Newly converted and newly recruited Procurement Officers in the Public Service of Lagos State have been charged to contribute their quota towards good governance in the State by ensuring that the resources available to the State are efficiently utilized.
The Director-General, Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, Mr. Fatai Idowu Onafowote, gave the charge while speaking at the opening ceremony of a two-day induction programme organised by the Agency for newly converted and newly recruited Procurement Officers in the Lagos State Public Service.
While congratulating the Officers for the opportunity given them to serve the State as Procurement Officers at this point when there is so much fierce competition among job seekers for the few available vacant positions in the Public Service of the State, Onafowote enjoined them to see the opportunity as a call to service.
The Director-General pointed out that the inductees must brace up for the challenges ahead and be ready to make sacrifices to keep the State Public Service vibrant and progressive.
He also tasked the Officers on the need to make transparency, accountability and integrity their watch-words in the course of the performance of their duties as Procurement Officers, adding that they must follow laid down rules and regulations relating to the Public Service and public procurement profession.
Mr. Onafowote also admonished the Officers to resist the temptation of circumventing due process while carrying out their procurement functions, warning that there are severe penalties for any Officer who is found wanting in the course of the performance of his duties either through act of omission or commission.
He added that it is, therefore, imperative that the Officers demonstrate diligence, thoroughness and discipline as Procurement Officers if they do not wish to fall foul of the law.
The Director-General also enjoined them to embrace the culture of team spirit by working in harmony and cooperation with their colleagues in other cadres and other stakeholders.
He also urged them to take advantage of the regular opportunities for training and capacity development of staff, provided by the State Government. He, however, added that Officers who desire excellence and want to stand out from the crowd must be ready to go the extra mile by embracing the habit of continuous self-development.
He noted that the Public Service of Lagos State values and appreciates employees who are innovative, creative and loyal, adding that with discipline and determination, the inductees could also join the league of high fliers in the Public Service of the State.
The resource persons at the two-day event made presentations to the inductees on Public Procurement Law and Applications, Civil Service Ethics, the Role of Finance and Accounts in the Public Procurement Process and Planning and Budgeting Procedures in Lagos State.Other topics discussed were Procurement Process and Procedure, Digital Skills and e-Procurement
