By Stella Odueme
In a sustained effort to explore further improvement on the implementation of Pillar1 of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP25), which focuses on building staff capabilities and talent management, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation(HCSF), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, has sought collaboration with the Alumni Association of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies(AANI).
She disclosed this during a courtesy visit by members of the Alumni Association of the National Institute led by the President, Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor, mni, to her office in Abuja.
A statement by the Head, Information and Public Relations,
Mrs Eno Olotu on Thursday said that the HOCSF noted that it is expected that the visit marks the beginning of a fruitful collaboration between the OHCSF and AANI, stating that the partnership will add value and address the skills gaps identified in the system.
“AANI will sit perfectly well with our pillar one initiative dwelling on capabilities building and talent management.
“We are expanding existing training programmes, reviewing our curricula, adopting e-learning and introducing other initiatives to build the capacity of staff, ” she stressed.
Walson-Jack also informed that the Office is currently escalating the implementation of the six pillars of the FCCSIP-25 and explained that each of the pillars are implemented in line with the strategy document.
While commending the enormous research work conducted by participants during their programmes at the National Institute , she advised that such research document should be collated by the Institute and sent to relevant Ministries Departments and Agencies of Government, to aid policy formulation and implementation.
Earlier, the President of the Alumni Association, Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor, mni, stated that the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, is the highest policy Think Tank in the country that has produced several technocrats and Statesmen who have and are contributing favourably to the development of Nigeria.
He also noted that there has not been any problem in Nigeria, that has not been researched upon by the Institute, adding that Government would benefit immensely from utilising the services of AANI.
While congratulating the HCSF on her appointment, he assured her of the Alumni’s unflinching support and commitment in driving positive change through partnerships in the Service and for the development of Nigeria.
“The National Institute, contributes immensely to national development as Nigerias apex policy think-tank, through numerous evidence-based policy recommendations as well as through constant, constructive engagement with policy makers at all levels”. he stated.
In the same vein, the Unity Schools Old Students Association(USOSA) led by the President-General Mr. Michael Magaji also paid a courtesy visit to the HCSF.
He congratulated the HCSF who is also an alumni of two Unity schools, on her well deserved appointment, adding that ” I am very confident that she will do well, I can attest to her leadership skills, penchant for excellence, good behaviour and love for country”.
He assured the HCSF of the Association’s unalloyed support in her drive to revamp the Federal Civil Service.
The HCSF of the Federation, thanked the Association for their commitment to the unity of Nigeria.
She also sought their support for resource persons to build the capacity of Civil Servants, Teachers and Federal Training Centre Participants, in fulfillment of the goals of Pillar 1 of the FCSSIP-25 strategy document.
Permanent Secretaries in attendance at the events were:Common Services Office Mr Raymond Omachi, Services Polices and Strategies Office, Dr. Deborah Bako Odoh, Career Management Office, Mrs Fatimah Mahmoud. Others were: Directors Overseeing Permanent Secretaries, Service Welfare Office and Special Duties Office, Dr Comfort Adeosun and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Civil Service Matters, Mr. Alfred Abba.
