Social Welfare Officers in the Ogun State Civil/Public Service have been charged to be the spark that ignites positive change by challenging outdated practices, sharing new knowledge and demonstrating the highest level of professionalism as they go about discharging their statutory duties.

The Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya gave the charge while declaring open a 2-day capacity building training, put together by the Bureau of Establishments and Training, Office of the Head of Service in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, for Social Welfare Officers, with the theme: "Enhancing Social Service Delivery through Case Management, Emotional Intelligence and Community Engagement", held at the Oba's Complex, Oke- Mosan, Abeokuta.

According to him, the impact of the training would be measured, not by the certificates they will receive at the end of the training, but by the transformation it would trigger in their work ethics and service outcomes, hence, the two days set aside to prepare them well and make them adaptable to meet emerging demands effectively.

While bringing to the fore the invaluable role that Social Welfare Officers play in the Public Service ecosystem as the unseen, yet, essential hands behind the social safety nets that cushion and support vulnerable groups in the State, the Head of Service said their work speaks to the heart of the collective humanity and the values that define a compassionate government as well as their interventions that restore dignity and offer hope to those in dire need.

"Given the complexity and sensitivity of your responsibilities, it becomes increasingly important that your skills and ethical standards are constantly sharpened. This is precisely why this training is both timely and strategic; as it aligns with the broader Civil Service reform agenda that seeks to entrench continuous learning and improved public service delivery. As social challenges continue to evolve rapidly, it is essential that our officers remain well prepared and adaptable to meet emerging demands effectively", the HoS submitted.

Mr. Onasanya while commending the collaborators for the initiative to train the officers, underscored the continued commitment of the Civil/Public Service to professional growth of the workers and appreciated the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for remaining resolute in his commitment to nurture a professional and people-centred Public Service.

"This administration has continued to prioritize initiatives that empower the workforce and drive excellence. I am therefore confident to reaffirm the stern resolve of Government to support continuous professional development and create avenues for knowledge sharing across cadres", the HoS added.

In her remarks, the Special Guest, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, described the Officers as unsung heroes walking into the disorder of human needs and returning with stories of restored hope. 

Hon. Adeleye said it was not just having a training but it was a recharge station for the officers who carry the emotional, mental, and social weight of the communities and appreciated them from the depth of her heart for all they do.

"I am proud to say that the Ogun State Government, under the capable and

compassionate leadership of His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun has been deliberate in prioritizing staff capacity development to effectively drive our I.S.E.Y.A. mantra. We believe that when you train people who care, you multiply care across the system. This is why the present administration keeps building structures — not

just buildings, but human systems that are responsive, empathetic, and effective", the Hon. Commissioner said.

Adding her voice, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, Hon. Ayotunde Lawal, called on the officers to let the lessons learnt from the training have positive impact on them so that they can impact the people out there positively, as this can only be achieved if they work as a team.

In their separate goodwill messages, the Permanent Secretary, Civil Service Commission, Mr. Adesoji Adewuyi and his counterpart from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Adejumoke Adewole, appreciated the governor for approving funds for the training and other welfare packages to keep making the workers relevant at their duty posts, as well as the HoS for his constant encouragement and support to make the workers deliver optimally at their beats and urged the participants to improve on their skills after the training while discipline, respect and comportment must always be entrenched in the Service.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Establishments and  Training, Mrs. Lydia Fajounbo said the training is another milestone in the series of training to enhance professionalism and thanked the governor for his steadfastness in the capacity building of the workforce.

She urged the participants to embrace the training with open minds and active participation in order to redefine skills for better outcomes.

Papers presented included Social Service and Community Development as well as Emotional Intelligence and Social Service delivered by the Head, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Prof. Oluranti Samuel; as well as Basic Strategies needed by Social Welfare Officers on Conflict Resolution for Couples and Families handled by the Deputy Director, Commercial Services, Ogun State Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Sonoiki-Adedokun.

Omolara Osindele 

Office of the Head of Service