By Yemi Olajutemu
Ado Ekiti
The Ekiti State Cabinet and Special Services Department has successfully conducted the 2024 edition of its In-house training program, aimed at enhancing effective service delivery and well-being of its members of staff.
Held at the Old EXCO Chamber of the Governor’s office in Ado Ekiti, the training session marked the fourth consecutive series of the department’s efforts to improve productivity and enhance healthy living of its members of staff since 2023.
Building on previous sessions, the 2024 edition continued the focus on crucial aspects of civil service operations. Earlier in August 2023, the department organized a comprehensive workshop tagged “21st Century Civil Service: Role of Cabinet Staff,” which tackled vital subjects such as Best Practices in Document and Record Management, Fundamental Values for an Efficient Civil Service, Healthy Diet and Living, and the Roadmap to a Prosperous Ekiti.
In her opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary, the Cabinet and Special Services Department, Dr. Oyeyemi Kayode-Ojo, stressed the importance of continuous staff training as a driver of productivity and overall effectiveness in the Civil Service.
She emphasized the department’s commitment to fostering an environment where employees can thrive both in their careers and on personal basis.
“Staff training and re-training are pivotal to our employees’ performance and productivity. This program offers an opportunity for interaction, knowledge sharing, and a deeper understanding of job descriptions,” she said.
Mrs Kayode-Ojo further elaborated on the carefully selected topics for the 2024 training, noting that they align with the core values of the Civil Service and the broader agenda of the state government. “Our aim is to ensure that our staff are not only familiar with these values but are also equipped with practical tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle while serving the public,” she added.
According to her, the training extends beyond administrative and professional development, serving as a catalyst for human capacity development and a means of motivating staff members for better productivity.
One of the key resource persons, Mr. Gbenga Emiloju, an Assistant Director of Admin. and Supply in SUBEB, delivered a lecture on the critical role of capacity building, explaining that capacity building is not a one-time event but a continuous and long-term process that requires dedication, commitment and determination. “Staying current is essential for relevance in today’s fast-paced environment,” he noted.
Mr. Emiloju also delved into the concept of self-development, describing it as a systematic process of self-assessment and improvement aimed at advancing one’s life, career, or business.
He stressed that self-development is not just about acquiring new skills and knowledge, but also about identifying personal weaknesses and working on them to overcome them. “Self-development is a journey of personal transformation that positions you for greater opportunities and prepares you to take full advantage of them,” he noted.
During his lecture, the resource person emphasized the various dimensions of self-development, which included educational attainment, skills acquisition, and talent discovery. He then encouraged participants to pursue quality education, acquire relevant skills, and continuously develop their innate talents. He stated that becoming an expert in one’s chosen field is crucial for career success and personal fulfillment.
Sharing key principles and techniques for effective self-development, the resource person implored the participants to envision a better tomorrow, set achievable goals, and invest time and resources in their growth.
“Be intentional about your development, remain open-minded, and challenge yourself to grow beyond your comfort zone,” he advised. Mr. Emiloju also warned against complacency, fear of failure, and associating with negative influences, encouraging participants to continually invest in their personal and professional growth.
In the second phase of his lecture, titled “Roles and Responsibilities of Civil Service in the Implementation of the BAO’s 6-Pillar Agenda,” Mr. Emiloju emphasized that civil servants are the backbone of any government, responsible for the execution of policies and the continuity of governance.
He outlined the BAO administration’s 6-Pillar Agenda, which focuses on Governance, Youth Development, Agriculture, Human Capital Development, Infrastructure, and Tourism, stressing that the active involvement and commitment of civil servants are crucial to its success.
Also, he provided an overview of the structure and functions of the civil service, noting that it is divided into various classes, including Administrative, Executive, Professional, Technical, Secretarial, Clerical, and Miscellaneous, each with specific responsibilities that contribute to the overall functioning of the government.
He reiterated the importance of characteristics such as permanence, impartiality, adherence to rules, political neutrality, and hierarchy in maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the Civil Service, particularly in the context of executing the BAO administration’s agenda.
Mr Emiloju called on civil servants to embrace the Shared Prosperity agenda by identifying their respective ministries, departments, and agencies’ roles in the agenda, outlining workable policies and programs, and collaborating with other government entities.
He emphasized the need for civil servants to provide the necessary budgetary support and cooperate with the political class to actualize the goals of the 6-Pillar Agenda.
The four-hour workshop also featured a session led by an health personnel, Mrs. Funke Olanipekun, who spoke on practical ways to enhance healthy life through lifestyle modifications. She hammered on the importance of water therapy, good diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and the consumption of fruits and vegetables as essential components of a healthy lifestyle.
Mrs. Olanipekun pointed out the significance of maintaining hydration through consistent water intake, explaining that water therapy, when taken regularly, aids in detoxifying the body, improving digestion, and maintaining overall physical well-being.
“Water is essential for every function in the body, and its benefits cannot be overstated,” she said, encouraging participants to start their day with a glass of water and ensure they drink enough throughout the day to stay hydrated.
The health expert also highlighted the need for a balanced diet rich in nutrients, warning against the dangers of excessive intake of processed foods.
She advised the audience to incorporate more natural foods into their daily meals, including whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. According to her, a balanced diet will not only prevents chronic diseases but also boosts energy levels and promotes longevity.
Mrs. Olanipekun reminded the gathering of the importance of regular exercise for maintaining physical and mental health. She urged participants to engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily, whether it be walking, jogging, or other forms of physical activity. “Exercise is not just about losing weight; it’s about staying fit and keeping your mind sharp,” she noted.
The session concluded with a discussion on the critical role of sleep in overall health, with Mrs. Olanipekun advised that adults should aim for 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. She emphasized that adequate rest is vital for the body’s repair processes and for maintaining cognitive functions.
Directors in the department, Mr. Femi Babatope and Dr. Olabisi Ogunmodede, lauded the In-house workshop, highlighting its relevance in fostering both professional and personal development among members of staff.
They noted that the sessions provided practical insights that were essential for improving the overall well-being and productivity of the workforce.
Mr. Babatope emphasized the importance of implementing the knowledge acquired from the workshop, urging members of staff to integrate the lessons into their daily routines while Dr. Olabisi Ogunmodede also encouraged participants to take full advantage of the information provided, reminding them of the long-term benefits of adopting the acquired skills and practices.
Both directors expressed confidence that the workshop would have a lasting impact on the staff, motivating them to ensure healthy lifestyles and, by extension, improve their professional performance. They called on all attendees to be ambassadors of these practices within the department and to support their colleagues in adopting the same.
The training session also incorporated health professionals assessing the health status of participants, addressing potential health challenges before they escalate, and ensuring that staff can lead healthy lives both now and in the future.