BY PRISCA SAM-DURU

Simeon Ikpakronyi and Muku Abudullahi, DG, National Gallery at an event

During the recently concluded “Strategic Service Delivery Management and Power of Value” workshop, organised by the National Gallery of Art for Senior staff, the importance of training to achieve a high standard of productivity among staff of the gallery was highlighted.

The DG of the gallery, Dr Abdullahi Muku in that workshop, re-emphasised that it is only through constant training that expected professional changes can take place as it equips workers with necessary skills that enable them apply Civil Service rules and procedures in the effective performance of their duties.

The highly participatory and participants-centred event had training topics that covered the areas of “National ethics and good governance”, “performance Management and organisational Productivity”, “ the power of Value and Principles of Moral instruction”, “Management Skills and Managerial effectiveness”, amongst, others.

In a bid to carry every member of staff along in the exercise of creating an enabling climate for interaction, learning and achievement of the desired level of performance, another workshop, an

Induction course for new entrants into the National Gallery of Art was held at the NICO Training Hall within the National Art Theatre Iganmu, Lagos.

The Induction Course tackled in its totality, the issues of equipping trainees with adequate skills as well as reforming the attitudes of personnel towards service, which is the bedrock of the performance of any organisation.

In an address by Adamu Ibrahim Tanko, Acting Director, Administration, National Gallery of Art, who represented Muku Abudullahi, Director Genereal, NGA stated that the programme succeeded the first batch of the induction Course which involved new entrants from outstations within the Northern region held April, 2010 in Abuja as it became imperative to sustain and improve upon the successes already achieved within the organisation.

Abdullahi said that the induction training which hopefully, translates the aspirations of the NGA into tangible results will no doubt, equip trainees with capabilities to set goals that would be achieved in the near future, in addition to becoming agents of positive change.

Also speaking, Col Mohammed S.Mohammed, who represented the NGA Board Chairman, Bar. Peter Eze, stated that the real essence of the induction Course was to train staff to indulge in critical innovations that ensure high productive roles in the organisation.

“The knowlege, know-how, skills and attitudes of personnel is the bedrock of the performance of any organisation, hence, the need of this induction exercise because, it is through members of staff that services are planned and delivered while critical innovations are conceived and realised.” He said.

Col Mohammed who noted that the importance of the induction Course could not be over-emphasised due to previous poor performance of staff during a recent promotion examinations which was not encouraging, enjoined the trainees to strive continuously to ensure that they are abreast with current and international affairs, sound knowledge about the Gallery and become computer Literate.

The 3-day workshop addressed issues under different headings such as What is Art?, Why work in the Public Service?, Career development in Public Service, Working as a Team; Work Ethics, Dress Ethics & the Right, Code & Attitudinal Behaviour; Review of Public Service Rules(Salaries & Wages, Grievance & Disciplinary Procedure); New Pension Act; Health, Financial Freedom; Work-life Balance and Planning for Retirement; Organisational Culture & the required culture change, etc.

Among the notable speakers at the event where Oliver Enwonwu, Tolu Ighodalo, Tanko Ibrahim, Tola Bisiriyu, Morenike Ohenhen, Clement Dawodu, Lasisi Adio, Adeyemo Dokun, Jinmi Sonuga and Leke Olufade.