Kogi Finance Ministry Deepens Leadership Capacity With Focus on Emotional Intelligence and Behavioural Change

PRESS RELEASE

*Kogi Finance Ministry Deepens Leadership Capacity With Focus on Emotional Intelligence and Behavioural Change*

The Hon. Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Asiwaju Asiru Idris, FCA, has emphasized the commitment of the Kogi State Government to building a competent, emotionally intelligent, and reform-driven workforce capable of delivering on the State’s development priorities.

He made this known during the ongoing three-day intensive training programme organised by the Ministry in collaboration with Safegate Consulting Limited at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja. The training is part of the Ministry’s efforts to strengthen leadership capacities, deepen professionalism, and enhance service delivery within public institutions.

One of the key sessions of Day Two focused on “Transforming Public Institutions Through Emotional Intelligence and Behavioural Change,” delivered by Colonel JB Ajanaku (Rtd), a renowned mentor and trainer in Leadership and Emotional Intelligence.

In his presentation, Colonel Ajanaku highlighted that Emotional Intelligence (EI) has become a critical requirement for public-sector leaders seeking to drive attitudinal and behavioural change. He explained that EI is no longer optional, but a strategic tool necessary for improving leadership impact, interpersonal communication, and institutional performance.

He outlined the four core competencies of Emotional Intelligence that shape how individuals reason, act, and relate with others:

Self-Awareness: understanding one’s emotions, strengths, limitations, and the impact of one’s behaviour on colleagues.

Self-Management: the ability to regulate emotions, stay composed under pressure, and maintain a positive mindset.

Social Awareness: demonstrating empathy, understanding others’ perspectives, and interpreting emotional cues.

Relationship Management: adapting communication styles, fostering collaboration, building trust, and inspiring teams.

Colonel Ajanaku defined EI as “the skill of balancing emotion with reason to maximize productivity and happiness,” adding that effective leadership is fundamentally a process of positive influence and teamwork. According to him, leaders who master EI are able to reduce impulsiveness, handle stress better, make sound decisions, and motivate both themselves and those they lead.

He further stressed the need for public institutions to embrace behavioural change as the gateway to improved service delivery, noting that Emotional Intelligence provides the foundation for workplace harmony, conflict management, and organisational transformation.

Participants received the session as a critical eye-opener, reinforcing the Ministry’s reform direction. The Commissioner commended the facilitator for the practical insights and noted that the training directly aligns with the government’s vision of a public service driven by competence, emotional maturity, and performance excellence.

Colonel Ajanaku concluded with a charge to the participants:
“Emotional Intelligence in a leader is about learning to become a difference maker, not just a decision maker; it is about becoming the influencer, not just the influential.”

About the Facilitator

COL JB AJANAKU (Rtd) is a seasoned mentor and trainer specializing in Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Critical Thinking, Performance and Productivity Enhancement. He is also a public speaking expert, researcher, author, book editor, and indexer, known for his belief that meaningful learning must expand knowledge, improve skills, and transform character.

Princess Funsho Sumanu
Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning