Governor Abiodun Calls for Better Planning from Leaders

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has asked political leaders and senior public servants to adopt strategic foresight in their policymaking. He believes this will help promote sustainable development and prepare the state for future challenges.

Abiodun, who was represented by the Head of Service, Olanrewaju Iskeel Saka, spoke at the start of a three-day training program on foresighting for strategic leaders in Ogun State. This event took place at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona School of Governance Studies (OSKASOGS), Ago-Iwoye.

He emphasized that good leadership means looking ahead. Leaders should anticipate trends, identify opportunities, and assess risks. They should not just focus on immediate problems.

He said that strategic foresight would help government officials think about future scenarios. It would also allow them to include long-term ideas in policy making, budgeting, planning, and program execution.

Abiodun pointed out that his initiative is part of his administration’s vision called Building Our Future Together. This vision aims to strengthen public service for better service delivery.

He mentioned that Ogun State's growing industries, its key location along the Lagos-Ogun economic corridor, and increasing investment chances make long-term planning necessary. This planning will ensure that infrastructure, education, healthcare, housing, and jobs keep up with the state's growth.

He urged participants to think about what skills young people will need to stay competitive. He also asked them to consider what infrastructure is needed for industrial growth and what measures the government must take to tackle emerging risks before they become big problems.

Abiodun praised the Director-General of NIPSS, Professor Ayo Omotayo, for backing this initiative. He also thanked the Director of OSKASOGS, Professor Sola Adeyanju, mni, for hosting the program.

He appreciated NIPSS for offering the training free of charge and encouraged participants to use the knowledge they gain to make better decisions and strengthen public institutions.

In his speech, Saka highlighted the need for continuous training. He believes this is crucial for equipping public servants with the skills they need to handle new governance challenges.

He recognized the immediate past Head of Service, Mr Kehinde Onasanya, for starting the strategic leadership management course at the Awujale School of Governance Studies. He noted that bringing political leaders and senior public servants together would improve teamwork and create a shared understanding of the state’s development goals.

Saka encouraged participants to turn what they learn from the program into real improvements in governance.

In his goodwill message, Onasanya praised Abiodun as a strong supporter of capacity building. He said the program has helped enrich participants' knowledge, strengthen the civil service, encourage teamwork, and improve the execution of government policies and programs.

Adeyanju also praised the Governor for giving policymakers and public servants a chance to enhance their strategic leadership skills. He urged participants to apply their training to help Ogun State grow and develop.

The program aims to teach participants how to spot emerging trends, explore different future scenarios, assess risks and opportunities, and weave long-term thinking into government policies and development plans.

Participants include the Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr Debola Sofela; Commissioner for Cooperatives and Community Development, Ademola Balogun; Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker; Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade; Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, Joshua Ifede; as well as permanent secretaries, directors, and other senior officials from various ministries, departments, agencies, and parastatals.