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Tag: Bode Agoro

  • ‘New tax law will enhance fiscal discipline’

    ‘New tax law will enhance fiscal discipline’

    Lagos State Head of Service (HoS), Mr. Bode Agoro, has said understanding of the new tax law by the citizens would enhance fiscal discipline.

    He spoke at the 2025 edition of Public Procurement Summit with the theme: ‘Understanding the Impact of the New Tax Law on the Procurement of Goods, Works, and Services’, organised by the

    state government at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja.

    Delivering his goodwill message, Agoro, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Mrs. Oyegbola Sunkanmi, said: ‘’As public officers, it is imperative to understand the implications of the new tax reforms—particularly as they relate to digital compliance, tax registration and cost management in the execution of government projects.’’

    He noted that an understanding of the new tax law would not only improve compliance, but also enhance fiscal discipline, reduce waste and ensure better value-for-money outcomes in public spending.

    Agoro said compliance with tax and procurement laws was not optional, but a duty, adding that synergy between both frameworks was vital for achieving the state’s objectives of sustainable revenue growth and prudent resource management.

    He urged public servants to continue upholding the highest standard of integrity, fairness and accountability in the discharge of their duties.

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    “Every officer involved in procurement must be guided by professionalism and commitment to the rules and procedures established under the Lagos State Public Procurement Law,” he said.

    The Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Procurement, Mr. Samuel Apata, said lawmakers recognised effective procurement practices as key to achieving sustainable development and delivering quality services to citizens.

    He said the assembly remained committed to supporting initiatives that would promote best practices, compliance and value-for-money in government contracting.

    Finance Commissioner Mr. Oluyomi Abayomi, represented by Mrs. Bisola Dina of the State Treasury Office, described the newly-enacted tax reform as one of the most comprehensive in recent years, with far-reaching implications for public and private institutions.

    He hailed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his exemplary leadership, under which Lagos State was recently recognised as ‘Best in Procurement Practice in Africa’ at the 2025 Africa Public Sector Conference and Awards held in Cape Town, South Africa.

    Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Ope George, commended the agency for upholding integrity and transparency in public resource management.

    Director-General, Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, Mr. Fatai Onafowote, said the objective of the summit was to provide a platform for policy makers, procurement professionals, tax experts and industry stakeholders to engage in robust discussions on the implications of the new tax reforms and to explore strategies that would ensure compliance, while maintaining efficiency and value-for-money in government contracting.

    The Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement, Kogi State, Ehimoni Joshua, lauded Lagos State Government for organising the summit and called for continued harmonisation of procurement practices, to reinforce the role of procurement as a tool for economic stability, transparency and national development.

    The Chairman, Presidential Task Force on Tax Reform, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, who joined the event online, said tax reform was designed to make business operations easier, particularly by providing exemptions to support the growth of small businesses.

    Also speaking virtually, Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) (Federal), Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, said BPP was proud to collaborate with Lagos State and assured it of continued partnership.

    The event was attended by top government functionaries, heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, delegates from other states’ Bureaus of Public Procurement led by the chairman, Forum of DGs of Public Procurement, as well as other speakers and panellists.

  • ‘How power of digitalisation, AI can promote inclusive governance’

    ‘How power of digitalisation, AI can promote inclusive governance’

    Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, has called on Public Servants to harness the power of digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence (AI), to promote inclusive governance and enhance public satisfaction.

    He made this call at a Public Lecture and Celebration of Outstanding Officers, titled “Transforming Public Service Delivery: Leveraging Digitalization, Artificial Intelligence, and Inclusive Governance,” held on Wednesday, 8th October, 2025, at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, The Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, in commemoration of the Year 2025 Public Service Week Celebration.

    Agoro emphasized the importance of Public Servants staying abreast of global trends and applying newly acquired skills and competencies to improve Public Service delivery.

    He noted that transformative technologies are particularly impactful in citizen-focused areas, where digital transformation prioritizes the delivery of user-friendly services designed to meet the needs of citizens.

    The Head of Service also urged Public Servants to seize the opportunities presented by positive change to improve efficiency and enhance overall public service delivery. “Digitalization, together with Artificial Intelligence, now sets the standard upon which every business or institution is measured,” he said.

    In a related development, Agoro presented awards to 289 Outstanding Officers in the State Public Service, comprising 99 senior officers and 78 junior officers from Ministries, Parastatals, and Agencies, as well as 112 Officers from Local Government’s and Local Council Development Areas.

