Our reporter
The John Odigie-Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA) opened its doors to the public on Friday, October 1, 2024, for an eventful Open House that stressed its mission to redefine public service training in Nigeria.
Led by the dynamic Director General, Ms. Precious Imuwahen Ajoonu, the academy’s success in fostering a new generation of competent, innovative civil servants was on full display, drawing in policymakers, civil servants, and students alike.
Since its establishment by the Edo State Government under Governor Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, JOOPSA has rapidly become a beacon for excellence in public service.
The Open House, themed: “Establishing a Legacy, Celebrating Our Journey Together” began with a warm welcome from Ms. Ajoonu herself, setting the stage for a day packed with insightful discussions, facility tours, and networking opportunities.
In her opening address, she highlighted JOOPSA’s vision: “Our goal is to empower civil servants to lead with integrity, efficiency, and accountability. We believe in the potential of each public servant to shape governance positively, and we are dedicated to nurturing that potential here.”
This mission, she noted, has already led to the training of over 15,000 personnel and partnerships with institutions like the BRACED Commission, which recently designated JOOPSA as the regional training hub.
The event’s agenda reflected the academy’s commitment to modern, practical learning approaches. Attendees embarked on guided tours of JOOPSA’s top-tier facilities, which include high-tech classrooms, a well-stocked policy library, and an innovation lab equipped with cutting-edge technology for coding, digital governance, and more.
These spaces underscore JOOPSA’s investment in both intellectual resources and the digital tools necessary for today’s governance challenges.
A major highlight of the day was an award ceremony celebrating the invaluable contributions of JOOPSA’s staff, faculty, volunteers, and partners.
This demonstration of appreciation, Ms. Ajoonu explained, aligns with JOOPSA’s ethos of institutional support and growth. “Public service is not a solo journey; it’s a collaborative effort,” she emphasised, acknowledging the dedication and hard work of the academy’s team.
Among the guest speakers was Professor Ibrahim Shaibu from the University of Benin, who delivered an inspiring lecture on Strategic Leadership. He urged attendees to approach leadership with a commitment to life-long learning, emphasising skills like critical thinking, strategic planning, empathy, and resilience.
His words resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing JOOPSA’s drive to cultivate forward-thinking public leaders.
Adding a personal touch to the event, Ms. Ajoonu hosted a Q&A session to discuss her recently published book titled: “The Hero Inside”, which was reviewed in a dedicated section of the Open House.
Responding to audience questions about her inspiration, she revealed that the book required “deep thinking and a careful observation of subjects before taking action,” a statement that resonated with attendees who viewed her as a model of reflective, effective leadership.
The Open House concluded with closing remarks, where it was reaffirmed JOOPSA’s commitment to shaping a transformative governance landscape in Nigeria.
The DG announced upcoming training opportunities designed to further strengthen public administration nationwide, encouraging attendees to continue their journeys of service and professional growth.
Attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose, eager to implement JOOPSA’s principles of ethical, competent governance in their own roles.
As the academy closed its doors on a successful Open House, it was evident that JOOPSA, under Ms. Ajoonu’s capable leadership, is poised to be a vital force in Nigeria’s public service landscape.
By nurturing and training those who seek to serve with excellence, JOOPSA is not only improving current governance practices but also paving the way for a brighter, more accountable future for public administration in Nigeria.
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