From Left, Director of Studies & Head, Management Consultancy Service Department, Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Dada Joseph, Former Acting Director General (DG), ASCON, Ayodele Eniaiyejoni, Newly appointed DG, ASCON, Funke Adepoju, Director of Studies, and Head of Department, Public Administration, ASCON, Ahmadu Musa and others during the media tour with the newly appointed DG, in Lagos, on Wednesday.
By Raji Rasak/Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
Mrs Funke Adepoju, the newly appointed Director-General, Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), on Wednesday assumed office, charging the staff to collaborate with her to take the college to higher levels.
Adepoju, who arrived at Topo, Badagry where the college is situated around 11.00.a.m, was welcomed by workers and politicians in the ancient town with dances, cheer and celebration.
Addressing the management team of the college, Adepoju said she was excited to meet the workers in a joyful mood.
She said: “I heard your excitement and enthusiasm and it gives me joy to say that we will enjoy together.
“It is with your collaboration and assurance that you will have my support here.
“This institution has a tradition of excellence and what I want us to know is that together, we will continue to keep the tradition of excellence.
“Together, we can take ASCON higher.
“As a legacy of Management Development Institute (MDI), we owe it to Nigeria to make sure that our impact on service delivery in public service and private sector is top-notch,” she said.
Speaking with the entire workforce of the college, the new director-general noted that the college had trained thousands of public servants, equipped leaders across government and provided a space for reflection, learning and renewal.
“That legacy is not lost on me. It drew me here – not just to manage, but to lead with humility, clarity and resolve.
“As I begin this journey with you, I come not with all the answers, but with questions, curiosity and conviction.
“I want to understand this institution not only from the files I have read, but from the people who make it work every day.
“I believe that meaningful leadership begins with listening. I am fully aware of the sacrifices many of you have made, often with limited resources and sometimes without the recognition you deserve.
“Yet, you have kept the ASCON name alive. For that, I thank you sincerely,” she said.
Adepoju promised the staff that she would be simple in dealing with them.
“My promise to you is simple – I will lead with openness, discipline and vision.
“I ask of you for a renewed commitment to excellence, teamwork and the integrity that must define our public service,” she said.
Welcoming the director-general, Mr Ayodele Eniayejuni, the former Acting Director-General of the college, said that it was the beginning of a new chapter in ASCON’s history.
“ASCON is known for three things – Training, Research and Consultancy.
“And one other thing about ASCON which people don’t know is that the college is like Nigeria, we have all the tribes represented here.
“The college has been the foremost MDI in the country.
“So many important personalities including chief executive officers of Federal Ministries, Agencies and Parastatals have passed through the college,” he said.
Eniayejuni said the management team of the college would give the new director-general maximum support required for her to succeed in the college.
Also, Dr Kolawole Alagbe, the Director of Studies and Head, Legislative Studies Department, assured the director-general of the staff’s cooperation during her tenure.
The residents of Badagry communities rolled out drums to welcome the new director-general. (NAN)