    The awardees were recognized for their dedication, selflessness, and commitment to effective service delivery.

    Agoro charged the awardees not to rest on their laurels but to continue to discharge their duties diligently and efficiently.

    He also urged Public Servants to use the celebration as an opportunity to recommit themselves to staying abreast of global trends in digitalization and artificial intelligence, while fostering inclusive governance that will transform Public Service delivery.

    The awardees, selected from various Ministries, Parastatals, Agencies, Local Government’s, and Local Council Development Areas, were presented with plaques and will be treated to a luncheon with Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.

  • Lagos unveils 2025 Public Service Week

    Lagos unveils 2025 Public Service Week

    • HoS Agoro pledges smarter, tech-driven workforce

    Lagos State Government has unveiled activities for the 2025 Public Service Week, restating its commitment to harnessing technology to build a smarter, more agile and globally-competitive workforce.

    Speaking yesterday at a news briefing at the Public Service Office, Alausa, Head of Service (HoS), Mr. Bode Agoro, said the celebration would appreciate workers’ contributions and underline the administration’s focus on digital transformation.

    He added: “The event is projected to appreciate and celebrate our ever-dedicated and committed public servants for their contributions and efforts towards the attainment of good governance and efficient service delivery.”

    Agoro said the theme of the week, ‘Deepening Technology for a Smart and Agile Public Service’, reflected the determination of the government to deploy technology as a tool for transparency, efficiency and citizen engagement.

    He hailed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for leading a digital transformation agenda that had prioritised investments in infrastructure and capacity development.

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    The week-long celebration will begin today with health screening for civil servants at Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa  and a special Jumat Service at Alausa Secretariat Mosque.

    A Walk-for-Fitness will take place tomorrow in Ikeja, while an interdenominational thanksgiving service will follow at Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, on Sunday.

    On October 6, donations from ministries, organisations and individuals will be presented to orphanages and charity homes, alongside continued health screenings for public servants.

    On October 7, officers who have served Lagos State for over 30 years will be honoured during the Long Service Merit Award Ceremony. There will be public lecture on October 8 on the theme of the celebration, as well as recognition of outstanding officers.

    A variety show tagged: ‘Alausa Goes White,’ will hold on October 9, where public servants are expected to appear in white attire, while showcasing their talents at the seventh edition of Alausa’s Got Talent series. The celebration will climax with a luncheon with Governor Sanwo-Olu, during which recipients of the Outstanding Officers Award will have the opportunity to meet the governor.

    Agoro praised the dedication of civil servants, describing them as “crucial to driving national development and addressing complex challenges confronting the nation.”

  •  Invest in human capital,  says head of Service

     Invest in human capital,  says head of Service

    Lagos State Ministry of Establishments and Training has held a boot camp to enhance the capacity of learning and development officers in the public service.

    The event: ‘Cultivating Growth through Learning and Development in Lagos Public Service’, was held in Lekki.

    Head of Service, Bode Agoro, represented by Permanent Secretary at Local Government Establishments and Training, Mrs. Bibilomo Olushekun, noted the importance of investing in human capital.

    He said bridging skill gaps and embracing emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence were essential steps toward building a globally-competitive and future-ready workforce.

    The camp provided participants with intensive workshops on key professional areas, including monitoring and evaluation, e-learning, and human capital analytics.

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    These sessions were designed to enhance productivity, strengthen performance and align training initiatives with the state’s goals.

    Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Afolabi Ayantayo, hailed the ministry’s efforts to promote continuous learning and institutional development.

    He described the initiative as “timely and timeless,” urging a move from ad hoc training programmes to a more structured, long-term approach to workforce development.

    “Flexibility, foresight and knowledge remain the cornerstone of service delivery.

    “The future we envision for Lagos’ public service depends on our choice to learn, grow and lead through learning.’’

  • Lagos HOS emphasises self-development as Civil Service Commission conducts 2025 promotion exercise

    Lagos HOS emphasises self-development as Civil Service Commission conducts 2025 promotion exercise

    The Lagos State Head of Service (HOS), Mr. Bode Agoro, has underscored the importance of self-development among government employees keen on staying relevant in the rapidly evolving landscape of the 21st-century world of work.

    Agoro advised civil servants not to limit their capacity development to promotion exercises, which occur every two to four years, but to embrace continuous learning and knowledge acquisition as part of their daily routine.

