‘Why civil servants must think of the collective good’

To contribute meaningfully to the development of Lagos, Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. Abdul Hakeem Abdul Lateef, has called on civil servants to think less of themselves in the delivery of service to citizens of the state, but more of what they could do for the state.

This, he said, was the only way, they could be the sought after as 21st Century leaders capable of achieving maximal positive impact on others. Speaking at the 3-Day Retreat of staff of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Commissioner said though civil servants had done much in the tremendous competitive advantage that the state is enjoying, they could achieve more and better by being enterprising in order to achieve far reaching, sustainable and comprehensive addition of values to the vision and goals of the Ministry and by extension the state.

He said the retreat was put together to develop members of staff of the ministry to be 21st century leaders, who will develop others to achieve their potentials. He therefore implored participants to be more strategic in all their doings, by implementing activities predicated on well thought-out plans and creative processes.

While encouraging participants to always motivate subordinates, he told them to do self appraisals, define purposes in life and let values drive the purposes, especially if they must achieve desired goals for themselves, as individuals, and for the Ministry, by working together as a team.

Speaking further, the Commissioner said the retreat was also designed to develop capacity of staff to be familiar with new thinking of the ministry.On her part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Mrs. Toyin Awoseyi, welcoming the management staff of the ministry to the retreat, stated that the retreat was aimed at broaden staff knowledge on relevant aspects of managerial skills such as Interpersonal Communication, Leadership and Mentoring Skills that would put staff in a good position for increased productivity towards ensuring the ministry’s mandate.The retreat was put together to develop members of staff of the ministry to be 21st century leaders, who will develop others to achieve their potentials.