The Oyo State House of Assembly has charged chairmen across the 33 local government areas of the state to look inwards with the aim of improving their Internally Generated Revenue.
The council chairmen were also advised to prioritize grassroots development in their respective areas.
The lawmaker representing Lagelu State constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Local Government, Chieftaincy Matters, and State Honours, Hon. Akintunde Olajide, gave this charge during his closing remarks on the just concluded oversight function to the local governments and Local Council Development Areas across the state.
Hon. Akintunde made it known that the wtate Assembly’s oversight function to the councils was aiming at ensuring effective governance, transparency, and accountability at the grassroots level.
”The statewide oversight function 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 function is part of the Assembly’s effort to strengthen local government and ensure delivery of quality services to the public. The House of Assembly remains committed to working with LGAs and LCDAs to drive development and progress in Oyo State.”
Hon. Akintunde stressed that the importance of regular oversight function by the House of Assembly is to ensure adequacy in local government administration.
The House must always engage with local government through oversight function 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 leaders 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.
They 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.”
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 in the state.
They described the oversight function as a welcome idea that will gear them up to act on their calls and give back to their local communities as expected and in line with their campaign promises.
Packaged by Adekunle Adegboyega
