In a move to strengthen institutional partnerships and enhance leadership standards in public administration, the Institute of Leadership, Coaching and Strategy has initiated discussions with the Oyo State Government on possible areas of collaboration.
According to a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Thursday, the engagement was led by the institute’s President and Chairman of its Governing Council, Dr Olasunkade Azeez, as part of broader efforts to advance ethical leadership, governance efficiency and professional development across key sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The statement explained that the visit focused on building cooperative frameworks that will support capacity development initiatives, promote high ethical standards in leadership, and encourage the adoption of global best practices aimed at improving public service delivery.
The institute’s delegation was received by the Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, in the company of senior government officials including the Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Prof Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu; Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, Alhaji Kamorudeen Aderibigbe; Permanent Secretaries; and other top civil servants.
Speaking during the meeting, the Permanent Secretary, Service Policy and Strategy, Office of the Head of Service, Alhaji Taiwo Niran Mustapha, described the engagement as timely, noting that leadership, policy formulation and strategic governance have historically played defining roles in shaping Nigeria’s development trajectory.
He referenced the contributions of prominent statesmen such as Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola and Chief Simeon Adebo, whose policy direction and administrative vision helped shape governance structures in the country.
Mustapha further noted that the meeting coincided with recent structural adjustments within the Oyo State Civil Service, particularly the transition of the Permanent Secretary’s designation from Service Matters to Service Policy and Strategy, a change he said reflects the government’s renewed emphasis on strategic governance, institutional reforms and improved service delivery.
Speaking during the visit, the President of the Institute of Leadership, Coaching and Strategy, Azeez, thanked the Head of Service and her team for the warm reception.
He explained that the purpose of the visit was to seek collaboration on capacity building and strategic support for mutual benefit.
“We are here to seek collaboration on capacity building and strategic support for mutual benefit.
“We invite the Head of Service and other key functionaries in the Oyo State Public and Civil Service to join the institute in this national assignment by leveraging our expertise to upskill officers for world-class service delivery in the state,” he said.
Azeez added that the institute is committed to advancing leadership development beyond theoretical concepts to evidence-based value delivery capable of improving systems, processes and outcomes for national development through good governance.
He listed some benefits of membership of the institute to include networking opportunities at local and international levels, access to globally recognised certifications to enhance career advancement, and participation in high-profile professional programmes such as conferences, webinars, public lectures and training initiatives.
He also commended the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for what he described as reform-driven initiatives across key sectors in the state.
“We believe our values align with the Oyo State Government’s transformative initiatives, and our objectives can be mutually beneficial if properly aligned,” he said.
In her remarks, Oni noted that the visit reflects a shared commitment to leadership development and capacity building.
She stated that the Oyo State Civil Service remains committed to professionalism, discipline and improved service delivery, with emphasis on leadership development anchored on character, vision, integrity and accountability.
Oni highlighted key reforms introduced since assuming office, including the implementation of performance management systems to enhance accountability and transparency, development of cadre-based training programmes to build leadership capacity, strengthening of policy frameworks to drive reforms and innovation, and promotion of a culture of excellence through recognition of outstanding performance.
In appreciation of her leadership and contributions to the development of the state civil service, Oni was presented with a leadership award alongside other key functionaries.
The president of the institute was accompanied on the visit by key officials, including Ifeoma Adeniyi, FILCS, Registrar and Chief Executive; Mrs Toyin Emeordi, South-West Regional Coordinator; Dr Morounfoluwa Oyebola, Vice-Chairman, Membership Experience Committee; and Mrs Olamide Olabiran, a Fellow of the institute.
