Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki underlined the critical importance of rebuilding infrastructure to achieve meaningful development in Nigeria. Speaking at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy in Benin, Obaseki emphasized that the country's progress is intrinsically linked to the robustness of its infrastructure and the efficiency of its bureaucracy.
According to a report by The Punch, the retreat brought together heads of civil service from Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo, and Delta, aiming to foster regional cooperation and shared strategies for development. Obaseki highlighted the comprehensive approach his administration has taken to advance Edo State, which includes institutional reforms, infrastructural development, social welfare enhancement, economic revolution, environmental sustainability, and the promotion of arts, culture, and tourism.
"We cannot build our country and states if we do not build our institutions and infrastructure," Obaseki declared. "So, it is so important that as we talk about building Nigeria, we must fix our bureaucracy that runs Nigeria at all levels."
The governor also stressed the need for employing highly skilled professionals in the civil service, drawing from Edo's example. "Because we are hiring the best, we must pay them the way their counterparts are being paid in other organizations. So, if we must rebuild Nigeria, then the best brains must be attracted to work in the public and civil service," he said.
The retreat aimed to create a platform for participants to brainstorm on ways to support each other and develop civil and public services in the South-South region. Obaseki expressed optimism that the two-day event would foster discussions on common issues among the BRACED states and leverage shared knowledge for mutual benefit.
Obaseki promised to support the BRACED Commission in its mission to become a model for other states in Nigeria. "Over the next two days, the participants will discuss issues that are common to BRACED states and leverage each other’s knowledge," he noted.
Ambassador Joe Keshi, Director General of the BRACED Commission, commended Obaseki for his vision and dedication to institutional building. He reiterated the commission's mandate to promote economic cooperation, integration, and collective development among the member states, aiming to make the region globally competitive.
"l am delighted to welcome all of you to this Retreat for Heads of Service of the BRACED states," Keshi said. "When I first visited this academy, I became curious about what it can offer not just to the people of Edo State but to the South-South region in terms of training and strengthening the capacity of the civil service."
Keshi praised the Edo Head of Civil Service for initiating the retreat, emphasizing its alignment with the BRACED Commission's goals of cooperation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. "The retreat speaks to what BRACED is all about: cooperation, collaboration, sharing of ideas, and knowledge," he remarked. "There is no way we can achieve our objectives at the BRACED Commission without a knowledgeable, strong, confident, effective, and efficient civil service."
The guest speaker, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, called for innovative and strategic leadership within the civil and public service. Speaking on the topic "Strategic Leadership in Civil/Public Service: Challenges, Opportunities, and Future Prospects," Olaopa urged for a departure from outdated practices and the adoption of new, creative approaches to achieve tangible results in performance and productivity.
"The old ways of running the civil service must be jettisoned," Olaopa asserted. He called for "new innovative out-of-the-box thinking and strategies" to drive real performance and productivity improvements.
Edo State Head of Service Anthony Okungbowa described the retreat as a gathering of "brothers who have come together to find solutions to the challenges in the civil service in the region." Okungbowa's remarks encapsulated the collaborative ethos of the event, aiming to enhance regional development through shared knowledge and cooperation.