…As Mimiko commissions institute
First of its kind in Nigeria
From Bamigbola Gbolaguunte, Akure
The sleepy town of Ilaramokin in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State last Monday came alive as Governor Olusegun Mimiko alongside other prominent personalities from both within and outside the state converged on the town for the commissioning of the Public Service Training Institute (PSTI).
Mimiko who was welcomed into the town by array of dignitaries including the traditional ruler of the town, the Alara of Ilaramokin described the institute as a replica of the Lagos Business School, stressing that establishment of the institute was one of his greatest achievements in his eight years as governor.
He called for the re-engineering of the public service in the country and the retraining of public servants in the country, stressing the need for proper orientation for all categories of civil servants.
He said there was the need for the Federal Government and all the 36 state governments to redefine civil service for the overall good of the country.
The Governor said the institute would attract international attention, just as he noted that reputable scholars from both within and outside the country would be engaged, adding that the institute was the first of its kind in the country that would award diploma and postgraduate Diploma certificates.
He enjoined public servants to take advantage of the institute as it has capacity to admit students from all states of the country.
He eulogized the contributions of the state public service to its administration in the last eight years, saying that the feats recorded in all facets would not have been possible but for the dedication and capability of our Public Servants.
He said the location of the institute in the serene environment would make learning and teaching conducive for participants and facilitators.
The governor said that the project was awarded to five contractors who are Ondo State indigenes, to prevent capital flight and to resonate positively on the economic lives of our people.
He also disclosed that the project attracted the support of the World Bank under the Public Sector Governance Reform and Development Project in the form of provision of modern training equipment, office furniture, vehicles and other technical support. It is hoped that this support will continue and be expanded for the benefit of our people.
The governor urged all the public servants who are direct beneficiaries of the gesture to guide it jealously and make the best use.
The institute covers a 50 hectare landmass, with 500 capacity main conference hall.
It also has 10 syndicate rooms with capacity for 100 persons each, ICT compliant Library and Resource centre and restaurant and relaxation centre. The state Head of Service, Mr. Kosemani Kolawole said the institute was established to provide necessary training and technical support to the public service in the state in particular and country in general.
The institute, which was established by the Mimiko’s government was said to be the first of its kind in the country and it is expected to attract international attention with students from both within and outside the country.
Traditional rulers from the state including the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom who is also the President of the State council of traditional rulers, Oba Victor kiladejo, Deji of AKure, Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo and other prominent politicians and bureaucrats were in attendance.
The commissioning attended by the Head of Service of the Federation represented by Dr. Innocent Ogbonaya, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae and federal permanent secretaries also created avenue for top politicians in the South West to meet and dialogue.
Prominent among politicians who met at the ceremony include former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore, National Vice Chairman (South West) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Eddy Olafeso, PDP zonal Secretary, Rev. Bunmi Jeny and Alhaji Azees Oluboyo.