Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has urged civil servants to be versatile in their knowledge of government policies and activities, imploring them to always speak from position of knowledge.

He stated this during a virtual session of the Lagos State Public Service Accelerator Programme’s Fireside Chat Series, themed, Experiential Learning with Communication, Courtesy, and Credibility: Humanising Public Institutions.

Describing the programme as an excellent initiative for continuous learning, the governor encouraged participants to adopt a “Pass-It-On” approach of knowledge sharing within their Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

Earlier, the Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Mr. Afolabi Ayantayo, welcomed participants, explaining that the programme was designed to equip officers with leadership and interpersonal skills that will enable them to resolve conflicts and influence positive change.

He said it also sought to enhance service delivery by improving civil servants’ communication abilities, emotional intelligence, adaptability and innovation.

In her address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Establishments and Training, Mrs. Olubusola Abidakun, revealed that 100 participants were selected through a rigorous interview process that ensured equal representation of men and women across MDAs.

Since its inception, she noted, participants have benefitted from a variety of sessions covering topics such as personal branding, effective communication and presentation skills, workplace relationships, work-life balance, mental health, cyber security, conflict prevention, diplomacy at work, financial literacy, and the application of artificial intelligence in government.