Business
Abiodun Charges Political Leaders, Public Servants on Strategic Foresight
By Joseph Sunday
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has charged political leaders and senior public servants in the state to adopt strategic foresight in governance and policymaking as a tool for sustainable development.
Governor Abiodun gave the charge on Monday at the opening of a three-day Capacity Development Programme on Foresighting for Strategic Leaders, held at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona School of Governance Studies, OSKASOGS, Ago-Iwoye.
Represented by the Head of Service, Alhaji Olanrewaju Iskeel Saka, the Governor said effective leadership goes beyond responding to immediate challenges to anticipating future trends, identifying emerging opportunities and mitigating potential risks.
He stated that strategic foresight will enable government to explore alternative future scenarios and embed long-term thinking into policy formulation, budgeting, planning and programme implementation.
According to him, the training aligns with his administration’s ‘Building Our Future Together’ agenda and its commitment to building a competent and efficient public service.
Abiodun noted that with Ogun’s expanding industrial base, its strategic position on the Lagos-Ogun economic corridor, and increasing investor interest, long-term planning has become imperative to ensure infrastructure, education, healthcare, housing and job creation keep pace with development.
He urged participants to reflect on the future skills required for youth competitiveness, the infrastructure needed to sustain industrial growth, and proactive measures to stop emerging risks from escalating.
The Governor commended the Director-General of NIPSS, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, for supporting the programme and the Director of OSKASOGS, Prof. Sola Adeyanju, mni, for hosting it. He also lauded NIPSS for offering the training at no cost to the state and charged participants to apply the knowledge to strengthen institutions and improve decision-making.
In his remarks, the Head of Service emphasized the need for continuous capacity building to equip public servants for contemporary governance challenges. He commended former Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, for initiating the strategic leadership course at OSKASOGS, adding that bringing political leaders and senior officials together will enhance collaboration and shared understanding of development priorities.
In his goodwill message, Onasanya described Governor Abiodun as a strong advocate of capacity building, noting that the programme has continued to improve knowledge, teamwork and policy implementation in the civil service.
Also speaking, Prof. Adeyanju thanked the Governor for investing in strategic leadership development for policymakers and public servants.
The capacity programme is designed to equip participants with skills in trend identification, scenario planning, risk and opportunity assessment, and integration of long-term thinking into public policy.
Dignitaries at the programme include the Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Debola Sofela; Commissioner for Cooperatives and Community Development, Hon. Ademola Balogun; Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker; Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade; Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board, Evangelist Joshua Ifede; alongside permanent secretaries, directors and senior officials from ministries, departments and agencies.
