The Oyo State House of Assembly has called on the Chairmen of the 33 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across the state to look inward for innovative ways of boosting their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and to prioritize grassroots development in their domains.
The charge was given by Hon. Akintunde Olajide, member representing Lagelu State Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Local Government, Chieftaincy Matters, during his closing remarks on the just-concluded statewide oversight visit to all the 33 LG councils.
Hon. Olajide explained that the Assembly’s oversight visit was designed to ensure effective governance, transparency, and accountability at the grassroots level.
“The statewide oversight visit to all LGAs and LCDAs is aimed at assessing the performance of council administration, evaluating revenue generation strategies, and inspecting developmental projects executed in various communities,” he said.
He stressed that the Assembly is committed to ensuring that funds allocated for grassroots development are judiciously utilised, in line with its constitutional responsibility of promoting accountability and efficient use of public resources.
The lawmaker emphasized the importance of consistent engagement with local government administrations through oversight functions.
According to him, such visits enable the House to monitor council activities, identify challenges, and provide necessary support to enhance performance.
He urged council chairmen to concentrate on meaningful projects, particularly in primary healthcare, community welfare, and other initiatives that deliver visible, sustainable impact.
“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,” Olajide added.
He also disclosed that the State Government would continue to invest in capacity building for council workers through regular training and retraining programmes.
Westernmirror.com.ng reports that the oversight exercise was divided into three groups across the senatorial districts, led by Hon. Olusola Owolabi (Oyo North), Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin (Oyo South), and Hon. Dele Adeola (Oyo Central).
In their joint remarks, the team leaders emphasized the need for council chairmen to align their programmes with the vision of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration.
“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.
“This will help bridge the gap between rural and urban areas, promote inclusive development, and improve the quality of life for all citizens,” they stated.
They also encouraged council chairmen to improve documentation, accountability, and overall performance.
In their separate reactions, the Chairman of Egbeda Local Government and ALGON Chairman, Comrade Sikiru Sanda; Chairman of Iwajowa LGA, Comrade Oyewumi Muritala; and Chairman of Atisbo LGA, Mr. Olumuyiwa Alade, commended Governor Makinde for creating a platform for inclusive governance.
They also applauded the Assembly’s oversight initiative, describing it as a welcome development that would inspire council chairmen to stay committed to fulfilling their campaign promises and deliver more dividends of democracy to their various communities.