…Dr. Yemi-Esan commends Matawalle for convening retreat on good governance
By Mohammed Mohammed
The Head of Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan has said the several policy reforms of federal government such as SERVICOM, Pension Administration Reforms, Public Procurement Reforms and the Anti-corruption Reforms, were introduced to achieve transparency accountability and good governance.
She further revealed that the new Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2022-2025 (FCSSIP 25) which is the successor plan of the FCSSIP 20, was introduced to deepen the gains made in the FCSSIP 20 was geared towards evolving a new Civil Service that is professional, meritocratic, driven by technology and world class for sustainable national development.
Dr. Yemi-Esan, however commended the Governor of Zamfara State, Mr. Bello Matawalle, for his multi-pronged approach to governance and foresightedness in convening a retreat for the state executive council and other top government officials in the bid to transform the public service for the prosperity of the state.
She made the commendation while declaring open a management retreat for members of the Zamfara State Executive Council, Special Advisers, and other public office holders on Monday in Abuja
“I am indeed confident that coming out of this retreat and going forward, Matawalle, will achieve more giant strides through the speedy and holistic implementation of the aptly coined year 2022 ” Budget of Inclusiveness.”
She urged participants to as part of their take home from the 4-day retreat, resolve to refocus and take full responsibility and ownership of projects and policy initiatives with a view to ensuring their holistic implementation.
For the state to forge ahead, she added, it must pay particular attention to the quality of its human resources which is its most valuable asset.
While saying that the Civil Service defines the character and content of any government, she explained that no country or government can rise or develop beyond the capacity of professionalism and integrity of its civil service.
The Head of Service further harped on the challenge of promoting and achieving transparency, accountability and good governance which informed the convenance of the retreat.
According to her, transparency and accountability are very critical for the efficient functioning of a modern economy and fostering socio well-being, adding that information must be accessible and available for measuring performance and to prevent abuse of power.
“Without transparency and accountability, trust will be lacking between a government and those whom it governs.” she added.
According to her, the 6 priority areas of the FCSSIP 25 include: Accelerate capability building and talent management, institutionalise performance management and to improve the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), Human Resources Module, to institutionalise innovation in the Public and Civil Service, digitalisation by accelerating delivery of content service platform and staff welfare- by enhancing value proposition for Civil Servants.
The six priority areas, she added, are designed to build and sustain the capacity of the workforce for effective policy interpretation and implementation.
The Head of Service assured the Zamfara State Government of the readiness of her office to support and partner with the state in order to build a smarter and more efficient civil service.
“This, we can fast-track by collaborating and synchronising Federal and State Government programmes so as to create a sustainable interface for policy formulation and implementation” she further said.
In his speech, Matawalle said the retreat is expected to significantly help in the entrenchment of harmony at workplace, collaborative synergy, good governance, sound leadership and proficient official communication.
While alluding to the security challenge faced by the state, he added that opportunities like the retreat could be used to stimulate thought and other workable solutions to issues affecting not only the public sector but the overall development of the state.
“As we enter the midterm of our administration, the task ahead is that of multiplying our efforts of building a new Zamfara State.
We must strategies to redouble our efforts in fighting banditry and place our State on the path of an enduring development by optimally utilising the resources at our disposal. This is a clarion call for all of us to brace up to the great tasks ahead”. he added