…as Amosun demands overhaul of public service
Oliver Blake, the team leader, Governance and Social Development of United Kingdom-established Aid Scheme – Department for International Development (DfID) says that the British Government is committing £250 million this year to support Nigeria as part of efforts to engender rapid socio-economic growth in the country.
Blake, who spoke at the 2017 Southwest Governance Innovations Conference organised by the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) at Park Inn Radisson Hotels in Abeokuta on Monday, explained that £70 million had been earmarked for humanitarian support to the Boko Haram-ravaged North East.
While affirming that Southwest Nigeria might not need such financial support being rendered for Northern Nigeria at present, the national team leader, DfID, noted that Southwest has exemplary model of governance and business skills that only need technical support to guarantee desired socio-economic growth and development.
He said, “This Conference represents a new way of working for DfID Nigeria – a way of working that takes account of the different needs in different parts of the country. This year we have provided around £250 million in support of Nigeria. Most of the rest of our development assistance goes to other parts of Northern Nigeria.
“This recognises that Northern Nigeria is the poorest part of Nigeria and needs this kind of help. The South, and the Southwest in particular, does not need same type of support as we provide in the North East and North. Here in the Southwest, you are much more capable of solving your own problems.
“The success of Lagos demonstrates that. We have provided Lagos with technical support over many years and are pleased to see the good results that has had. Many of those good results used our inputs, but primarily come from the knowledge, commitment and dedication of people in Lagos state.
“So our approach to the Southwest recognises that you have what it takes yourselves for your own development. You have committed political leadership and you have brilliant and committed people to take development forward. We therefore, think that the role we can best play in the Southwest is to help you put in place the models and ways of working that can use the strength you already have.”
While declaring open the three-day conference meant to develop and share ideas and innovations on good governance and socio-economic development among Southwest states, Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun state requested immediate overhaul of public service to share same philosophy and focus for which Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) was established.
Governor Amosun, who was represented at the event by Yetunde Onanuga, the Deputy Governor, said, “In all of this, the Public service has a vital role to play; it is about the only ever-living institution in governance, the Executive will come and go, but the Public service remains. It even survived the military rule.
“The Heads of Service as the leader have the pivotal role in this regard. I, therefore, charge all our Heads of Service to provide the needed leadership for their State Public Service.
“I enjoin you to use the opportunity of the DAWN Project to cross-fertilise ideas on areas of professionalism, efficiency, commitment, training, discipline and other positive attitudes that will oil the machine of the Public Service for effective synergy and collaboration. This will aid effective performance in its statutory functions and improving on the lives of the people.”
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