The Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperative in Oyo state, Otunba Ademola Ojo has called for enhanced local government administration urging the 33 newly sworn-in local government (LG) chairmen, particularly those from Ibarapa geopolitical zone to prioritize grassroots development in their council areas.
The Ibarapa born Commissioner gave the charge in a congratulatory message on Saturday (today) to the new LG bosses following their official inauguration by the executive governor of Oyo state, Engr Seyi Makinde.
‘Ijaya’ as Otunba Ojo is popularly called emphasized the importance of local government as a critical tier closest to the people in driving development and improving the quality of life for residents.
The Commissioner who is a foremost PDP leader from the zone underpinned the need for initiatives that would have direct impact on the people’s everyday life.
“Our local governments are the closest tier of governance to the people. It is imperative that our chairmen focus on developmental projects that will enhance infrastructure, education, healthcare, and overall community well-being.
” You must also keep very close to your chests at all time, the governor’s remark that ‘there would be no excuse for failure’ because you asked for the job and you already have the job now.
“You’re specifically blessed to have a political brand to advance your political journey which is ‘the Seyi Makinde effect’, all you have to do now is leverage on what you have in that political brand and write your own names in gold in your various local government areas.” Otunba Ojo said.
The PDP Commissioner equally stressed that these new Council chairmen have a unique opportunity to make tangible differences in their LGs with the opportunity given them by the people at the poll.
“We must move beyond rhetoric and ensure that our actions translate into real benefits for the people.” Otunba Ojo remarked.
Otunba Ojo also urged the chairmen to embrace transparency and accountability in their administration while ensuring that public funds are used judiciously and that citizens are kept informed of government activities.
“Good governance is rooted in trust. Our chairmen must be transparent and accountable to earn and maintain the trust of their people.” Otunba Ojo concluded.