Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), in collaboration with the Akete Institute of Strategic and Human Capital Development Studies, has organised a two-day Leadership Masterclass retreat for its Management Staff, Heads of Departments and Units.
The General Manager of LASEPA, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, in his opening remarks at the retreat held recently at the Watercress Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, said the programme was aimed at building staff capacity on leadership skills to promote the culture of excellence in service delivery, just as he underscored the crucial role of effective leadership in achieving the Agency’s goals.
According to him, leadership is the backbone of any successful organisation, adding that it is the responsibility of all organisations to ensure that leaders are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive positive change.
While drawing reference from the success of the two-day retreat earlier organised by the agency for its middle management cadre, Ajayi noted that the programme was of immense benefit as the beneficiaries were equipped with essential skills in grant application and writing.
He said, “The two retreats put together one after the other were deliberate efforts by our agency to build the capacity of the middle management staff in technical areas, while the top management cadre is imbued with leadership skills necessary for organisational growth”.
“We are committed to building a team of highly skilled and dedicated professionals, and this Leadership Master Class retreat is another step in that direction”, he added.
The LASEPA Boss averred that the Leadership Masterclass retreat is designed to help the leadership think critically, solve problems creatively, and communicate effectively. “We believe that by investing in our leaders, we are investing in the future of LASEPA and the environment we serve”.
The Head of the Akete Institute of Strategic and Human Capital Development Studies (LTE/GTE), Mr. Fouad Oki, outlined the importance of leadership in tackling environmental challenges, including stress and fatigue.
He noted that stress and fatigue
are common in workplaces, noting that it’s crucial to prioritise peace of mind and wellness. We need to stop doing certain things that drain our energy and start taking care of our well-being.
Mr. Kayode Olaniyan, an environmentalist and facilitator, discussed data-driven environmental standards, including the air index, air monitoring, and LASEPA’s effort in data sharing and environmental monitoring. He also emphasised the need for collaboration between the public and private sectors.
“We need to be conscious of the environment baseline study, and LASEPA has done a great job in this regard. Collecting data and identifying them is key while environmental monitoring sensors are also crucial in this process”, he said.
He commended LASEPA’s efforts in data gathering and initiatives like the “Cash for Trash” programme, adding that the Agency has done a great job in collecting valuable waste and paying individuals for it, which can be used for other purposes. This is a great example of sustainable environmental practices.
