The Lagos State Head of Service, Bode Agoro has urged the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC) to strengthen its maintenance culture, improve staff welfare and revive its contribution to the state’s public servants’ housing scheme.
The Head of Service made the call at the unveiling of the renovated Block A building of the corporation, where he stressed the need for public institutions to maintain their facilities and ensure that investments in infrastructure translated into improved service delivery.
He congratulated the management and staff of the LSDPC, led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive, Honourable Ayodele Joseph, on the completion of the renovation, describing a conducive working environment as essential to productivity, professionalism and efficiency in the public service.
Agoro said the renovation reflected the corporation’s recognition of the importance of maintaining its assets and providing a workplace that met the standards expected of a modern public institution.
“One of the problems we have in the public service in Nigeria is maintenance culture. We must maintain what we have and ensure that it remains in good condition at all times,” he said.
He urged staff to take responsibility for keeping their offices clean and in good condition, rather than leaving the task entirely to cleaners or management.
“You must make sure your offices are clean and that there are no leakages. You do not need to wait for a cleaner to come before you clean your office. The responsibility for your office rests first and foremost with you, the staff member occupying it,” he said.
The Head of Service advised employees to treat their offices like their homes, noting that many public servants spent more time at work than at home.
He said the sustainability of the renovation would depend on the collective commitment of management and staff to preserving the facility, adding that the quality of work carried out in the building should reflect the investment made in it.
Agoro also called on the corporation to sustain efforts to improve staff welfare, encourage innovation, build employees’ capacity and promote collaboration across departments.
He commended the management for creating an environment in which staff appeared comfortable and willing to contribute to the organisation’s development.
According to him, the attitude and disposition of employees often provide an indication of their working conditions and the level of support they receive from management.
The Head of Service said the LSDPC had an important role to play in the state’s socio-economic development through property development, housing and the management of government real estate assets.
He urged the corporation to translate its mandate and policies into measurable results that would benefit Lagos residents, businesses and communities.
Agoro also reminded the management of the corporation’s historical role in providing accommodation for public servants through the Office of the Head of Service Staff Housing Board.
He said the LSDPC, alongside the Ministry of Housing and the Lagos Building Investment Company, had previously contributed houses and flats to the scheme, urging the corporation to renew its commitment to providing housing for civil servants.
In his remarks, the LSDPC managing director said the renovation of Block A marked an important milestone in the corporation’s history, particularly as the building was the only remaining old structure within its premises.
He said the project was undertaken in recognition of the importance of providing staff with a conducive environment to improve teamwork, efficiency and service delivery.
The managing director also expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for its continued support for public institutions and efforts to strengthen the capacity of the state’s public service.
He recalled that the building had housed several prominent public servants over the years, including former government officials, and said its renovation would preserve its significance while providing a more functional workplace for current staff.
He urged employees to take ownership of the renovated facility and demonstrate greater professionalism, dedication and responsibility in carrying out their duties.
The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Mrs Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo, who was a former occupant of the building, also congratulated the corporation on the project, describing the occasion as both exciting and nostalgic.
Onigbanjo, who said she had worked in the building for nearly two decades, recalled her association with the corporation and several former colleagues who had occupied offices there over the years.
She commended the management and staff for completing the renovation and expressed hope that the improved environment would inspire employees to contribute more effectively to the development of Lagos State.
The ceremony ended with the formal unveiling of the renovated Block A building by the Head of Service.
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