Gov. Abiodun and the Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele pose with the newly sworn in local government Chairmen and woman.
Newly elected local government chairmen in the 20 Local Government Areas of Ogun State has been charged to restore the old glory of local government administration as in the days of Chief Obafemi Awolowo in the defunct Western Region.
The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun made the charge on Monday to the newly sworn in local government Chairmen comprising of 19 men and a woman during their swearing in ceremony at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.
“You must revamp the ethical standards of local government administration, restoring the system to its former glory as in the days of old western region,” the governor insisted.
He urged the chairmen to deliver on their electoral promises by providing the dividends of democracy to the people at the grassroots.
Abiodun said as the closest tier of government, they were expected to formulate policies and implement programmes that would impact positively and improve the lives of the people in their respective areas.
Abiodun stated that the local government serves as a primary interface between the citizens and governments at all levels, where development such as construction of road, provision of schools, healthcare delivery or establishment of market and enterprises were directly felt, adding that it was imperative for them to align with the ‘ISEYA’ mantra and embrace innovation to generate revenue for the development of their councils.
“I like to urge the newly elected Chairmen to approach their responsibilities with renewed vigour and deep sense of purpose.
“As local government leaders, you bear the crucial part of translating state policies and national objectives that are tangible to your constituents, as advocates and implementers of people-oriented policies of this administration. You are expected to work closely with the governor and other stakeholders to deliver on the vision of progress for the state”, he said.
The state helmsman stated that their emergence signifies the confidence people repose in the present administration and the All Progressives Congress, hence the need for them to work towards improving the living standard of the people, acknowledging the peaceful conduct of the election across the state.
While imploring the new local government bosses to make security paramount in their councils by working with security agencies, traditional rulers and other stakeholders, the governor stressed the need for them to mentor future leaders to sustain their legacies and uphold the state’s vision by serving all citizens, regardless of faith, tribe or political affiliations, assuring that his administration, after investigation, would bring the full weight of the law on those who disrupted the last local government elections no matter their social standing.
Responding on behalf of his colleagues, the Chairman, Sagamu Local Government Area, Hon. Olasile Odulate, appreciated the governor and the people of the state for the confidence reposed in them, pledging that they would uphold the principles of good governance and deliver impactful projects to the people in their respective council areas.
