The Oyo State House of Assembly has charged Chairmen of 33 Local Government Areas across the State to look inward for other means of improving their Internally Generated Revenue.
They were also advised to prioritize Grassroots Development in their domains.
Hon. Akintunde Olajide, representing Lagelu State Contituency, who also doubles as the Chairman House Committee on Local Government, Chieftaincy Matters, and State Honours gave this charge during his closing remarks on the just concluded Oversight Visit to the Local Government and Local Council Development Areas across the State.
The Committee Chairman made it known that the State Assembly Oversight Visit to the Councils was aiming at ensuring effective governance, transparency, and accountability at the grassroots level.
“The Statewide Oversight Visit to all Local Government Areas ( LGAs ) and LCDAs is aimed at assessing the performance of Council Administration, evaluating revenue generation strategies, and inspecting developmental projects executed in various communities.”
“We are committed to ensuring that funds allocated for grassroots development are judiciously utilised in line with the Assembly’s constitutional responsibility to enhance accountability, and effective use of public resources.”
“The Oversight Visitation is part of the Assembly’s effort to strengthen Local Government and ensure the delivery of quality services to the public. The Assembly remains committed to working with LGAs and LCDAs to drive development and progress in Oyo State.”
He stressed the importance of regular Oversight Visitation by the House of Assembly to ensure adequacy in Local Government Administration. “The House must always engage with local government through Oversight Visitation to monitor their activities, identify challenges, and provide necessary support to enhance their performance.” He added
Hon. Olajide emphasized the need for Council Chairmen to focus on delivering meaningful developmental projects, ensuring functional Primary Health Care facilities, and other welfare of their local communities.
“Local Government remains the closest tier of Government to the people, and it must be felt through visible, impactful and sustainable projects that will yield long – term benefits for their people.”
“The Oversight teams which were divided into three groups have been visiting all LGAs and LCDAs across the State, inspecting both completed and ongoing projects, reviewing Internally Generated Revenue, records, and engaging community stakeholders to gather first hand feedback on governance at local level.” He stated
Hon. Olajide assured that the State Government will continue to invest in the capacity building of Council workers, noting that training and retraining programmes will be organised to equip them with necessary skills and knowledge to deliver quality services to the people.
In their various reactions, the team lead for the three Senatorial Districts in the State, Hon.Olusola Owolabi, Oyo North, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin, Oyo South and Hon. Dele Adeola, Oyo Central noted that the Council Chairmen must intensify efforts in aligning their activities with the vision of the State Governor and working towards achieving common goals that benefit the people.
“The Council Chairmen must enhance the State Government’s performance on infrastructural facilities and ensure that people at the grassroots also benefit from dividends of democracy as this would help to bridge the gap between rural and urban areas, promote inclusive development and improve the quality of life for all citizens.”
The team leaders also encouraged the council bosses to intensify efforts in proper documentation, accountability, and adequate performance in line with the vision of Governor Seyi Makinde’s Administration.
“The State Assembly remains committed to collaborating with council Chairmen to enhance governance and service delivery, ultimately improving the lives of Oyo State residents. ” The team leaders concluded
In their separate reactions, the Chairman, Egbeda Local Government, Comrade Sikiru Sanda, who is also the ALGON Chairman, his counterparts from Iwajowa local government, Comrade Oyewumi Muritala, and Atisbo Local Government , Mr. Olumuyiwa Alade Commended Governor Seyi Makinde for creating a platform for all inclusive government and appreciate his efforts in striving for the best State of the Pacesetter amongst its equal.
They described the Oyo Assembly Oversight functions as a welcome idea that will gear them up to act on their calls and give back to their local communities as expected and promised while getting their mandate.
