By Bilesanmi Abayomi
LGNA International, in partnership with the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board and the Irish Embassy, recently held a program in Lagos aimed at enhancing public service delivery, commerce, cultural exchange, and education. The event, themed “Lecture and interactive on Effective Leadership, Values, Development and Achieving Excellence in Public Administration Democracy,” was hosted by CEO of LGNA International, Mr. Tunde Jakande.
Speaking at the event, Jakande stated that the program was organized to promote excellence in Nigeria’s public administration. He noted that he had been hosting similar events for the past 13 years and that the Irish Ambassador to Nigeria, HE Peter Ryan, was a unique speaker at the event. Ryan spoke about leadership and youth areas in which Nigerians could work to improve their lives.
The Irish Ambassador also discussed the similarities between Nigeria and Ireland’s struggle for emancipation and the role Ireland played in Nigeria before independence. Ryan highlighted the need for real partnership and collaborations between public officials in Nigeria and Ireland to overcome similar challenges.
Other speakers at the event included Head of Service Lagos State, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, Chairman represented by Permanent secretary Akinboro Ogudina, and Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, Hon. Wahab Alawuye King represented by Mr Rasaq. They shared their experiences, achievements, challenges, and how Nigeria, Lagos State, and Ireland could collaborate to enhance public service delivery to the masses.
HE Peter Ryan stated that the Irish Embassy was committed to making a greater impact in Nigeria, especially Lagos, through collaborative programs and projects. He also sought the support of Nigerian officials to raise their capacity and deliver the best public service to the public.
The event was a fantastic exchange, knowledge sharing, and partnership between public officials in Nigeria and Ireland, with both sides looking forward to building on the relationship in the coming years.
