Ekiti State Water Corporation in conjunction with the State Government have organized a Two-Day training for staffs across the 16 Local Government Areas and stakeholders in the Water Sector on Internal Communication.
According to the Convener, Chief Executive Officer of Upshot Media, Mr. Mojeed Jamiu, the training is aimed at bridging communications gap amongst staff of Ekiti State Water Corporation and stakeholders alike.
He also mentioned that the training also help to inform stakeholders on current water projects being embarked upon by the state government with the support of the World Bank.
“This training is to reorient staff about the role and functions EKSWC in the 3rd National Urban Water Sector Reform Project. We also want to ensure that all staff recognize and acknowledge all stakeholder needs, concerns, wants, common relationships, interface and align this information in the provision of optimal customer service.
“The training aim to update staff of the corporation about need and how to make payment for water bills, manage customer complaints, expectations and interests of identified stakeholders on the project deliverables and outputs,” he said.
In his presentation titled; ‘Roadmap to Restore Ekiti Values
5 Pillars of JKF Administration’, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Mr. Segun Dele Dipe highlighted the five pillars Agenda of Governor Kayode Fayemi’s Administration namely; Governance, Agriculture and Rural Development, Social Investment, Knowledge Economy, Infrastructure and Industrial Development. He discussed on each pillar, stating that the government has made commendable progress in achieving each of the goals.
“Governor Kayode Fayemi’s notable achievements within one year in office have upturned the economy of the state. These are: Pillar one Governance; His administration has increased gratuity to retirees from N10million to N100million monthly, ensured regular and prompt payment of salaries and approved N30, 000 new minimum wage.
“Pillar Two Agriculture and Rural Development; Governor Fayemi-led administration has trained 100 youth rice farmers on production of quality rice seed by AfricaRice International Ibadan and provision of quality rice seed to boost rice production in Ekiti State.
“Pillar Three Social Investments; Fayemi has created social intervention programmes such as; YESSO community development for cash scheme. ‘Owo Arugbo’ monthly sustenance cash transfers to senior citizens across the state. ‘Ounje Arugbo’ is a monthly food stuff support for the aged across Ekiti.
“Pillar Four Knowledge Economy; Distribution of 8,075 units of furniture for pupils, 3,375 units of metal legged student’s lockers & chairs and 4,150 teachers’ tables and chairs. Payment of Bursary and scholarships for #Ekiti students in tertiary institutions and Commencement of recruitment of graduate and NCE teachers into Ekiti state Primary Schools.
“Pillar Five Infrastructure & Industrial Development; Engagement with international donors to provide up to $150million of funding for Ad-Akure Road, Special Agric Processing Zone and Ekiti Cargo Airport. Engagement with several investors to complete abandoned projects or commence new ones including the now completed Bon Hotel Ado-Ekiti, investment in Ikun Dairy Farm, Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort and Fountain Hotel, all expected to be completed by 2020.
Mr. Emmanuel Effiong-Bright engaged participants on the need to understand the EKSWC as a brand while having the knowledge of work ethics, culture and effective communication.
“We cannot be oblivious of branding so therefore we must build the EKSWC brand. The purpose of brand building is to establish an organisation people want to be part of. The quality and number of people that a brand will attract is a function of how the brand is built. We must attract, engage, recruit and retain an ever-growing extended organization,” he said.
He continued that Workplace Culture is the environment in which work takes place. “It is not just physical; it refers to the things that happen in the physical space. It can affect productivity either positively or negatively. It can and should be created. He said that the Workplace Culture anchors on leadership, attitudes, beliefs, behaviours, values, interactions and traditions.
The General Manager EKSWC, Engr. Mrs. O.A. Agbeyo discussed on the topic; Understanding the Ekiti State Water Corporation (the role, functions and organogram). She explained that EKSWC is the organ of the State Government saddled with the responsibility of harnessing, treating and distributing water for the well-being and economic growth of the state.
“According to the edict that created the Corporation published in Ekiti State Official Gazette No. 4 of 1997 and amended in 2012, following are the roles and functions of the Corporation in order to achieve a sustainable water system development in the State. The Roles and Objectives include; Secure for the present and future generations, as well as for commercial and industrial consumers, and efficient use of potable water produce for distribution to all residents of the state sufficient potable water for their health and well being,” she said.
She explained the functions of the Corporation as; Control and manage all water-works (water schemes) vested in the Corporation. Establish, control, manage, extend and develop water-works as the government may consider necessary for the purpose of providing wholesome, potable water for the consumption of the public and for domestic, trade, commercial, industrial, scientific and other uses. Ensure that adequate wholesome water is supplied to its customers in line with the International Standard for potable/safe water. Determine and charge water rate in respect of (c) and present it to the Board or any other agency designated for approval. Develop, maintain and beneficially exploit water resources both natural and artificial. Conduct or organize the conduct of research in respect of water supply, water development and matters connected therewith and submit the result of such research to the government for formulation of policy.
The overall outcome of the training was able to position the staffs on the need to assume self-leadership and take charge in the EKSWC by being responsive to the brand they will become real Influencers and fundamental contributors to building the Ekiti State Water Corporation brand.
