By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
Prof. Maryam Abdu, the new President of Governing Council of the Centre for Public Service Productivity and Development (CeProd), says continuity with improvement will guide the next chapter of the centre.
Abdu stated this in a statement by the Director-General of the Centre, Dr Chris Egbu, on Monday in Abuja.
”Her appointment has ushered new phase in the organisation’s drive to make productivity a central instrument for Nigeria’s economic growth, public-sector efficiency and national prosperity.
”Abdu succeeds Prof. Sandeep Kumar Gupta FCP, the pioneer President of the CeProd Governing Council,” Egbu said.
Egbu quoted Abdu as saying, “the philosophy that should guide the next chapter of CeProd is “continuity with improvement.
“The Centre must preserve the achievements that have brought it this far while responding proactively to major forces reshaping productivity globally, including artificial intelligence, digital transformation, climate change and others.
“The critical question confronting organisations and governments is no longer simply how people can work harder, but how people, organisations and governments can work smarter, innovate faster, use resources more efficiently and create greater value.
“Africa’s enormous human and economic potential would not automatically translate into prosperity unless productivity become a deliberate national priority.
“Potential alone does not create prosperity. Productivity converts potential into prosperity.”
She reaffirmed CeProd’s philosophy of “Prosperity Through Productivity”, stressing that the organisation must become an increasingly influential voice in addressing Africa’s productivity challenges.
Abdu said CeProd would support initiatives addressing public-sector efficiency, private-sector competitiveness, entrepreneurship, workforce development, digital transformation and organisational excellence.
She also advocated the adoption of productivity measurement and performance improvement as an integral part of the management culture of governments, businesses and institutions.
She said that her position placed productivity beyond the traditional concept of individual employee performance.
Abdu described it as a national development tool capable of improving how governments deliver services and businesses compete.
“CeProd must remain ahead of these changes by promoting technology-driven productivity and innovation, while ensuring that knowledge acquired through education and professional development is translated into measurable workplace improvements”.
According to her, her agenda is expected to strengthen CeProd’s role in equipping professionals, business leaders, academics and public servants with the knowledge and tools required to remain productive in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
She also called for a stronger professional network in which CeProd Fellows and members can learn from one another, collaborate, undertake research, exchange ideas and create opportunities for productivity improvement.
She particularly encouraged younger professionals to embrace technology, challenge outdated assumptions, continue learning and seek better ways of creating value.
Abdu, however, paid tribute to her predecessor, Prof. Sandeep Gupta, describing him as a distinguished scholar and pioneer President who laid a strong foundation for the Centre.
“I therefore do not come with the intention of replacing his legacy. I come to build upon it”.
She also highlighted the centre’s expanding online library, training programmes, professional development activities, publications and leadership initiatives.
The president further explained that these were important platforms for establishing CeProd as an increasingly influential productivity institution in Africa and beyond.
She recognised the contribution of the Egbu and management team to the growth of the Centre, particularly in expanding its professional network and developing its programmes and knowledge resources.
Abdu pledged to work collaboratively with all stakeholders and to approach her new responsibility with integrity, openness, inclusiveness and commitment to excellence.
“Together, we can take CeProd to a new level of professional excellence, international visibility and measurable impact.”
She reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening productivity development in Nigeria, Africa and the world, while calling on stakeholders to continue championing the principle that unites the Centre(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Isaac Aregbesola
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