Local Governments across the state have been charged to be more dutiful and resourceful in order to improve the quality of life expectancy at the grassroots.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Bayo Lawal gave this charge today at his maiden meeting with the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) at the Ministry’s Conference Room, Ibadan.
He emphasized the need for Local Governments to beef up their revenue generation, as LGS would not survive without Internally Generated Revenue, even at the instance of being autonomous, he therefore enjoined the HLGAs to think outside the box to move forward their respective LGs, he advised them to interact with the people, read journals and magazines to gain ideas and advise their caretaker chairmen on ways to improve development at the grassroot levels.
Chief Lawal reiterated the commitment of Oyo State Government to achieving its campaign promises for the state which is to be strongly implemented through the 33 LGs in the State; adding that the Makinde-led administration is fully oriented to bringing the dividends of democracy to the people at large.
In his address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Segun Ajekiigbe mentioned the institutional challenges facing Local Governments which includes over-dependence on the revenue (Statutory Allocation) to Local Government from Federal Account, unimpressive IGRs, paucity of fund, lack of appropriate framework for maintenance of projects and undue politicization of implementing developmental projects.
He however commended the HLGAs for ensuring that the LGs are running efficiently even amidst the numbered difficulties facing them. Mr Ajekiigbe also admonished the HLGAs as astute administrators to work assiduously and co-operatively with the caretaker chairmen to make these challenges things of the past.
While appreciating the present administration in the State, the Chairman, Conference of Local Government Administration, Mr Bayo Raji pledged their unflinching support for the desired changed to be achieved.
