Oyebanji urges LGs to leverage autonomy for development
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has urged local governments in the state to leverage the opportunities presented by financial autonomy to enhance service provision at the grassroots level.
Oyebanji, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Oyeniyi Adebayo, during a three-day seminar, emphasized that local government, being community-focused, serves as a crucial entity in achieving sustainable development goals and embodying the true essence of Nigeria's federal structure.
The seminar, organized by the Ministry of Local Government Affairs in collaboration with Sunstone Place Management Consultants for council executives, legislators, and senior management, aimed to provide insights into effective practices, regulatory guidelines, strategic financial management, and the practical challenges and opportunities that come with autonomous local governments.
Referring to local government as the driving force behind grassroots development, Oyebanji remarked that it is responsible for delivering essential services, infrastructure, and governance that have a direct effect on the lives of community members. He added that such effectiveness has frequently been hindered by financial and operational limitations.
"As the tier of government closest to the populace, local governments are ideally situated to understand and promptly address the specific needs of our communities,” he noted.
"The capability to deliver services efficiently relies on their ability to independently manage and control financial resources."
"Having financial autonomy for local governments transcends being merely a legal or constitutional requirement; it is fundamental to effective local governance."
"It allows councils to manage their resources, prioritize spending according to local necessities, promote accountability, and cultivate institutional resilience," stated Oyebanji.
The Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Folorunso Olabode, remarked that the workshop highlighted the vital role of local government leaders in advancing sustainable development and providing essential services at the grassroots level.
Olabode praised Oyebanji’s principle that "development should not solely originate from the top but should be owned and carried out at the grassroots level."
Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, the state Head of Service, encouraged attendees to regard the workshop as “a transformative opportunity that will lead to policy changes, institutional improvements, and tangible enhancements in the operations of our local councils.”
The Ekiti State Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Oluwasegun Ojo, commended the governor and the local government ministry for their support to the councils, emphasizing that training and capacity development are essential to bridging gaps in governance.
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