By Monsur Olowoopejo

LAGOS State civil servants have urged Governor, Babatunde Fashola to approve more funds for training especially their colleagues in the local governments to enhance productivity and efficiency.

They lamented that civil servants in the 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas, LCDA were not privilege to frequently training that would put them at par with their colleagues in the state ministries and Agencies.

They stated this at the recent graduation ceremony for 147 civil servants at the Lagos State Public Service Staff Development Centre, PSSDC, Magodo axis of the state.

Speaking on behalf of the grandaunts, Mrs. Anthonia Dada said : “we are appealing to state government to provide avenue for civil servants in the local government councils to go for training. When we go for training frequently, it will give us the opportunity to be at par with our colleagues in ministries and MDAs.”

Dada further appealed to the Fashola to allocate more funds to training the civil servants especially those in the councils.

She however appealed to the state government to review the civil service structure at the council level, saying “the present structure in the councils doesn’t allow them to rise like their counterparts in the ministries and MDAs.”

Commissioner for Establishment, Pension and Training, Mrs. Florence Oguntuase who was represented by the Mr. E.M. Odeyemi, said that the state government will look into their issues.

Nonetheless, Oguntuase urged the grandaunts to always acquire additional skill that would enhance their work effectively.

She noted “even if the skills would not be useful while you were in service, it will be relevant after service.

Speaking earlier, Director-General PSSDC, Mrs. Olubunmi Fabanwo urged the grandaunts to justify the investment of the government in their programme, even as they continue to develop themselves for more useful services to the state.

According to Fabanwo, “Remember that so much has been given to you during your training; and much would be expected from your employers who have invested in the training.”

Also speaking, the Presidents of Nigerian Union of Civil Service Secretariat and Stenograph Workers, NUCSSASW, Mrs. Josephine Ojuolape warned the graduants never to say negative words, as they add these new skills in their daily activities to develop the state.

Ojuolape added “I urge you to always put on the garment of ethics of your profession, as this will help to better the society and to dress officially daily to their duty post.”