Sanwo-Olu vows to build future-ready public service in Lagos

…Says excellence in service delivery must be institutionalised

By Sodiq Adelakun

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to modernising the state’s public service.

He said that it must be equipped to deliver innovation, empathy, and accountability in the 21st century.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the maiden edition of the Lagos State Public Service Accelerator Programme (PSAP) in Alausa, Ikeja, on Tuesday.

The governor represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat described the initiative as a timely investment in Lagos’ greatest asset: its people.

Sanwo-Olu said: “The PSAP is an investment in our greatest asset, our people. This initiative will modernise government operations and equip officers with tools, knowledge, and mindset to solve 21st-century problems with innovation, empathy, and accountability.”

The programme trained 100 officers over three months on leadership roles in public service, under the theme “Pass It On: Sustaining Excellence in Public Service.”

Sanwo-Olu told participants they must now lead, transform, and mentor others .

He said: “The baton is now in your hands. You are the torchbearers of a new standard in public service. You must now pass it on.”

Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Establishments, Training, Pensions and Public Service, Mr Oladele Ajayi, said the initiative reinforced Lagos’ drive towards a resilient and people-centred workforce.

“True excellence in governance lies not only in individual achievements but in building a culture of knowledge transfer, mentorship, and continuity,” Ajayi said.

Also, Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Mr Afolabi Ayantayo, added that the strength of Lagos was not in its infrastructure or economy alone, but in the quality, professionalism, and commitment of its workforce.

He reaffirmed that the ministry remained focused on empowering and repositioning officers, particularly at Grade Levels 12–14, to sustain excellence across generations.