Fatshimetrie: Challenges of Public Service Reform
Folasade Yemi-Esan, a former Federal Head of Public Service, recently shared her experience at a dinner in her honour hosted by the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja. At the heart of her speech, she highlighted the challenges she faced during her tenure, highlighting the resistance of civil servants to new reforms.
One of the major obstacles Yemi-Esan faced was the reluctance of public servants to change their old habits. Convincing them to adopt better practices proved to be a daunting challenge. As she pointed out, any new thing is often met with resistance, and it was in opposition to this that she had to work to transform mindsets and ways of working.
In her advice to her successor, Yemi-Esan stressed the importance of partnerships. These strategic alliances have been at the heart of her achievements during her tenure, including facilitating digitalization efforts within the civil service. She also highlighted the need for greater mutual understanding among civil servants and increased collaboration between the public and private sectors to strengthen public service reforms.
During the evening, the Chairman of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, commended the commitment and leadership of the former Head of Public Service. He shared a message from President Obasanjo, who praised Yemi-Esan’s devotion and efficient management during her tenure.
In conclusion, Yemi-Esan stressed the importance of righteousness, transparency and faith in God in the face of challenges. Her journey, marked by her honourable and scandal-free departure, illustrates the value of good governance and the path to a positive and lasting legacy.
**A New Vision for Public Service**
Folasade Yemi-Esan’s legacy raises critical questions about the future of public service in Nigeria. How can resistance to change be overcome and innovation promoted within the administration? How can public-private partnerships be strengthened for more efficient management of resources and modernization of services?
The answer may lie in a collaborative and inclusive approach, where communication and transparency are the pillars of successful reform. By fostering dialogue and the exchange of ideas, public service stakeholders could find innovative solutions to contemporary challenges.
It is also crucial to invest in skills development and promote a culture of excellence within the public service. By encouraging continuous learning and valuing performance, it is possible to establish a dynamic of constant progress.
Ultimately, transforming the public service requires not only structural reforms, but also a change in mindset and behavior. By adopting a visionary and collaborative approach, Nigeria can pave the way for modern, efficient, and citizen-centered governance.
By following in the footsteps of leaders like Folasade Yemi-Esan, the country could realize its potential and provide its citizens with quality public service that meets their expectations and aspirations. The key to success lies in the commitment to building a better future together, where integrity, accountability, and efficiency will guide every action and decision.