Director General (DG) of the John Odigie-Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), Imuwahen Ajoonu, yesterday, said the official launch of the academy recently will encourage a recommitment to driving public service transformation in Edo State and Nigeria.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Ajoonu said the aim is to make the academy a premier learning destination for the public sector in the country.

She said that the academy, which symbolises commitment to equipping and empowering men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving Nigeria, was birthed by the Godwin Obaseki-led government to meet the demands of contemporary society.

The DG pointed out that the need for technological advancements, evolving citizens’ expectations, as well as citizen-centric services, propelled the urgency of public service transformation.

As part of efforts to meet the proposed target of training 10,000 workers before the end of the year, Ajoonu disclosed that 5,000 employees from various ministries and agencies, in addition to over 5,000, so far, trained, would soon be equipped with digital skills, leadership, public service fundamentals and soft skills.

She said: “The role of the public service in an era marked by rapid technological advancements, shifting societal expectations and complex global challenges has become more crucial than ever before. Effective functioning of government bodies and institutions directly impacts the well-being of societies, economies and the overall progress of nations.

“Recognising this need for continuous improvement and adaptation; the concept of public service transformation has gained prominence with institutions like the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy taking centre stage in facilitating this evolution.”

Declaring that the academy was named after John Odigie-Oyegun, who was the first executive governor of the state, Ajoonu said the academy embodies his dedication to effective governance and leadership, noting that it plays a pivotal role in fulfilling the governor’s vision of strengthening institutions through capacity building, while serving as a hub for training and skill development centre for public servants.

Ajoonu added: “It offers programmes that focus on leadership, management, strategic thinking, ethics, policy analysis and communication skills. By enhancing the capabilities of public servants, the academy equips them to navigate challenges of modern governance effectively.”