The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) is rounding off its ICT Week in Lagos, where more than 200 staff have been taking part in a sensitization workshop designed to improve digital skills and workplace efficiency.
The programme, organised by the ICT Branch in collaboration with the Corporate Services Division and the Public Affairs Unit, focused on helping staff use Microsoft Office 365 tools more effectively. Sessions also introduced the Department’s new online appraisal system, leave request platform, and other human capital management resources.
Mr. Emmanuel Adjah, a digital technology specialist and invited facilitator, described the energy in the sessions as remarkable. The response has been encouraging. Staff are eager to try the tools and many have already started applying what they learned in their daily tasks. Coming out of COVID, it is clear that technology is no longer optional for an agency of this size. The importance of their work means that becoming more efficient in using these tools will have a much wider impact on many other organisations that rely on them,” he said.
Management at DPR has welcomed the positive feedback from participants and emphasised the role of the training in strengthening operations after the disruption caused by COVID-19. Engr. Ayo Cardoso, Zonal Operations Controller, Lagos, said the programme showed real value.
“Our work requires efficiency and accuracy. The ICT Week has shown how technology can simplify processes and support the Department’s wider goals, especially now as we adapt to new ways of working post-COVID.” he explained.
For the ICT team, the workshop has also provided early evidence of success. According to Mrs. Olanrewaju Sholabi, Assistant Director, ICT – Engineering & Standards, the new systems are already gaining traction. “We have started seeing an increase in adoption of the tools and better productivity in just a short time. COVID-19 showed us the need to be more agile and less dependent on manual processes. The goal is to replicate this training across all DPR offices nationwide, so every staff member can benefit,” she said.
The ICT Week has provided staff with practical training while reinforcing the Department’s push toward digital adoption. Attendance has remained strong throughout the programme, which is scheduled to end later this week.
