For strategic stewardship and other aims, the Federal Government has officially inaugurated the 13th Cohort of the Mandatory Training Programme (MTP) for Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of Federal Agencies and Parastatals.
The strategic initiative, which is a significant step in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, was charged with anchoring leadership on integrity, strategic stewardship, and the delivery of measurable citizen-centred outcomes.
The programme was declared open by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, during a ceremony at the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Topo-Badagry.
The event was themed “Lead Boldly: Reform. Deliver. Renew,”
Represented by Professor Simon Akaayar, the SGF emphasized that public service leadership constitutes a sacred trust, requiring a steadfast commitment to national progress.
According to a statement by Mrs. Eno Olotu,
Director, Information and Public Relations, the SGF said “Leadership in the public service is not defined by position, but by tangible impact,”
He directed the Chief Executives to ensure their institutional objectives are rigorously aligned with national priorities, operating with the core values of transparency, professionalism, and efficiency.
In her keynote address, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, underscored the programme's strategic significance.
According to her, the training encapsulates the core pillars of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 (FCSSIP-25).
She charged the CEOs with a significant responsibility-to serve as the vanguard of institutional reform and public trust, a role that is crucial in the successful implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The HCSF commended the SGF for his symbolic presence, noting it reinforces the Presidency's commitment to cohesive governance.
She detailed the government’s comprehensive capability-building framework, the ONCE-K System, highlighting initiatives like the Leadership Enhancement and Development Programme (LEAD-P) and the Federal Civil Service Online Academy, which are designed to foster a competent, ethical, and digitally driven workforce.
“Our Service must transition decisively from activity reporting to impact reporting,” Mrs. Walson-Jack asserted.
The HCSF urged CEOs to embed robust results-based management and performance accountability frameworks within their institutions.
In his goodwill message, Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, Member representing Badagry Federal Constituency, commended the Federal Government for its sustained investment in leadership development.
He praised ASCON’s role as a beacon of public service excellence and a vital institution within the Badagry community.
The Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, Mrs. Fatima Mahmood, in her welcome address, stated that the programme is meticulously designed to equip new CEOs with the essential knowledge and tools for effective mandate delivery.
She outlined that the curriculum provides a deep dive into the mechanics of government as guided by the Constitution, Public Service Rules, and Financial Regulations, all reinforced by the ongoing FCSSIP-25 reforms.
The Director-General of ASCON, Mrs. Funke Adepoju, outlined the intensive curriculum, describing the MTP as a flagship intervention for leadership renewal.
She confirmed that modules would cover critical areas, including Strategic Leadership, Public Financial Management, Ethics, Digital Transformation, and Performance Management.
Echoing the call for excellence, the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agodi, in a goodwill message, emphasized the necessity of continuous learning for leaders navigating a dynamic socio-economic landscape.
He stated that Chief Executives, occupying a critical tier in the governance architecture, must personify excellence, integrity, and accountability in all aspects of service delivery.
"This Mandatory Training Programme is a strategic initiative of the Federal Government, directly aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda, to ensure public sector leaders are fully equipped to drive national priorities and deliver exceptional service to the Nigerian people." the statement stated