The Director-General of the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency (PPA), Mr. Fatai Idowu Onafowote, has charged management staff of the Agency to embrace transformation, technology, and accountability in order to build a modern, responsive, and citizen-focused public service.
Onafowote gave the charge in his welcome address at the opening ceremony of a three-day Management Retreat of the Agency, held between Thursday, 28th and Saturday, 30th August, 2025, at Novotel Hotel, Chevy Drive, Lekki, Lagos.
The retreat, themed “Driving Transformation for Lagos Effective and Responsive Public Service,” brought together the Executive Assistant to the Governor of Lagos State on Project Implementation and Monitoring, Mr. Olusegun Sanwo-Olu; senior procurement officers; resource persons; as well as directors and management staff of the Agency.
In his remarks, the DG described the public service as the “engine room of governance” through which government policies are translated into tangible benefits for citizens. He noted that the Procurement Agency occupies a unique position in this structure as the custodian of transparency, accountability, and value-for-money in the management of public resources.
“This responsibility calls for nothing short of excellence,” Onafowote said, emphasizing that the Agency cannot afford to rely on outdated practices in an environment where citizens demand greater transparency and government priorities evolve rapidly.
He stressed that transformation must be embraced as a culture rather than a slogan, adding that innovation, efficiency, and responsiveness must drive the operations of the Agency if it is to remain relevant in a fast-changing governance landscape.
“Transformation begins with us—the leadership team. If we embody accountability, innovation, and responsiveness in our daily actions, these values will cascade down the entire Agency,” he told participants.
The DG highlighted innovation and technology as critical focus areas, urging participants to leverage digital tools to simplify procurement processes, eliminate bottlenecks, and strengthen transparency. He also underscored the importance of capacity building, stressing that transformation requires a workforce that is knowledgeable, motivated, and future-ready.
“Transformation requires a workforce that is knowledgeable, motivated, and future-ready. We must continuously invest in training and professional development to ensure our officers can meet emerging challenges,” he said.
Onafowote further emphasized the need for collaboration across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), noting that procurement touches every aspect of public administration. He urged staff to keep citizens at the heart of procurement decisions in order to build trust and confidence in government.
He challenged participants to approach the retreat as more than just a platform for discussions, but as a call to action.
“This retreat is not just about discussions—it is about commitments. Each of us must leave here with a practical roadmap for action. Let us challenge ourselves to think differently, act boldly, and lead change from within,” he declared.
In closing, the DG thanked staff for their dedication and pledged that the Agency would continue to strive to be a model of effective and responsive public service, not only in Lagos State but across Nigeria and beyond
Delivering a paper on “Project Management Fundamentals in Procurement,” the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Project Implementation and Monitoring, Mr. Olusegun Sanwo-Olu, noted that economic growth depends on efficient systems that deliver value — with procurement at the center..
“Procurement secures the resources that ensure projects are delivered transparently and on time. From sourcing to execution, procurement shapes the systems that influence economic growth,” he said.
The retreat also featured a session on stress management, facilitated by Dr. Azim Kunle Ashimi, Head of the Emergency Department at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta. He advised staff to know their limits, avoid unnecessary stress, and maintain work-life balance.
“Exercise regularly and play as hard as you work—you will find balance. Seek knowledge, learn new skills, and read more about your job or new roles to improve how you deliver,” he advised.
Another facilitator, Mr. Ayo Muritala of KNEWROW, spoke on strategies for driving workplace transformation. He urged staff to be proactive, drive compliance with procurement rules, and recognize their role as the vital link between government and the people.
According to him, the PPA has a major role to play in achieving Lagos State’s long-term development goals, including the 2052 vision. “The Agency must serve as a catalyst, anticipating challenges before they arise, and positioning itself as a driver of the State’s economic growth,” he said.
Participants were also taken through practical mental skill development sessions and physical exercises designed to enhance both professional performance and personal well-being.
AKANJI AYOOLA
HEAD, PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Last modified: September 3, 2025
