Senior officials of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and the Office of Rural Development have been urged to renew their commitment to service excellence and embrace bold reforms that align with modern governance standards.
This call came from Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Rural Development, in a clarion call for transformation within the public sector.
Dr. Agbaje delivered this charge while addressing participants at the Ministry’s 2025 Management Staff Retreat, which held from Wednesday, July 2 to Saturday, July 5 at Orchid Hotel, Lekki.
The retreat, themed “Driving Transformation for Effective and Responsive Public Service,” served as a strategic forum for policy reflection, leadership development, and interdepartmental collaboration.
Expressing his appreciation to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for his consistent support and approval of the retreat, Dr. Agbaje also commended the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Kikelomo Bolarinwa, and the Planning Committee for organizing what he described as a “timely and impactful initiative.”
“This gathering is more than a routine exercise — it’s an opportunity for honest reflection, strategic alignment, and renewed dedication to the people we serve,” Dr. Agbaje said.
He emphasized that public expectations are evolving rapidly, and civil servants, especially those in leadership, must adapt by becoming more responsive, transparent, and results-oriented.
“Transformation is no longer optional. Our citizens deserve a government that understands their needs, listens actively, and delivers tangible results,” he added.
Dr. Agbaje further stated that lasting transformation begins with internal shifts — from mindset to method.
He urged the participants to embrace change by challenging outdated norms, adopting global best practices, and fostering a culture of innovation across all levels of administration.
“Change begins with us. It starts with a leadership mindset that welcomes innovation, prioritizes accountability, and promotes synergy across departments and agencies,” he stressed.
The Special Adviser also encouraged retreat participants to take full advantage of the sessions, share ideas, and return to their posts equipped with fresh insights and renewed passion for public service delivery.
“May these few days provide clarity, strengthen our resolve, and ultimately improve our impact on the communities we serve — especially in the rural areas where our presence is most needed,” he concluded.
The retreat also had in attendance key dignitaries, including the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development, Mr. Bolaji Kayode Robert; the Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Community Affairs, Hon. Okanlawon Ganiyu Sanni; as well as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa.
The four-day retreat is part of the Lagos State Government’s ongoing efforts to reposition its ministries for more inclusive governance, with a strong emphasis on rural development, traditional institution administration, and efficient service delivery at the grassroots.
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