Perspective change, vital transformation tool in civil service, says Ambode

Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has said a change of perspective on the part of the state workforce has the potential to radically transform the state public service.

He made this assertion on Tuesday at a two-day training session with the theme: ‘Creating and Maintaining A Customer-Centric Driven Culture In The Public Service Delivery System’, organised by the state government under the aegis of the Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions; in conjunction with Messrs Vitech Consultants at Citiheight Hotel, Ikeja.

According to the governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Dr. Akintola Benson Oke, what the government would like the participants to take away from the training is knowledge, skill and attitude.

“What we would like them to take away is Knowledge, Skill And Attitude, ‘KSA’, as we call it. Most of us have learnt a lot of things. But then we need to learn, unlearn and then relearn somethings, and that is the essence of this gathering, for continuous training.

“The message for the participants is that, this training has been specifically packaged by His Excellently, the governor of Lagos State, to ensure that the workforce is the most proactive in Africa, to ensure that the skills they acquire here are perfected so as to take us to the next level.

“If you notice, the topic of the training is, ‘Creating and Maintaining A Customer-Centric Driven Culture In The Public Service Delivery System’.

What we’re trying to do is to ensure that the way civil servants have been seen in the past; especially with the public, is changed.

The kind of service you get elsewhere, or better, is what you get when you interface with them here. So, the customers are the focus now, and not so much the civil servants. We want to ensure that the customer leaves feeling very satisfied,” he said.

He said he believed the training would enhance customer satisfaction. “You know, you want to renew your car particulars, or any service you want to access from the government, will be a rewarding experience; a comfortable experience.

So, basically, this training has the potential to radically transform the Lagos State public service. This is because the focus is a call for a change of perspective.”

The governor added that a new perspective could change everything. He stated that if one wanted to change the results one was getting in any endeavour, it was important to go within and start working on one’s thoughts and perspectives.

He concluded by saying that the right perspective is of utmost importance in any endeavour or organisation.