The Lagos State Infrastructure Asset Management Agency has tasked members of its staff on the need to be creative and productive
The General Manager of LASIAMA, Adenike Adekanbi, gave the task when she declared open a one-day retreat for the agency’s staffers.
Adekanbi declared: “I don’t like ‘yes-ma’ officers.
“I want people who can propose better alternatives, challenge processes respectfully, and take ownership of assignments.
“That is the only way we can deliver the kind of service Lagosians expect from us.”
Adekanbi added that bringing all staff together in one atmosphere was intentional, stressing that it is to remind everyone that the Agency’s strength lies not in titles, but in teamwork.
In a statement signed by the Agency’s Director, Public Affairs Unit, Rasak Musbau, the LASIAMA boss said the parastatal is committed to building a team that thinks independently, takes initiative, and contributes meaningfully to organisational goals.
She noted that while civil servants traditionally wait for directives before acting, LASIAMA is determined to cultivate a culture of responsibility and proactive thinking.
The retreat, which was held at the Lakowe Lake Golf and Country Estate, bringing together every cadre of the workforce — from management to drivers, cleaners, security personnel, and gardeners, according to the statement is a deliberate investment in unity, motivation, and stronger workplace culture.
The exercise featured intensive sessions facilitated by Yomi Ojute, Lead Consultant at The Yomi Ojute Company, who anchored the retreat theme: “LASIAMA: Energise, Reconnect, Reflect, Recharge.”
Ojute led discussions on teamwork dynamics, leadership, and improving collaboration across units, highlighting global research showing that organisations with strong staff engagement achieve 21 percent higher profitability and 17 percent higher productivity, citing a Gallup 2016 report.
He also referenced a McKinsey study showing that high-performing teams that collaborate effectively are five times more likely to achieve their goals.
He sent warning on the consequences of poor collaboration, describing them as “silent productivity killers”, including redundant work, errors in deliverables, missed deadlines, low engagement, and avoidable staff turnover.
During his session on the RACI framework, Ojute broke down the roles of Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed officers when handling tasks.
Using the example of repairing faulty streetlights, he asked staff to redesign responsibilities using the RACI model.
Five groups made presentations, with the winning group earning N20,000 each for all eight members.
Ojute also emphasised smart working habits, urging staff to “do less to achieve more,” explaining the 80/20 rule, which states that 80 percent of results typically come from 20 percent of activities.
Delegation, he stressed, is not a sign of weakness but a mark of leadership maturity.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, Musbau praised the General Manager’s commitment to staff development, noting that the retreat demonstrated the Agency’s culture of inclusiveness.
He said: “This retreat is special because it brings all of us together in one space, reminding us that our collective strength is what powers LASIAMA.
“Whether you work behind a desk, behind the wheel, or behind the scenes, this is an opportunity for every one of us to reconnect and return stronger for the tasks ahead.”
Members of staff expressed appreciation to the General Manager for the opportunity, describing the retreat as refreshing, enlightening, and timely for boosting team cohesion.
The Eagle Online reports that the Agency continues its staff-focused engagements on Friday with a Christmas Party at RF Garden, Bayo Kuku Road, Ikoyi as part of efforts to foster bonding and celebrate the end of a productive year.
