need for change, and strengthen workplace relationships.
In separate goodwill messages, Permanent Secretaries from various agencies, including the Bureau of Establishment and Training and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained from the retreat to align with their agencies’ visions and initiate positive changes.
Mallam Aliyu Umar, the Director of Strategic Communications at BPSR, delivered a lecture on “New Trends in Public Service Reforms,” explaining that reforms consist of intentional changes to an organization’s structures, processes, and culture designed to improve effectiveness, accountability, and service responsiveness. He highlighted global trends such as digitalization and citizen engagement and cautioned that poor planning, lack of stakeholder involvement, resource shortages, and ineffective monitoring could impede reform efforts. Proposed solutions included prioritizing high-impact initiatives, establishing clear governance mechanisms, and utilizing data-driven strategies.
Mr. Yemi Oduyemi, Executive Secretary of the Ogun State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, emphasized the importance of fostering strong workplace relationships as a cornerstone of productivity. He encouraged adaptability within the work environment and the use of conflict resolution techniques.
Lastly, Mrs. Oyinlola Oyenuga, Director of Service Matters, assessed the impact of BPSR’s activities in 2024 and pointed out the necessity for increased partnerships with private organizations to fulfill the Bureau’s mandate effectively.
Responding on behalf of the change agents, Mr. Taiwo Olalekan, Director of Treasury at the State Treasury Office, expressed appreciation to the organizers, noting that the retreat had significantly enhanced their understanding of global trends in public service reform.