    Speaking during the Cross Cutting Sessions (Physical) of the Revised Structured Training Programme (RSTP), organizd by the Civil Service Commission at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, the HOS explained that the RSTP is meant to assesses the knowledge officers have gained over the years at their respective grade levels, with a view to further empower and prepare them for greater responsibilities in their next grade levels, stressing that consistent self-improvement is essential for effective service delivery.

    According to him, maintaining Lagos State’s status as a model public service for other states depends on civil servants’ ability to explore innovative approaches, adapt to trends, and avoid complacency.

    Making clarification for the early commencement of the year 2025 Promotion Exercise the Head of Service noted that the State Government aims to align the Notional Promotion dates of all successful Officers with Financial dates, particularly those of Officers whose notional dates is January 1.

    “As a listening government, Mr. Governor approved the Commission’s request to commence the Y2025 Promotion Exercise earlier in order to align the Notional dates of promotion with the dates for implementing the financial implications of new grade levels. To achieve this, the promotion process commenced in the last quarter of Y2024,” he explained.

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    He commended the Civil Service Commission for their proactive measures, in ensuring a smooth and efficient promotion exercise and praised the eligible officers for their conduct during the exercise, while also assuring them that observations from the process would inform necessary improvements.

    Responding to a question on the number of participants in the year 2025 Promotion Exercise, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Civil Service Commission, Mr. Akinbode Obadina, revealed that a total of 6,125 Officers were eligible for promotion.

    He highlighted that in addition to meeting the requirements outlined in the Public Service Rules, Officers must participate in the two components of the RSTP which are the Cross Cutting Sessions and the Job Specific Training Sessions, as well as participating in the oral interviews for Officers in Grade Levels 12 -16, and other assessments as mandated by the Commission

    Mr. Obadina further noted that the Commission incorporates various technological innovations and the expertise of faculty Officials in the Promotion Exercise and emphasized the inclusive nature, which includes sign language interpretation and other provisions to accommodate Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs).

  • Retirees urged to embrace healthy, active lifestyle

    Retirees urged to embrace healthy, active lifestyle

    Lagos State Head of Service (HOS), Bode Agoro has warned retirees of the Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB) to beware of fraudsters in investing their money.

    Agoro spoke at the weekend during a retirement ceremony for 28 staff members of LASTVEB in Ikeja, Lagos.

    The HOS, who was represented by Mrs. Ebun Aina, highlighted the importance of post-retirement engagement and assured the retirees of continued support.

    Agoro encouraged the retirees to embrace a healthy and active lifestyle.

    “Now that you are retiring, you are not to sit at home. Engage in daily exercise, even if it is just a little in the morning. Watch what you eat and avoid consuming fizzy drinks like coke,” he advised.

    Agoro cautioned retirees to approach new ventures with care, saying  “As you receive your benefits, ensure you research thoroughly before investing in any business. Look before you leap.”

    To support retirees, the HOS announced the availability of wellness and recreation centres in all local government areas, equipped with facilities to encourage physical activity.

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    He also introduced skill acquisition programmes such as soap-making and fisheries, noting that participants in the soap-making initiative would receive starter kits to help them begin their ventures.

    “We believe you can still achieve great things after retirement,” he said, adding that fisheries, in particular, had become a lucrative endeavour for many.

    Agoro revealed that from next year, the Lagos State Post Service Department would send birthday gifts to the retirees as part of its ongoing welfare initiatives.

    Ms Moronke Azeez, the Executive Secretary of LASTVEB, in her speech urged the retirees to stay mentally and physically active.

    “Keeping yourself busy prevents premature ageing and isolation. Engage in meaningful activities or join associations to maintain social connections,” Azeez said.

    She described the event as a modest gesture of gratitude, acknowledging the retirees’ dedication to the board.

    “This ceremony is only a small way to say thank you, as no gift can truly match your contributions. I pray that God grants you good health, long life, and happiness,” she added.”

    Ms Azeez reassured the retirees of the government’s efforts to ensure prompt pension disbursements and advised them to complete their paperwork to avoid delays.

    She noted that Lagos State is committed to improving the welfare of its retirees, which includes faster processing of pension benefits.

    The retirees were celebrated for their contributions to the advancement of technical and vocational education in Lagos State. They were reminded of the importance of staying productive to enjoy a fulfilling retirement.

