As part of efforts to improve legislative effectiveness and governance in Oyo State, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, has expressed optimism of better delivery.
This follows the commencement of a 2-Day capacity-building program for lawmakers organized in collaboration with the African Governance Institute for Development (AGID) which began on October 27, 2024, at the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan.
The workshop focuses on strengthening governance through enhanced committee impact, recognizing the committees’ responsibilities in scrutinizing proposed lelegislation, carrying out oversight on government agencies, conducting public hearings, and reviewing budget proposals.
Westernmirror.com.ng reports that the workshop aims to equip members with essential skills and knowledge to enhance their legislative duties and contribute more significantly to the development of the state.
Speaking during his opening remarks, Ogundoyin, who doubles as the chairman, Nigeria Conference of Speakers of State Legislature, emphasized the importance of continuous learning in the ever-evolving terrain of governance stressing that the program was not just an opportunity for personal development but crucial for the overall progress of the state.
While emphasizing the crucial role of standing and ad hoc committees in the entire legislative process, Ogundoyin asserted that well-informed lawmakers can make better decisions, advocate effectively for their constituents, and drive impactful legislation.
Ogundoyin noted that the training aligns with the Assembly’s commitment to transparency and accountability as catalysts for the positive change desired by the masses.
“Our committees are the backbone of our legislative process, and their effectiveness is crucial to our ability to serve the people of Oyo State. As we gather here today, our focus is clear; strengthening governance through enhanced committee impact.
“This theme resonates deeply with our collective vision for a more effective and responsive legislature. Our committees are the backbone of our legislative process, and their effectiveness is crucial to our ability to serve the people of Oyo State.
“Let’s be reminded that legislative committees are responsible for scrutinizing proposed legislation through review of bill and analysis, ensuring that laws align with state priorities and are fiscally responsible.
“They also exercise oversight of Government agencies, monitoring their performances, ensuring service delivery, and accountability.” Ogundoyin said.
In his keynote address, a former Minister, Sen. Adeleke Mamora charged the lawmakers to see their elections as service to their constituencies and must be ready to sacrifice all the time.
Sen. Mamora, who identified representation, oversight and lawmaking as three most important roles of a legislator, urged the lawmakers to be diligent, committed and dedicated to their legislative responsibilities.
“The most important role of a lawmaker is representation. You are the eyes, ears and the mouth piece of your people hence you must represent them diligently.
“Legislature remains pivotal to the survival of democracy and entrenchment of good governance in any society. Democracy can’t thrive except the legislature live up to expectation.” Sen. Mamora
Earlier in his Welcome address, one of the founding members of African Governance Institute for Development, AGID, and a former Oyo State Lawmaker, Hon. Seyi Adisa said the workshop was put together to further enhance the activities of Oyo State lawmakers and their various House Committees.
“Let’s talk about why we’re really here. As lawmakers, you have the power to impact millions of lives through your decisions. That’s both exciting and terrifying, isn’t it? It’s like being given a superpower, but instead of a cape, you get committee assignments and parliamentary procedures.
“Over these two days, we won’t just be talking theory. We’ve designed highly interactive sessions where you’ll be rolling up your sleeves and diving into real legislative scenarios. Expect dynamic group work, case studies from successful legislatures, and practical exercises.
“We’ll dive deep into committee effectiveness and parliamentary conduct and skills. Don’t worry – we won’t just be throwing fancy terms around like ‘legislative oversight’ and ‘procedural motion.’ We’ll be working with real solutions to real challenges that you face every day in serving your constituents.
“More seriously- You see, your constituents don’t just see you as their representatives – they see you as their hope for a better future.
“They’ve entrusted you with their dreams, their challenges, and yes, sometimes their frustrations. Our job over these two days is to equip you with tools to turn those hopes into reality.” Hon. Seyi Adisa said.