By Adaora Adibe and Nafisat Abdulrahman
The Director, Planning and Policy Development Department (PPDD) of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Mrs. T. A. Giwa-Osagie, has called for a deliberate reset of systems, structures, and strategies within the RMRDC to enhance institutional impact and relevance.
Mrs. Giwa-Osagie made this known during her opening remarks at a one-day strategic functional reset workshop organised by the department on Tuesday 14th April, 2026, themed “Legacy and Excellence, Future of Impacts: Resetting Our Functional DNA.” She described the workshop as a critical moment for reflection and renewal, and noted that given the rapidly changing environment, institutions must move beyond adaptation to intentional repositioning.
“It is both a privilege and a pleasure to gather here today as we embark on an important journey of reflection, realignment and renewal,” she said, adding that the theme of the workshop challenges staff to build on existing legacies while re-evaluating systems and strategies.
She emphasised that the session was not merely for discussion but for transformation, urging participants to critically assess departmental performance and explore ways to improve efficiency and collaboration.
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According to her, the workshop presents an opportunity to examine the past, evaluate present practices, and chart a clear path for the future of the Planning and Policy Development Department.
During the training, the former Director of the department, Dr. Bola U. Olugbemi (rtd.), who served as one of the facilitators, delivered a lecture on the evolution of planning within the Council, highlighting the importance of departmental synergy, effective reporting, and timely project execution.
He stressed the need for improved quality of reports presented at the Project Review Committee (PRC), a monthly platform coordinated by the department, and raised concerns over delays in project closure, urging adherence to annual work plans.
The workshop also featured an overview presentation by Head, Planning Division, Mr. A. K. Onuogbu, who took participants through the establishment, core mandate, and institutional framework of RMRDC. He highlighted the Council’s drive towards value addition in the raw materials sector, as well as its 10-year roadmap for raw materials development, designed to strengthen industrial growth and reduce the export of unprocessed resources. Mr. Onuogbu also referenced the maiden African Raw Materials Summit as a key milestone in advancing continental dialogue on resource development, noting that the session served to reawaken staff understanding of the Council’s journey, achievements, and strategic direction.
Also contributing, Head, Performance Management System and Reform Coordination Unit (PMS/RCU), Dr. U. C. Ugonna, led discussions on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), objective setting, and the effective use of the PMS tool. The session included practical exercises where participants developed KPIs aligned with departmental goals.
In another presentation, Dr. Ismail Bello introduced participants to the application of artificial intelligence tools in the workplace, with emphasis on ChatGPT. He highlighted the importance of clear and precise prompts, while advising users to verify outputs due to inherent limitations of AI systems.
In her vote of thanks, the Director of the Planning and Policy Development Department, Mrs. Giwa-Osagie, expressed appreciation to the facilitators and staff for their active participation. She encouraged staff not to rely solely on their heads of units, but to take personal initiative in developing their capacities, exploring new knowledge areas, and contributing meaningfully to the department’s goals.
She emphasized the importance of continuous learning and adaptability, and urged staff to leverage emerging tools such as ChatGPT and other digital solutions to enhance productivity.
Other heads of division present at the training who ensured its success are: Deputy Director, Local and International Collaboration, Dr. O. A. Elusoji; Deputy Director, Library Services Division, Mr. Sabo; Assistant Director, Documentation and Publishing Division, U. C. Chukwu and Assistant Director, Local Content Development Division, Mr. P. Ezebuiro.
