The Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC) has trained its staff on public service ethics, accountability and productivity as part of efforts to strengthen professionalism, discipline and institutional efficiency.
The one-day capacity-building programme, held on Monday at the commission’s complex in Owerri, also addressed public service rules, integrity, public administration, official communication and performance management.
Speaking on public service rules, ethics, integrity and accountability, one of the facilitators, Mr Bismarck Eziohuru, urged staff to shun misconduct, dishonesty, drunkenness, truancy, sleeping on duty and insubordination.
He described such behaviour as inimical to effective public service, stressing that integrity, honesty, discipline and accountability were essential to the proper discharge of official responsibilities.
Another facilitator, Barr. Austin Otuokere, who handled the session on public administration, official communication, performance management and productivity, advised staff to maintain proper official records, follow established procedures and channel workplace complaints through appropriate administrative channels.
Otuokere also encouraged them to support government policies aimed at promoting good governance and development.
The Managing Director of ISOPADEC, Chief Austin Onyedebelu, charged the staff to translate the knowledge gained from the training into improved performance, punctuality, teamwork, transparency and more effective service delivery.
He said the commission’s ability to fulfil its mandate of promoting development in oil-producing communities in Imo State depended largely on the competence, dedication and attitude of its workforce.
“As a Commission entrusted with the responsibility of promoting the development of oil-producing communities in Imo State, we must recognise that our effectiveness depends largely on the competence, dedication and attitude of our staff,” Onyedebelu said.
He stressed that every employee had a responsibility to protect the commission’s image and integrity by observing official procedures, working cooperatively and remaining committed to organisational goals.
According to him, the training reflects management’s commitment to building a professional and accountable workforce capable of improving the commission’s operations.
“Management expects improved productivity, better service delivery and greater accountability from all departments following this training,” he said.
Onyedebelu added that capacity development must produce measurable improvements in staff performance and the quality of services delivered to stakeholders and host communities.
Participants expressed optimism that the programme had renewed their commitment to professionalism and effective service delivery.
