Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack inaugurated the 12th Mandatory Training Programme for CEOs and DGs at ASCON in Topo Badagry.
This event signals a major push to strengthen leadership in the public sector.
Moreover, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation highlighted that this initiative is essential for advancing federal reforms.
Importantly, these reforms align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, she stressed the programme’s alignment with FCSSIP-25’s Capability Building pillar, which prioritizes accountability and innovation.
“ASCON remains central to equipping leaders with skills for effective governance,” she declared, urging participants to champion ethical standards.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Walson-Jack unveiled plans for Executive Master Classes tailored to senior officials navigating Nigeria’s evolving public service demands.
The classes, developed in collaboration with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation’s office, aim to align training with national development goals.
Additionally, she reflected on recent milestones, highlighting reforms launched within her first 100 days, such as Service Wise GPT and updated mentorship frameworks.
“Speed is critical,” she asserted, directing ASCON to integrate FCSSIP-25 sessions into all future programmes.
ASCON Director-General Cecilia Gayya warmly welcomed the historic appearance of a serving Head of Service inaugurating the MTP.
She noted that this occasion marked a significant first since the program’s inception in 2020. Furthermore, she praised the collaboration as essential for fostering institutional growth.
Accompanying Mrs. Walson-Jack were key officials, including Permanent Secretary Fatima Sugra Mahmood and Senior Special Assistant Alfred Abah.
Their presence underscored the strong cross-governmental support for this important initiative.
Their participation reinforced the training’s strategic importance in driving merit-based leadership.
The programme’s launch solidifies Nigeria’s commitment to equipping public sector leaders with tools to meet modern governance challenges.
By merging theoretical knowledge with practical insights, ASCON aims to cultivate a cadre of confident, competent officials ready to deliver transformative results.
Participants will engage in sessions on strategic decision-making, policy implementation, and ethical leadership, ensuring alignment with national priorities.
Mrs. Walson-Jack reiterated that the training transcends formalities, calling it a “springboard for redefining service excellence.”
As the MTP progresses, stakeholders anticipate measurable improvements in service delivery, transparency, and innovation across ministries.
This initiative not only tackles skill gaps but also cultivates a culture of continuous learning, thereby positioning Nigeria’s public sector for sustained growth.
Additionally, with rising expectations for governance efficiency, the program’s outcomes are likely to influence broader civil service reforms.
Meanwhile, attendees are focused on leveraging this opportunity to drive tangible progress, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s vision for a resilient, future-ready bureaucracy.
