Housing Ministry Sensitizes Staff On Innovative Ideas, Creativity. 

* New ideas improve service efficiency, make work more enjoyable - Belgore

Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has organised a one day sensitization programme for management and staff,  aimed at encouraging innovation; creativity, and continuous improvement in service delivery.

The programme, anchored by the Reform Coordination and Service Improvement was ‎in line with the Government's vision to foster a culture of innovation across all public institutions. It is under the pillar of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 25).

‎In his remarks the Permanent Secretary Dr. Shuaib Belgore emphasized on the importance of innovation in a work environment, noting that it has not received the attention it deserves.

‎He highlighted the need for new ideas to improve service efficiency and make work more enjoyable; “When we have new ideas, we get new energy, we are able to perform better, and also able to satisfy our charter of service to Nigerians”, he stated 

‎While restating the Ministry’s primary objectives of providing affordable housing to Nigerians, Dr. Belgore noted that the Ministry also engages in land administration, urban renewal, roads, water, electricity, and other forms of lighting.

‎He expressed delight in flagging off the program, saying that it would enable staff cultivate ideas towards producing innovative ways of addressing service, not limited to the Ministry’s mandate, but ideas that would improve service delivery generally.

‎The Permanent Secretary recalled the innovation challenges conducted by the Head of Service over some years which has generated many ideas across different ministries, with awards for the best ideas.

‎He cited specific examples of innovative ideas at the recent innovation award by the Head of Service to include an internet radio for civil servants and a mentorship program, with the internet radio winning as the best idea.

‎Dr. Belgore expressed confidence in the ministry's ability to produce innovative ideas and win future innovation prizes, urging participants to think of new ways to improve service efficiency.

‎He further encouraged participants to embrace technology and innovative ways of doing things, noting that the world was moving towards everything being technology-driven.

‎Earlier in her welcome remarks, the Head Reform Coordination and Service Improvement department, Ibifuro Philips- Ogoniba (mrs), informed that the third quarter sensitization program was in line with the department's work plan of 2025, and the need to create awareness on innovative principles in the ministry,  as part of the federal government reforms FCSSIP 2025, pillar four.

‎She mentioned some of the purpose for the sensitization program to include enhancement of effective service delivery, promoting better attitude to work, enhancement of conducive work environment, amongst others.

‎In his presentation, the representative from the Service Innovation department of the Head of Service, Mr. Henry Nwaedo focused on Design Thinking  and its application in civil service innovation.

‎He explained that Design thinking involves visualizing gaps in the environment and finding solutions to address them.

‎Nwaedo further highlighted some benefits and challenges of Design Thinking.

‎Also in his presentation, the Managing Director,  Hitech Integrated Services LTD, Micheal Ojiyovwi emphasised that innovation is no longer optional but essential for effective governance and service delivery.

‎He discussed some challenges and solutions in innovation, as well as the role of Information Communication Technology (ICT), pointing out the need for better infrastructure and support for ICT within the civil service.

In attendance at the program were; ‎Directors and heads of departments,  staff, as well as representatives from the head of civil service of the federation and the private sector.