LASG STRENGTHENS PROJECT MANAGEMENT TO DRIVE DEVELOPMENT
… Empowers Cabinet Members and Senior Officials through Specialised Training
The Lagos State Government, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has underscored the critical role of project management as a driver of effective governance and sustainable development through the enforcement of best practices in project management.
Speaking through his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, at a one-day workshop on “Mastering Effective Project Management – Strategies for Success,” held recently at the Marriott Hotel, GRA Ikeja, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu highlighted his administration’s commitment to advancing public sector efficiency through strategic project management.
The event, organised by the Office of the Chief of Staff, through the Project Implementation and Monitoring Unit (PIMU) in collaboration with the Project Management Institute (PMI), USA, brought together top government officials, including members of the State Executive Council for targeted capacity building aimed at elevating project outcomes.
Sanwo-Olu noted that the workshop aimed to refine the skills of top officials to ensure that public projects are delivered on time, within budget and to high standards, thus boosting the Government’s reputation and accelerating Lagos’s growth trajectory.
“Project management is at the core of our governance approach. Our goal is to equip our leaders with the skills to manage projects with precision, making sure we maximise resources while delivering impactful results for the people of Lagos.” the Governor remarked.
He encouraged participants to embrace the training as an opportunity to enhance their expertise and drive improvements across the State’s diverse sectors.
While acknowledging the administration’s achievements thus far, the Governor challenged members of his cabinet to aim for even greater standards, emphasising that effective project management would be a key factor in maintaining public trust and achieving strategic goals.
In his welcome address, Mr. Olusegun Sanwo-Olu, Executive Assistant to the Governor on Project Implementation and Monitoring, praised the administration’s commitment to institutionalising a culture of performance through the THEMES Plus Agenda, which has led to the completion of numerous flagship projects.
He outlined the workshop’s objective to equip officials with updated strategies for overseeing project compliance and coordination, particularly in interactions with contractors and other stakeholders.
He also pointed to the importance of unified data systems in streamlining the operations of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), ensuring seamless project execution and monitoring.
Mr. George Asamani, Managing Director of Project Management Institute (PMI) in Sub-Saharan Africa, commended the State for its forward-thinking approach to public administration. He lauded Lagos’s ongoing efforts to invest in the professional development of its officials, calling it a model for other cities across the continent.
Workshop attendees participated in interactive sessions covering advanced topics such as the integration of Artificial Intelligence into project management, the use of Lean and Agile methodologies in government processes, and policy development strategies to overcome project-related challenges.
The training serves as a significant step in Lagos State’s ongoing mission to modernise its governance and maintain its status as a leader in infrastructure development and service delivery.
The four-day workshop was held for different categories of public servants/officials. Day One was for selected officers in various Ministries, Departments & agencies. Day Two was for Senior Special Assistants/Political Aides to the Governor. Day Three was for selected Permanent Secretaries and extra-ministerial Heads, while Day Four was for some members of the State Executive Council.