Edo Govt Strengthens Leadership Capacity with Transformative Training for Top Civil Servants
As part of efforts to strengthen leadership capacity and enhance performance across the state’s Civil and Public Service, the Edo State Government, through its training arm, the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), has organised a two-day leadership development programme themed “Transformative Leadership.”
The training, held at the JOOPSA premises in Benin City, was facilitated by the Executive Director of the Canadian Congress on Inclusive Diversity and Workplace Equity, Nosakhare Alex Ihama, in partnership with the Amena Academy. It brought together top management staff, including Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and Directors.
Declaring the event open, the Edo State Head of Service (HOS), Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, described the programme as a defining moment in the evolution of the state’s public service. He noted that it comes at a crucial time when governance demands deep thinking, decisive action, and inspiring leadership.
He emphasised that transformational leadership requires vision, character, and empathy — qualities necessary for building trust, driving innovation, and promoting accountability.
Dr. Okungbowa noted that the training provided an opportunity for self-assessment and reflection on leadership styles, reiterating the government’s commitment to developing a disciplined, digital, dynamic, and development-oriented civil service.
He explained that the training aligns with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s reform agenda under the Edo State Public Service Retooling and Enhancement Programme (Edo-PREP), an initiative designed to strengthen institutional capacity and performance.
Expanding on the Edo-PREP agenda, Dr. Okungbowa described it as “an autochthonous reform rooted in Edo realities,” reflecting the governor’s insistence that civil servants themselves should drive reform rather than rely solely on external consultants.
“His Excellency believes that while consultants can offer support, the real capacity must reside within the service. That is why he continues to invest in training, learning, and development. His vision is to build a self-reliant, knowledge-driven civil service capable of sustaining transformation long after the consultants have gone,” he added.
In her welcome address, the Director-General of JOOPSA, Mrs. Gina Otamare, reaffirmed the academy’s mission to build a world-class, value-driven, and innovation-led public service. She described the training as another strategic step in Governor Okpebholo’s vision to strengthen public institutions for sustainable development.
Delivering his presentation, the facilitator, Mr. Alex Ihama, urged participants to embrace responsibility, reject mediocrity, and uphold integrity by balancing management and leadership for genuine transformation.
“If you are part of the system, you must also be part of the change. Understand your value and do not fall short of participation. Never allow yourself to be missed while you are still alive,” he said.
In his goodwill message, the Founder and Director of Amena Academy, Mr. Edosa Eghobamien, encouraged participants to be intentional about growth, embrace innovation, and remain committed to excellence in service delivery.
