The Lagos State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development has commenced a high-level, four-day management retreat in Lekki, signalling a renewed commitment to grassroots governance and community-focused service delivery.
The initiative aims to transform public service into a dynamic, people-driven engine of progress, directly aligning with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda.
Held at the Orchid Hotel, the retreat, themed; "Driving Transformation for Responsive Public Service," convenes senior officials, facilitators, and policy experts. Its core objective is to recalibrate the Ministry’s mission to better serve the diverse communities of Lagos.
Declaring the retreat open, the Commissioner, Mr. Bolaji Kayode Robert, charged participants and management staff to embrace the event not merely as a routine exercise but as a crucial moment for reinvention.
"This is not just another policy gathering. It is a call to reimagine the way we serve," Mr. Robert stated, adding that "We must become intentional about delivering with empathy, urgency, and impact. Public service is not about bureaucracy, but, it is about people."
He emphasised that for millions of Lagosians, particularly in rural communities, the Ministry often represents their primary interaction with the government. "We are the bridge between policy and people. That bridge must never be broken; it must be strengthened with integrity, innovation, and purpose," he added.
Honourable Sanni Okanlawon, Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development, commended the Ministry for organising a retreat designed to equip staff with enhanced skills essential for fulfilling the Governor’s mandate.
Further underscoring the urgency of the moment, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, stressed the importance of tangible action over rhetoric. "If we want to drive transformation, we must first transform ourselves. Performance begins with clarity on values, on vision, and on the courage to act. Let this retreat mark the beginning of deeper, results-oriented leadership," Dr. Agbaje urged.
Ms. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, in her welcome address, reminded participants of their pivotal role in fostering grassroots development, upholding traditional institutions, and encouraging community engagement across the state in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda.
"We must transform our service delivery models to meet the evolving needs of the people we serve. This means leveraging technology, improving accountability, and cultivating a culture of excellence at every level of the Ministry," the Permanent Secretary explained.
She highlighted the Ministry's strategic roles, including spearheading rural development and community projects, and encouraged participants to adopt practical approaches from the sessions to enhance service delivery to the populace.
Ms. Bolarinwa concluded by expressing profound appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering commitment to civil service capacity building and thanked the facilitators and guests for their valuable expertise.
Distinguished Attendees and Expert Facilitators
The retreat saw the participation of key principal officers from various ministries, including Ms. Abosede George, Permanent Secretary, Local Government Service Commission; Ms. Rukayat Sanusi, Permanent Secretary, Debt Management Office; Ms. Bibilomo Olushekun, Permanent Secretary, Local Government, Establishments and Training; Mr. Musa Obafemi Ogunlana, Auditor-General, Local Government Service Commission; and Mr. Babatunde Durojaiye, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs.
Expert-led sessions were facilitated by respected thought leaders such as Dr. Abiodun Muritala, Lagos State Accountant-General and Permanent Secretary; Dr. Nkechi Iwuala, Leadership Consultant; Ayo Muritala; and human resource expert Kunbi Adeoti. Their contributions cover critical areas like organisational performance, conflict resolution, team-building exercises, group workshops, and corporate work ethics.
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