The prestigious John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), established by the Edo State Government with focus on up-skilling civil and public servants, and passing on knowledge other than certification, would be formally launched on August 12, 2023, to commemorate the 84th birthday anniversary of H.E. John Odigie-Oyegun, a retired Federal Permanent Secretary and First Executive Governor of Edo State.
The pioneer Director General, JOOPSA, Precious Imuwahen Ajoonu, announced the launch in Benin on Wednesday during a media parley that was characterized by a guided tour of the JOOPSA facilities.
During the media parley, the Director General, JOOPSA, stated that the Academy was established by Governor Godwin Obaseki to drive accelerated human capacity development in the state and to position the Edo civil service to a level it would compete favourably with any civil service structure globally.
Godspower Adele, Director, JOOPSA
Ajoonu stressed that the Keynote Address on the day of the launch would be delivered by Mr. Stephen Oronsaye, the former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
In her welcome address, Precious Imuwahen Ajoonu, said, “We stand before you today with great pride and excitement to announce the upcoming formal launch of the John Odigie-Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA) and the commemoration of HE John Odigie-Oyegun’s 84th birthday. This milestone event marks a significant step towards the advancement of human capital development within the Edo State Public Service.
“JOOPSA was established by the Edo State Government with a strategic intent to foster accelerated human capital development within the State Public Service. Under the leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki, the administration’s commitment to this objective is exemplified by the construction of a world-class Training Center. This Center is thoughtfully designed and equipped with modern facilities, including classrooms, an amphitheater, a library, a sickbay, and tech labs, all of which are complemented by cutting-edge technologies, training aids, and equipment to enhance the learning experience”.
Ajoonu further noted, “We are deeply honoured to have the Academy bear the name of HE Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, a retired Federal Permanent Secretary and First Executive Governor of Edo State. The decision to name the Academy after him goes beyond immortalizing his legacy during his lifetime; it serves as a celebration of his values, ethos, and unwavering commitment to creating public value and institutionalizing excellence in public service.”
According to her, “On the day of the launch, our esteemed guests will be treated to a Keynote Address delivered by Mr. Stephen Oronsaye, the former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. Additionally, there will be a guided tour of our state-of-the-art facility, providing an opportunity to experience firsthand the world-class amenities available to our learners. The day will conclude with a grand State banquet, where we will have the honour of paying tribute to the distinguished H.E. John Odigie-Oyegun.”
The Director General emphatically remarked that JOOPSA is on a journey to empower and equip public servants with the necessary skills, knowledge and abilities.
“We believe that JOOPSA will play a pivotal role in driving positive change and fostering a culture of excellence in public service,” she added.
While responding to journalists’ questions, Ajoonu was quick to dismiss the impression in the public space that the John Odigie-Oyegun Public Service Academy would be another commercial public event centre, stressing that the facilities at the Academy were strictly for learning.
Ajoonu explained that the Academy, has trained 5,000 civil servants in the state since the start of the academy.
“We have trained 5,000 public servants within Edo State till date. Our plan is to train 10,000 by the end of the year.
“We want to have a public servant that can write properly, deliver quality memo, think strategically, have skills, good public and project management,” Ajoonu reiterated.
Furthermore, Ajoonu said the academy was set up to upscale, and retrain public servants so that they will have requisite knowledge to be able to deliver, function well and compete any where in the world.
She however disclosed that the academy is backed by law to ensure its sustainability beyond the present administration, adding that in the next 10 years, Edo would have a different public service.
The Hon. Commissioner of Communication and Orientation, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, was represented by Mr. Victor Mba, Acting Managing Director, Edo Communications Office (ECO).
