By Omoruyi Patricia Osayomore
The Office of the Head of Service, through the Directorate of Corporate Change Communication and Performance Management Office, commonly referred to as the Transformation Office, has conducted a comprehensive training programme for its staff.
The training was aimed at equipping staff members with a deep understanding of the core concepts and ideology driving the transformation agenda of the Edo State Government.
The session, which was held recently at the premises of the Office of the Head of Service, Government House, Benin City, witnessed the enthusiastic participation of all staff of the Transformation office.
Providing an opening address during the training, the Permanent Secretary, Transformation Office, Dr. Mrs. Joy Iyen, highlighted the primary objectives of the training. According to her, the training was aimed at preparing staff for upcoming tasks, which are essential for accomplishing the mission of the office.
She explained that Greenfield Consultants were engaged for the purpose because they played an integral role in designing the transformation agenda for the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, which has been communicated to various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) across the State.
According to the Permanent Secretary, “The Directorate’s primary responsibility is to ensure that the entire process of change is not only implemented, but also institutionalized.” She stressed that staff members must grasp the concept and ideology behind the transformation agenda, emphasising that the knowledge will enable them to be task-oriented and fully equipped to effectively drive the process and achieve its objectives.
She further explained that the Directorate is committed to fostering corporate and culture change, enhancing performance management within MDAs and among officers, and aligning this performance harmoniously with the State Government’s goals and objectives.
In her words, “Through this transformative journey, officers have evolved, enabling them to compete favourably in both the market and private sectors, in stark contrast to previous practices.” She also highlighted that certain functions of the Head of Service are executed through the Directorate.
During the training, participants received instructions from various facilitators, including Omowa Emmanuel, Bayo Badejo, Amanda O. Osawaru-Iguodala and Precious Oviri, all representing Greenfields Consultancy and Allied Services Limited.
The modules covered a wide range of topics, including the design and editing of office organograms, benchmarking strategies, staff selection and placement methodologies and effective information management techniques, which the facilitators stressed involve essential skills and competencies.
Additional modules covered topics such as change and communication, culture and change management, performance management, setting key performance indicators and scorecard development. The facilitators emphasized that the essence of the transformation is to usher in a new way of operating, aligning with the State’s progressive goals and objectives.
