By Dipo Olowookere
Lagos State Commissioner for Establishment, Trainings and Pensions, Dr Akintola Benson-Oke, has justified the continuous investment in capacity building of workers in the state employ, saying that retooling the capacity of staff would save the state government from unquantifiable loss in infrastructure and revenue.
Speaking during a training workshop titled: “Human Resources as a Vital Tool in Lagos State Civil Service”, organized by the Ministry, Mr Benson-Oke said that the training programmes had been deliberately scheduled to hone the skills of the entire workforce, increase productivity and improve service delivery.
The Commissioner pointed out that of all the factors that must be in existence in every organization for effectiveness and optimal performance, the place of man which is the human resources cannot be overemphasized.
“This training was specifically approved because of the importance of the topical issues to be discussed and knowledge to be impacted that will fit into the vision of the present administration in order to make Lagos State the cynosure of all eyes,” he stated.
Attesting to the fact that the results of the training programmes are evident for all to see, the Commissioner added that training has not only improved productivity of staff but also impacted in the quality of service delivery to residents of the State.
Continuing, he said, “Upon careful evaluation, one finds that these trainings have been focused on the retooling of the fundamental skills that are required for exceptional performance and enhanced productivity in the Lagos State Civil Service.”
The Commissioner stated that the most important part of any Organization, be it public or private establishment, is the people who are also the workforce, stressing that there is need to equip the workforce with proper facilities needed by them to carry out their duties appropriately.
Mr Benson-Oke noted that the achievements of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in just two years in office could not have been possible if he had not instituted strong and consolidated human resources, attributing the achievements of Governor Ambode to a skillful, articulated and properly tooled workforce.
He identified investment in human resources as an all-encompassing venture that has a spiral effect on other areas of growth in the long run and saving employers of labour debt that could have been incurred as a result of low productivity.
The Commissioner, however, counselled the participants on the importance of dedication and synergy in discharging their duties.
Adedapo Adesanya