Twenty customs agents took part in a training programme on leadership and management organized by the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) on Tuesday, 27 August 2013, in Korhogo, 580 km north of Abidjan. The training was organized as part of the Mission's assistance to the Ivorian authorities in the restoration of state authority throughout the country.



The training session, which took place at the Regional Customs Headquarters, was aimed at reinforcing the capacity of customs agents in management of human resources.



According to a representative of UNOCI's Civil Affairs Section and coordinator of the training programme, the refresher course will help to reinvigorate the activities of the Customs Service. The head of border customs in Korhogo, Colonel Kouassi Jules said that the training will boost the operational capacity of customs services and increase output.



The training centred around six modules including the relationship and difference between leadership and management, circumstances affecting leadership styles, leadership for change and team spirit.



At the end of the session, participants pledged to put the new techniques of leadership and management into practice and to share same with other colleagues who did not have the opportunity to attend the training. They said they were now better equipped to meet the challenges of economic recovery in Côte d'Ivoire.