The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan has charged officers in the newly established Department and Divisions of Innovation to embrace and promote innovative ideas in the service.
Dr. Yemi-Esan made the call while declaring open a 3-day sensitization workshop for staff of Service Innovation Department in the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) and other Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on Monday 15th March, 2021, in Abuja.
In a speech presented by the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties Office, OHCSF, Mrs. Ibiene Roberts, Dr. Yemi-Esan said the workshop was the outcome of the last innovation challenge which was aimed at showcasing and rewarding ingenuity and excellence in service as well as boosting the morale of Officers to enable them aspire to greater heights in their career. The event, she added, was a precursor to the creation of Innovation Department.
She further said that the need for culture and innovation was important in the Public Service so as to reduce waste, cut cost of governance and enhance revenue generation, adding that Service Innovation Department (SID) would be manned by a Director in the OHCSF while Deputy Directors will head Divisions in other MDAs.
While encouraging innovation in the system, HoS advised officers to rise to their responsibilities and prevent the suppression of innovative ideas. Innovation, she explained, is an effective tool in solving problems.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties Office, (SDO) Mrs Ibiene Robert, represented by the Director, Civil Service Office, OHCSF, Mrs. Olusanya Otelemate said that the workshop is another milestone in the effort of OHCSF towards institutionalising innovation in the Federal Civil Service.
She urged the participants to utilise the opportunity as pioneers and be the best they could be in transforming the service.
The three-day workshop is being attended by Officers from six line Ministries. The workshop is expected to run back to back till 24th March in order to accommodate other Ministries.
Udoh imaobong
For: Director, Press & Public Relation Unit
Office of the Head of civil Service of the Federation
15th March, 2021
