Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Monday July 26, 2021, inaugurated the 20 local government chairpersons who emerged victorious in the local government poll, held on Saturday July 24, 2021.
Speaking at the inauguration held at the Arcade Ground, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, the governor urged the new councils’ bosses to provide good governance at the grassroots and equally tasked them to usher in a new vista of development in their various councils.
The Governor noted, “Your victory at the poll is a combination of the confidence reposed in your individual abilities, the faith the people have in the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) to provide the needed development and ensure individual prosperity for our people at the grassroots. It is important that you appreciate the enormity of the responsibility your victory places on your shoulders. The local government is not just a tier of government stated in our country’s 1999 constitution, as amended; it is the closest to the people and so much is expected from you. Therefore, your assumption of office must bring a new vista of development to our people at the grassroots. In doing this, you must be inclusive; you must be transparent; you must be accountable; you must be fair; you must be just; you must be equitable; you must obey the rule of law; you must provide good governance; you must be judicious. Above all, you cannot afford to turn yourselves to Mr or Mrs I know it all”.
Abiodun further urged the newly inaugurated council bosses not to rely exclusively on allocations from the Federal Government, but be creative in generating funds internally, and incorporate the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) model, without over-burden the people, who according to him “are the essence and facilitators of your being in power”.
“You should take a cue from our approach at the state level by being cerebral; methodical; systemic and ensure strategic allocation of funds. Let me assure you all that our administration at the state level will continue to support our LGAs with funds where and when necessary. Our administration will continue to formulate policies and implement programmes that are people-friendly. We expect you to replicate same at your level. All these will further bring to fruition the successful implementation of the “Building our Future Together” Agenda. I expect that you will take a cue from us and implement your own local government brand of I.S.E.Y.A”, he added.
