…Knowledge-sharing, critical to building a self-sufficient Public Service, Says Dr. Okungbowa
The Edo State Government under the leadership of Senator Monday Okpebholo has unveiled the maiden edition of the Edo State Public Service Knowledge-sharing Series, a strategic initiative aimed at institutionalising continuous learning, strengthening policy conversations, and deepening the ongoing reforms in the State’s civil and public service.
This was disclosed today, 15th May 2026 during a press brief with journalists in Benin City by the Edo State Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa.
Dr. Okungbowa asserted that the novel initiative conceptualised by the Office of the Head of Service in line with the vision of Governor Monday Okpebholo is geared towards building a self-sufficient, innovation-driven and result-oriented public service under the Edo State Public Service Retooling and Enhancement Programme (Edo-PREP) reform framework.
The Head of Service explained that the monthly virtual knowledge-sharing platform was conceived as part of efforts to ensure that reforms within the service are driven internally by civil servants and public administrators.
Dr. Okungbowa noted that the Public Service Knowledge-sharing Series was the Governor administration’s response to the growing need for constructive engagement, strategic conversations and continuous professional development within the service.
The Head of Service further revealed that the programme aligns with Governor Okpebholo’s broader SHINE agenda, particularly in the area of education, institutional strengthening and human capital development.
According to him, one of the cardinal objectives of Edo-PREP is to build institutional capacity from within by equipping civil and public servants with the requisite knowledge, competencies and emotional intelligence needed to effectively respond to the complexities of modern governance.
“In a rapidly changing world, effective public service demands more than dedication. It requires knowledge, emotional intelligence, adaptability and the ability to navigate complex situations with excellence,” he said.
He stated that the initiative would provide a platform where policymakers, administrators, public analysts, developmental actors, technocrats, researchers, scholars and civil bureaucrats can come together regularly to share ideas, exchange experiences, bridge knowledge gaps and collectively discuss practical solutions for improving governance and service delivery in Edo State.
He said, “The Governor’s directive is very clear. The service must become self-sufficient and reforms must be facilitated from within the system. That vision necessitates continuous learning and the creation of platforms where ideas are shared, lessons are learned and institutional knowledge is strengthened.”
Furthermore, the Head of Service emphasized that the initiative would further consolidate the gains already being recorded under Edo-PREP, particularly in the areas of innovation, capacity building, digital transformation and performance management.
Significantly, he disclosed that the maiden edition of the Public Service Knowledge-sharing Series is scheduled to hold virtually with the theme: “Emotional Intelligence: A Vital Strand for Effective Service Delivery,” on Tuesday, 26th May, 2026, by 10:00am West Central Africa and participants can join the meeting via the Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86709199650?pwd=fgDYR6sAMx7qsE5sdjpvq61yjBNb6M.1
According to him, the topic was carefully selected because emotional intelligence remains one of the most critical but often overlooked competencies required for effective leadership, teamwork, crisis management and public engagement within the service.
Dr. Okungbowa revealed that the guest speaker for the maiden edition is Mr. Osahon Omole, MCIPM, former Edo State Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) and currently a member of the Governing Council of the Institute.
Dr.Okungbowa expressed confidence that participants would benefit immensely from the session through exposure to practical insights on workplace relationships, emotional balance, conflict management, communication and productivity enhancement.
He added that the series would not only benefit the Service but citizens by strengthening governance structures and improving the quality of service delivery across Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
“The ultimate beneficiaries of every reform are the citizens. When public servants are better equipped, emotionally intelligent and professionally competent, governance becomes more responsive, efficient and people-oriented,” he noted.
He encouraged civil and public servants across the state to actively participate in the monthly sessions and embrace a culture of continuous learning, innovation and professional excellence.
“The future of the public service depends on our willingness to learn, evolve and adapt. Knowledge remains one of the greatest tools for transformation,” he concluded.
Remarkably, the Public Service Knowledge-sharing Series is expected to become a recurring platform for strategic engagement and intellectual discourse within the Edo State public service, with future editions set to address critical governance, leadership and administrative issues relevant to modern public administration.
