Reported by: Agande Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen
The Ondo State Government has commended the 18 Local Government Chairmen for significant strides in grassroots development within their first six months in office. Speaking in Akure after an inspection of the Local Government Areas, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, highlighted achievements including the construction of markets, bridges, culverts, and line drainages, the provision of solar power and potable water, desilting of drainages, clearing of road verges, and grading of rural roads.
Takuro emphasized that the initiatives also focused on youth engagement in agriculture to boost food security and create employment opportunities, aligning with the vision of President Bola Tinubu on fostering grassroots development. “Without strong Local Governments, even the centre will suffer. They are the ones providing food and services to our people,” he said.
On the welfare of retirees, the Commissioner revealed that the state has paid over ₦12 billion in gratuities to Local Government retirees who served between 2010 and 2013. He noted that many of these retirees had waited for over a decade to receive their dues, and the current administration prioritized clearing the backlog. Payments for retirees of 2014 are scheduled to begin next week. Takuro recounted that pensioners had previously approached his office offering bribes to secure their payments, a practice he firmly rejected.
The Commissioner further disclosed that the 18 Local Governments have saved ₦15 billion in a joint account to fund capital projects in their areas. He stressed that the Aiyedatiwa-led administration is committed to ensuring Local Government administrations deliver tangible results to communities.
Highlighting accountability measures, Takuro noted that the state has collaborated with the EFCC, ICPC, and the State’s Anti-Graft Agency to train Chairmen and top officials of Local Governments on transparency and good governance. He added that these measures aim to position Ondo State as a national reference point for effective Local Government administration.
The state government’s approach underscores a dual focus on infrastructure development and financial prudence, ensuring that resources are strategically deployed to benefit grassroots communities while addressing longstanding administrative gaps.
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