The Lagos State Government, in collaboration with Microsoft Office and ATB Techsoft Solutions, has trained over 2,000 public officers on ICT Applications in a bid to keep workers in the State Public Service abreast of new technology and enhance performance.
Speaking at the commencement of the three-day training programme, themed “Developing a 21st Century Public Servant”, Honourable Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. Hakeem Fahm, said the initiative was to enhance performance, drive office routine through technology, improve creativity with mobile phones and devices, diagnose and understand technical needs as well as challenges, among others.
Highlighting other salient benefits of the programme on Lagos Public Servants, he envisaged that the training would impact the overall technology transformation of the State Public Service, stressing that the present administration is committed to providing an environment that will improve the technical skills of staff.
The Commissioner maintained that the training will not only improve the knowledge of the workers but also provide the necessary support to move Lagos State forward.
“This programme is no doubt a right step in the right direction as it aims to create the consciousness of technological-know-how in Public Servants. It is also very important to emphasise the fact that it aligns with the direction and vision of the present administration in the State”, Fahm added.
The Commissioner disclosed that the State Government has begun a massive installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras as part of strategies to attain the Smart City status and beef up security in Lagos, adding that the cameras have the capacity to capture happenings within the vicinity of installation.
Fahm said that the State has also implemented a Fibre Metro Network connection that will facilitate a 24-hour driven economy.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ms. Olayinka Fashola, expressed optimism that the laudable concept and initiative will enable Public Servants to discover the right digital skills, acquire new mindsets and behavioural skills appropriate in Microsoft Applications for enhanced performance and globally accepted practice.
She noted that technology is presently ruling the world and only those who can effectively use science and technology have limitless opportunities, saying “Technology is now very essential, as such we have to ensure that every single public servant understands the basis of new technology’ she added.
The Permanent Secretary urged participants to take the programme seriously and maximise inherent opportunities in the training programme, assuring that the State Government will not relent in its commitment to improving the standard of Information and Communications Technology in the State.
