Ondo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami
- open 2-day Workshop on LG Administration
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has charged Ward Councillors across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state to remain close to their constituents and ensure effective representation, responsive governance and meaningful development at the grassroots.
He gave the charge in Akure on Tuesday while declaring open a two-day capacity-building workshop for Local Government Councillors, Clerks at Table and Sergeants-at-Arms across the 18 local government areas.
Represented by his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, the governor described Councillors as the closest link between government and the people, noting that they occupy a strategic position in identifying and responding to the needs of communities, wards and villages.
He said the effectiveness of local government administration depended largely on the capacity of elected representatives to understand their legislative and representative responsibilities, stressing that good intentions alone could not guarantee effective governance without the requisite knowledge and skills.
According to him, “this workshop was designed to strengthen the capacity of Councillors in three critical areas, namely effective representation, legislative functions and grassroots governance”
He urged the participants to learn how to properly articulate the needs of their constituents, draft effective bye-laws, exercise constructive oversight, approve budgets responsibly and ensure accountability in the management of public resources.
“This training is particularly important because it is focused on responsive governance, sustainable development and improved socio-economic well-being of the people. The Local Government Councils have a critical role to play in translating our administration’s policies and programmes into tangible benefits for citizens. You have to stand by the people” He said.
The governor further urged the Councillors to work collaboratively with Local Government Chairmen, traditional institutions and community leaders to promote peace.
He stressed that their effectiveness would have a direct bearing on the administration’s achievements in areas such as rural development, healthcare, infrastructure, education and human capital development.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Alh. Amidu Takuro, said the training was designed to equip Councillors and legislative officers with the knowledge required to discharge their responsibilities effectively and strengthen local government administration across the state.
He urged the participants to take the workshop seriously and apply the knowledge gained to improve service delivery in their respective communities.
The event had in attendance top government officials, including the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr Adekola Falohun, the State ALGON Chairman, Dr Donald Fasua, Perm. Secretary Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Dele Adesanmi, among others.
