.A cross section of the newly elected Chairmen being sworn in
The Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun says his administration will soon organise a retreat for the 20 newly elected chairmen in the state to ensure they share the same vision on governance.
He said this while addressing the chairmen at the swearing in ceremony held at the Arcade Ground, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, on Monday.
While he urged them to ensure they provide good governance at the grassroots, Abiodun, said, “a retreat would be organised for the new leadership at the local government level, to ensure a shared vision for development and to acquaint them with the opportunities and challenges associated with his administration’s focus.”
Abiodun, who noted that the local government was not just a tier of government as stated in the country’s 1999 constitution, as amended, tasked the chairmen to usher in a new vista of development in their various councils.
He commended the chairmen for stepping out to make themselves available for service and most especially, for the entrenchment of good governance at the grassroots level.
The governor added, “Your victory at the poll is a combination of the confidence reposed in your individual abilities, the faith the people have in the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) to provide the needed development and ensure individual prosperity for our people at the grassroots.
“It is important that you appreciate the enormity of the responsibility your victory places on your shoulders.
“The Local Government is not just a tier of government stated in our country’s 1999 constitution, as amended; it is the closest to the people and so much is expected from you. Therefore, your assumption of office must bring a new vista of development to our people at the grassroots.
“In doing this, you must be inclusive; you must be transparent; you must be accountable; you must be fair; you must be just; you must be equitable; you must obey the rule of law; you must provide good governance; you must be judicious. Above all you cannot afford to turn yourselves to Mr or Mrs I know it all.”
He urged the newly inaugurated council bosses not to rely exclusively on allocations from the Federal Government, but be creative in generating funds internally, and incorporate the Public-Private-Partnership model, without over-burden the people, who according to him “are the essence and facilitators of your being in power”.
