By: Rasaq Sekoni

Civil servants in Ogun state have been charged on the need to familiarise themselves with Service Rules and comply with same as they progress in their career in the Civil Service.

The charge was made by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat at a 2-day in-house training organised for members of staff in the Ministry, following the review of the 2004 Public Service Rules (PSR) of Ogun state.

Hamzat, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Rotimiolu Akinlesi noted that the Civil Service over the course of 20 years had evolved and therefore needed a paradigm shift in the ways affairs were managed, which called for a reviewed set of rules and regulations that would be deployed in managing the Service.

The Commissioner hinted that change was inevitable and the work place was not an exception.  "This training has been put together for officers with the aim of updating their knowledge, particularly with the new provisions in the PSR. I enjoin them to make the best use of the initiative," he said.

While making his remarks in his capacity as the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Rotimiolu Akinlesi, who was also a member of the review committee,  said the training  was essential for awareness, understanding and uniformed interpretation of rules that  would ensure a smoother process in administration. He enjoined participants to get a copy of the PSR and get acquainted with the reviewed rules.

The lead discussant who is also the Director of Local Government Inspectorate and Monitoring in the Ministry, Mr. Toyin Obatosin, alongside the Deputy Director of Local Government Affairs, Mrs. Olabinke Busola gave an overview of the 2024 Public Service Rules, addressing legislations on appointment, posting, promotion, discipline, information technology , sexual harassment among others.

Participants, Jelili Adetona, Akinlabi and Opeyemi were thankful for the initiative as it had afforded them the opportunity to appreciate the magnitude of work done on the document, which would bring about more efficiency in the Civil Service.