The Lagos State Government has charged participants of a local government administration training programme to uphold excellence, professionalism, and accountability as they return to their respective communities.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of 171 participants, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tertiary Education, Waheed Adeniran Kasali, represented by the Director of Student Support Services, Olubunmi Obidapo, said the completion of the programme marks the beginning of a renewed commitment to effective grassroots governance.
He noted that local governments remain the closest tier of government to the people and play a vital role in translating policies into meaningful development outcomes.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Establishments and Training, Olubusola Abidakun, represented by the Director of Training, Modupe Animashaun, commended the participants for their dedication and urged them to apply the knowledge gained to improve service delivery in their respective councils.
The Director-General of the Lagos State Public Service Staff Development Centre, Adekunmilola Adio-Moses, described the certification as a stepping stone to greater achievements, stressing that the true value lies in the knowledge acquired rather than the certificate itself.
According to him, the graduates earned qualifications equivalent to an Ordinary National Diploma, enabling them to pursue further studies and gain direct entry into universities. He added that the initiative ensures inclusivity in education and supports overall development in Lagos State.
Participants expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions, as well as programme facilitators, for providing an enabling environment for learning and growth.
Head of Local Government at PSSDC, Obiwumi Tamitope, urged the graduates to make meaningful impacts in their communities, highlighting a success story of a participant who was promoted to Assistant Health Officer during the programme.
She reminded them that they are ambassadors of Lagos State and must promote positive values while driving transformation at the grassroots.
Similarly, Director of Learning and Development at PSSDC, Femi Sholaja, encouraged the graduates to demonstrate visible improvement in character, competence, and professionalism.
He noted that while some may doubt their transformation, others will expect positive change, urging them to justify the confidence placed in them by putting their training into practice.