Lagos Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday, enjoined parastatals and Agencies in the state to ensure continuous improvement in the quality management system in their delivery of services.
Sanwo-Olu gave this charge during his one-day parley with Heads of Agencies/Parastatals and Government-owned companies, organized by the State Parastatals Monitoring Office also called on the state agencies and parastatals to explore new avenues and embrace cutting-edge solutions that would optimize their financial capabilities.
The event, themed: “Transforming Parastatals/Government Owned Companies into Agile Organizations for Greater Efficiency,” was held at Adeyemi Bero Hall, inside the State Government Secretariat, Ikeja.
Speaking at the event, the governor expressed the belief that if the agencies got it right, adequate funds would be made available for the timely and effective implementation of critical projects that directly benefit the people.
He said his administration’s aim was to establish a legacy of excellence and advancement for the generation to come, adding that parastatal organisations were established with a mandate to address specific developmental issues that hinged directly on the welfare and well-being of the people such as waste management, water supply, among others.
“Let us collaborate to build a Lagos that embraces inclusivity, sustainability, and prosperity for all its inhabitants. Our aim is to establish a legacy of excellence and advancement for the generations to come.
“Parastatal organizations are established with a mandate to address specific developmental issues that hinge directly on the welfare and well-being of the people such as waste management, water supply, housing, transportation, etc.
“This, therefore, means that the success of any administration will largely depend on how efficient and effective such parastatals deliver on their mandate,” Gov Sanwo-Olu stated.
“In recent times, the global landscape has presented us with unprecedented challenges, demanding that we adopt innovative approaches to increase government revenue.
“As stewards of public resources, it is incumbent upon us to explore new avenues and embrace cutting-edge solutions that will optimize our financial capabilities.
“By doing so, we can ensure that adequate funds are available for the timely and effective implementation of critical projects that directly benefit our people.
“Furthermore, I want to emphasize the importance of accountability and transparency in our operations. The Parastatal Monitoring Office serves as a vital mechanism for ensuring adherence to established protocols and standards. I urge all parastatals to fully cooperate with this office, as its oversight function is instrumental in promoting good governance and fostering public trust,” he added.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, while identifying collaboration as the cornerstone of progress, and, therefore, essential that strong partnerships across all sectors were forged, said establishment of an investment-driven economy that attracts global investors remained central to his administration’s vision.
“We must strive to create an enabling environment that fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, and business growth. Through targeted policies and initiatives, we can position our state as a prime destination for investment, unlocking new opportunities for prosperity and development.
“Our state, with its vibrant economy and diverse population, faces both challenges and opportunities. It is imperative that we work together, leveraging our collective expertise and resources, to address these challenges and seize these opportunities.
“I recognise the pivotal role that each of you plays in the administration and delivery of public services. Your dedication and hard work are crucial to the success of our state.
“Today, I urge you all to welcome innovation, collaboration, and accountability into our pursuits. Let us aim for efficiency and effectiveness in fulfilling our responsibilities, remaining ever cognizant of the needs and aspirations of those we serve,” the governor said.
The Head of Service (HOS), Mr Olabode Agoro, in his welcome address, expressed gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his support and leadership which had aided the parastatals and government-owned companies the opportunity to achieve progress.
According to Agoro, the gathering was an opportunity for all Heads of parastatals, government Agencies in the state to interact with Mr. Governor on salient issues geared towards improving operations in their various Agencies for the betterment of the state.
He, however, urged the governor to use his good offices to look into issues bothering overlapping mandates; need to update and review some laws that established some Agencies for clarity of functions; inadequate utility vehicles and office space, and constitution of Governing Boards.
“Like Oliver Twist, our parastatals and government-owned companies will want our amiable, compassionate and visionary Mr. Governor to please use his good office to look into issues bothering on the following: overlapping mandate; need to update and review some laws that established some agencies for clarity of functions; inadequate utility vehicles and office space; and constitution of Governing Board,” the HOS said.