
The Lagos State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development held a staff retreat for its officers at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Alausa, Ikeja, on the 18th of June 2025, in a bid to enhance the performance and effectiveness of its workforce.
The retreat, themed “Driving Transformation for Effective and Responsive Public Service: Commitment to Excellence, Accountability and Innovation in the Service to the People,” was designed to build capacity, foster innovation, and align members of staff with the THEMES+ Agenda of the Lagos State Government.
Speaking at the retreat, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, emphasized that the essence of the programme is to bring everyone on board, re-learn, and become more innovative in the discharge of their duties.
She further noted that the objective of the training goes beyond the workplace, as the lessons learned are equally relevant and beneficial to the personal lives of staff members.
While admonishing participants to keep an open mind and take full advantage of the various presentations, she expressed optimism that the retreat would yield positive outcomes in both personal and professional spheres.
The lead facilitator, Mr. Ayo Muritala, delivered a compelling session on the topic: “Why Go to the Moon: How to Lead from Behind.” He emphasized the importance of initiative, creativity, and the power of influence, regardless of one’s position in the workplace.
Mr. Muritala also spoke extensively on Emotional Intelligence, aimed at helping officers develop stronger interpersonal skills, empathy, and effective conflict management strategies.
In addition to the keynote presentation, the retreat featured several interactive sessions, including practical skills on team management, a health talk on stress management, and tips on preventive healthcare in the workplace, all geared towards promoting holistic well-being and optimal productivity.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Mrs. Olayinka Philips expressed sincere appreciation to the Ministry for organizing the retreat.
She described the programme as timely and impactful and assured that the knowledge gained would be put to good use in their respective roles.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to continuous capacity building for its staff, recognizing that a well-trained and motivated workforce is essential to achieving excellence in public service delivery.