Gov Aiyedatiwa charges LG Officials on transparency, service delivery

By Precious Oluwole

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has has called on political office holders and top local government officials to prioritise transparency, accountability, and quality service delivery in their respective councils.

The Governor made this charge while declaring open a four-day sensitisation training, aimed at repositioning the local government system for more effective and people-centered governance.

The event was organised by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in collaboration with the Centre for Public Communication and Rural Policy Support (CPCRPS).

“This is not just a workshop,” the Governor said, “but a conscious effort to strengthen governance at the grassroots by enhancing administrative capacity and accountability.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa underscored the central role of local governments as the closest tier to the people, adding that their efficiency greatly influences the overall development of the state. He noted with concern that issues such as poor service delivery, mismanagement of resources, and weak accountability frameworks have eroded public trust in local councils.

To reverse these trends, the Governor charged elected and appointed officials to embrace service as a sacred duty, urging political leaders to be people-focused and result-oriented, and top management officers to exhibit professionalism and uphold due process.

“Our administration is determined to entrench a culture of transparency, efficiency, and accountability at all tiers of government,” he declared, revealing that the workshop was organised by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in collaboration with the EFCC, ICPC, and Ondo State Public Complaints, Financial Crimes and Anti-Corruption Commission (OSPFACC).

Aiyedatiwa also spoke on his administration’s readiness to deepen local government autonomy within the limits of the law, while emphasizing that autonomy must go hand in hand with responsibility and accountability.

He highlighted the objectives of the workshop, which include enhancing understanding of governance principles, strengthening leadership and management capacities, promoting synergy among local officials, clarifying constitutional roles, and addressing contemporary challenges facing local councils, such as internal revenue generation and community security.

Commending the resource persons and organisers, the Governor urged participants to be fully engaged throughout the sessions and to translate the knowledge gained into action in their various local government areas.

“You are stewards of public trust,” he reminded them. “Let your actions reflect integrity, transparency, and commitment to the welfare of our people.”

Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro acknowledged the immense contributions of Governor Aiyedatiwa, praising his visionary leadership and unwavering support in advancing local governance development.

“This sensitisation training is designed to boost the capacity of our local government leaders,” the ministry said. “It will tackle issues such as grassroots service delivery, financial accountability, synergy between tiers of government, and innovative approaches to development challenges.”

Takuro emphasised the importance of proactive governance. “We are here to build preventive, proactive and reactive strategies to confront systemic challenges”.

He urged participants to return to their offices ready to do the right thing, stressing that the current administration is setting clear boundaries between what is acceptable and what is not in public service.

In his good will message, the Acting Zonal Director, Benin Zonal Directorate, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Effa Olum noted that the commission is ready to fight fraud and corruption at all levels, adding that the collaboration between the commission and the government is very key and must be sustained. He stressed that the government must be responsible and give the best to the people.

Also speaking, the ICPC Resident Anti Corruption Commissioner, Ondo and Ekiti States, Mr Tiku Menge Andrew, commended the ministry of Local Government at Chieftaincy Affairs for organising such workshop for the local government workers.

“Our mandate extends to economic planning activities of local governments, and we believe a strengthened relationship with the state will benefit the people”, he said, urging the participants to make good use of the opportunity.

Secretary, Ondo State Public Complaints and Financial Crime and anti Corruption Commission, Prof. Adeyeye Adewole urged participants to make the most of the workshop, describing it as a rare opportunity to gain practical insights into ethical governance and financial discipline.

The event held at the Dome had in attendance; The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, represented by the Deputy Chief Whip and Chairman, House Committee on Local Government, Hon. Oluwatoyin Japhet, State Chairman of APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, represented by APC Chairman, Central, Hon. Festus Aregbesola, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip, Members of the State Executive Council, Local Government and LCDA Chairmen, Permanent Secretaries, among others.