News
Dep. Speaker hails organizers of Nigeria Cultural Festival and Business Forum (NICFEB).. calls for government involvement
Joel Ajayi
The Right Honourable Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representative has admonished the Nigeria Federal government to leverage on the benefit that accrue in the yearly event of the Nigeria Cultural Festival and Business Forum (NICFEB).
He stated this at the opening ceremony of the 2024 edition of the event which took place in Rome recently. The event which aims and objective is to give opportunity for Nigerian and their European counterparts to showcase their investment potentials, rich cultural heritage in arts & craft, music, fashion, foods and tourism attracted dignitaries from Nigeria and the Italian communities
The Deputy Speaker who was the special guest of honour at the event was represented by Hon. Uchenna Harris Okonkwo, MHR representing Idemili North and South Federal Constituency of Anambra State. And speaking further on the benefit of the event he said,
“This event is basically an enthronement of culture, trade, partnership yearning between Nigeria and Italy. It’s an event that we have the opportunity to hear the wonderful things that can be attained in our dear country, in our dear nation, Nigeria and as well as to see avenue whereby we can bolster partnership, bolster relationship, not just growing on the business area, but also growing on cultural heritage. Growing on area that both countries can benefit towards the greater future.
“I commend the organizers of this event. From what I have heard it’s been a long journey to make sure that the event takes place. And you can see that the turnout was moderate. But I know that in the second edition the attendance will be a lot more. Because from here we are going to go back to Nigeria and inform the people of such wonderful, boisterous whereby we can be able to both nations and have our people and the Italian people both in business environment, both in the cultural environment, both in different industries as well, and also in the legislative because as we saw here, we saw members of parliament of Italy that came to witness the event and also gave their relevant speeches.
“So, we are going to go back to Nigeria with this information and prepare a detail report whereby we can submit to the floor and then urge Nigerians and also urge the government of Nigeria to take note of making sure that this event is expressed in a larger audience and this even can be able to be highlighted more because it holds a great significance for the growth of both Nations.
Speaking also at the event, Amb. Engr. Augustine Chigbolu who is the Chairman Central Organizing Committee harped on the need for the Nigerian and Italian governments to do everything possible to restore direct flights between Nigeria and Italy. He also threw more light on the purpose for putting together the event.
“The consortium was formed with the primary role of creating a new platform for investment drive and cultural exchange as well as for inter-personal relationship, propagation off socio-economic and political development of our nations (Nigeria and Italy).
“This edition accommodated and featured critical sectors such as Agriculture, Energy, Oil & Gas, Aviation, Trading, and Exhibition. In the coming years, we hope to introduce new strategies that will improve on the international standards and pattern of this present edition,” he concluded.
The 2024 edition was put together by the National Union of Nigerians in Italy, (NUNAI), Nigeria- Italy chambers of commerce, Giant Gee Nigeria limited, with the Support of Amb. Engr. Augustine Chigbolu and Senator Tony Iwobi.
News
PSIN Administrator Commends Yobe Government for Championing Leadership Continuity and Institutional Sustainability
Cyril Igele
The Administrator and Chief Executive Officer of the Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN), Barrister Imeh Okon, has applauded the Yobe State Government for its strong commitment to leadership continuity and sustainable governance through strategic investment in human capital development.
Barrister Okon gave the commendation at the opening of a Management Retreat for Yobe State Permanent Secretaries, held at the PSIN headquarters in Abuja.
The retreat, themed “Succession Planning, Leadership Continuity, and Institutional Sustainability in the Yobe State Public Service,” convened senior bureaucrats and resource persons to discuss strategies for strengthening leadership and governance within the state’s civil service.
In her remarks, the PSIN Administrator praised Governor Mai Mala Buni for his foresight and partnership in prioritizing public sector training and capacity development. She described the theme of the retreat as both “timely and visionary,” emphasizing that institutions endure only when leadership is continuous, knowledge is shared, and systems—not individuals—drive performance.
“Institutions thrive not merely on structures or policies, but on the deliberate cultivation of capable leaders who can sustain progress across generations,” she said. “By prioritizing leadership continuity and institutional resilience, Yobe State is leading by example.”
Barrister Okon reiterated PSIN’s mandate to build a competent, ethical, and innovative public service capable of delivering tangible results to citizens. She stressed that effective succession planning must be anchored in continuous training, mentorship, and exposure to emerging governance trends.
Citing best practices from Singapore and the United Kingdom, Okon noted that successful public service systems deliberately identify and nurture potential leaders through structured talent pipelines and transparent career development programmes. According to her, Yobe State’s initiative reflects its readiness to sustain excellence in governance.
She also highlighted PSIN’s flagship programmes—SMART-P, which builds administrative and technical capacity; LEAD-P, designed to groom emerging leaders; and the Exit from Service Masterclass, which prepares officers for life after service. Okon urged the Yobe Government to adopt the Exit Masterclass into its human resource framework to ensure a smooth transition for retirees, preserve institutional knowledge, and promote productivity through entrepreneurship and consultancy.
“Succession planning is not an event but a culture that must be institutionalised at every level of public administration,” she added. “When we prepare successors in advance and invest in continuous learning, we guarantee the sustainability of reforms and consistency in governance.”
Declaring the retreat open, the Acting Head of Service of Yobe State, Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu, reaffirmed Governor Buni’s commitment to building a results-driven and high-performing public service.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Public Service, Alhaji Shehu, the Acting Head of Service expressed gratitude to God and lauded PSIN as the “mother institution of public service learning.” He stated that Governor Buni has consistently directed the Office of the Head of Service to promote seamless succession planning and capacity building to enhance efficiency and accountability across government institutions.
“In line with this directive, we have brought the top echelon of the state civil service to PSIN—being the drivers and core implementers of government policies and programmes—to strengthen continuity and sustainability in our reforms,” he said.
He urged participants to fully engage in the retreat, share experiences, and cascade the knowledge gained to officers across ministries, departments, and agencies. The exercise, he explained, forms part of a deliberate strategy to institutionalize effective succession planning within the Yobe State Civil Service, thereby ensuring sustained productivity and improved service delivery to citizens.
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