  • Lagos HoS urges directors to bridge leadership gap

    Lagos HoS urges directors to bridge leadership gap

    Lagos State Head of Service (HoS), Mr Bode Agoro, has urged directors of Administration and Human Resource to build succession plans, to address leadership gap in the public service.

    He spoke while declaring open a three-day retreat for directors of Administration and Human Resources, held in Epe.

    Agoro emphasised the need for effective leadership and talent management in the administrative framework.

    He said the retreat served as an opportunity to discuss challenges and explore innovative solution aimed at enhancing service delivery across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

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    He articulated the retreat’s theme: “Leadership Development and Succession Planning: Ensuring a Robust Talent Management for Effective Service Delivery”, as a vital discourse aimed at addressing the evident leadership gap in the public sector.

    Agoro said: “Leadership development helps expand individuals’ capacities to perform in leadership roles, facilitating the execution of organisational strategies.”

    Permanent Secretary in Public Service Office, Mrs. Sunkanmi Oyegbola, advised directors of Administration and Human Resources to lead by example. She implored them to have succession plans for those who would take over from them upon their retirement.

    No fewer than 75 directors of Administration and Human Resources participated in the retreat.

  • Lagos HoS backs viable public service

    Lagos HoS backs viable public service

    Lagos State Head of Service, Bode Agoro, has said a viable public service can help Nigeria overcome its challenges.

    Speaking at a news conference to mark Lagos Public Service Week, he noted significance of a robust public service.

    The theme this year is ‘Fostering Innovation amid Global Challenges: A Public Sector Perspective.”

    Agoro stressed issues facing nations: climate change, rising costs, high unemployment, brain drain and worsening poverty.’’

    He said Lagos State Public Service was committed to implementing policies to improve residents’ quality of life.

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    The HoS hailed public servants for their contributions to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ Agenda.

    Activities for the week include health screening and presentation of gifts to orphanages and charity organisations today, followed by lecture, and awards tomorrow. On Wednesday, ‘Alausa’s Got Talent Series VI’ will hold.

    Other events include a Special Jumat Service on Friday, a ‘Walk for Fitness’ on Saturday and a Thanksgiving Service on Sunday. The programme will be concluded with a luncheon and recognition of officers by the governor.

  • Lagos to ensure prompt payment of retirement benefits, says HoS

    Lagos to ensure prompt payment of retirement benefits, says HoS

    Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to ensure retirement benefits are processed and paid promptly.

    Head of Service (HoS) Bode Agoro, who said this at the 1st and 2nd quarters year 2024 send-off for 115 retirees, urged them to leverage the empowerment opportunities provided by the government to make them employers of labour and create an alternative source of extra income from a business venture, to keep them engaged. 

    He said the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration had put in place initiatives and programmes to keep retirees active and remain connected to the state government.

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    He added that such programmes included bi-monthly webinar, quarterly training and sensitisation, skills acquisition and vocational training, as well as mentoring scheme, among others.

    Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Sunkanmi Oyegbola, acknowledged the contributions of the retirees to the development of the state and their exemplary conduct while in service.

    She said retirement was not merely an end, but the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunities for rest, reflection and new adventures.

    Responding on behalf of the retirees, Kehinde Akerele from the Ministry of Justice thanked the state government for giving retirees the opportunity to serve the state.

  • Lagos HoS assures workers of prompt payment of entitlements

    Lagos HoS assures workers of prompt payment of entitlements

    Lagos State Head of Service, Bode Agoro, yesterday, urged retirees to leverage initiatives and programmes by government to keep them active and connected to the state.

    He said the state would pay entitlements on time, advising them to ensure proper documentation to avoid delay in processing claims.

    “There are plans to clear backlog of pension liability and ensure retirement benefits are paid promptly,” Agoro said.

    He added: “It is also important for you to know that incomplete documentation contributes to delays in processing payment of benefits.”

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    The HoS, speaking yesterday at this year’s send-off for 257 retirees at Adeyemí Bero Hall, Alausa, Ikeja, said empowerment opportunities provided by the government was designed to make retirees employers and provide a source of income from a venture to keep them engaged. 

    He noted they included bi-monthly webinar, quarterlytraining and sensitisation, skill acquisition and vocational training, mentoring scheme, among others.

    Welcoming participants, Permanent Secretary of Public Service Office, Sunkanmi Oyegbola, noted the contributions of retirees to development of the state and their conduct while in service.

    Responding for the retirees, Adeyinka Adeniyi thanked the state for the opportunity to serve.