Abiodun tasks political leaders, public servants on strategic foresight

Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has called on political leaders and senior public servants to adopt strategic foresight in their decision-making processes, emphasizing its importance for sustainable development and the preparation of the state for future challenges. The initiative was launched at the opening of a three-day Capacity Development Programme on Foresighting for Strategic Leaders at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) located at the Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona School of Governance Studies (OSKASOGS) in Ago-Iwoye.

Governor Abiodun, represented by the Head of Service Alhaji Olanrewaju Iskeel Saka, highlighted that strategic foresight enables policymakers to anticipate emerging trends, identify opportunities, and evaluate potential risks, allowing them to incorporate long-term considerations into policy formulation, budgeting, planning, and program implementation. This approach aligns with the Building Our Future Together vision of his administration, which aims to enhance the public service and improve service delivery in Ogun State.

The Governor stressed that Ogun's expanding industrial base, strategic position along the Lagos-Ogun economic corridor, and burgeoning investment opportunities necessitate long-term planning to ensure that infrastructure, education, healthcare, housing, and employment keep pace with the state's growth. He challenged the participants to consider the skills young people will need for competitiveness, the infrastructure required to sustain industrial expansion, and measures to prevent emerging risks from escalating into major challenges.

Governor Abiodun praised the NIPSS Director-General, Professor Ayo Omotayo, for supporting the initiative and the Director of OSKASOGS, Professor Sola Adeyanju, for hosting the program, commending them for providing the training at no cost to the participants. He urged them to apply the knowledge gained to enhance decision-making and bolster public institutions.

Head of Service Saka underlined the significance of ongoing training in equipping public servants with the necessary skills and competencies to tackle emerging governance challenges. He paid tribute to the previous Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, for establishing the strategic leadership management course at the Awujale School of Governance Studies, and urged the participants to put the lessons into practice for improved governance.

In his goodwill message, Onasanya praised Governor Abiodun for his strong advocacy of capacity building, noting that the program continues to enhance participants' knowledge, strengthen the civil service, foster teamwork, and improve the execution of government policies and programs. Adeyanju also commended the Governor for presenting policymakers and public servants with the chance to enhance their strategic leadership skills, urging the participants to utilize the training for Ogun State's growth and development.