Osinbajo highlights role of Public Leadership Initiatives in human capacity development
By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
Former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has emphasized the critical role of public servant leadership initiatives in driving human capacity development and governance reform in Nigeria.
Speaking as the keynote speaker at the graduation ceremony of the 68-class of the 4th cohort of the Aig Public Leaders Program 2024, Osinbajo underscored the importance of an efficient civil service in shaping national progress. He noted that the quality of governance directly impacts citizens’ lives, making public sector leadership training a vital investment in the country’s future.
Osinbajo commended the Aig Foundation and its technical partner, the Blavatnik School of Government at Oxford University, for equipping public sector leaders with world-class expertise.
He pointed to the success of young Nigerian entrepreneurs who launched a digital payment platform in 2016, which later received support from the Central Bank of Nigeria and is now valued at over $1 billion. This, he said, demonstrates the power of strategic leadership and capacity-building initiatives.
The Head of the Federal Civil Service of Nigeria, Mrs. Didi Watson-Jack, also addressed the gathering, pledging to collaborate with the private sector to expand skills acquisition programs that align with the government’s vision for a more productive and incorruptible civil service.
Chairman of the Aig Foundation, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, stressed that leadership in the public sector requires more than intelligence, it demands innovative thinking and a commitment to driving economic transformation.
Similarly, Prof. Emily Jones, faculty leader of the Aig Public Leaders Program, praised the graduating cohort for their exceptional leadership potential. She highlighted how the program has positively influenced public administration in Nigeria and beyond, supporting the government’s broader efforts to enhance governance and service delivery.
The event underscored the growing recognition of leadership training as a catalyst for national development, with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to equipping public servants with the skills needed to drive sustainable change.
