By Jerry Olomolaye
The Ekiti State Government, has promised optimum funding and high level of Independence for the operations of the 39 local governments and Local Council Development areas of the state to propel development at the third tier of government.
The government explained that the immediate past Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi conceptualised the LCDAs creation to trigger development at the grassroots, assuring that the incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji, is unwaveringly committed to ensuring adequate funding for the councils to drive his vision.
The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, gave the assurance in Igbemo Ekiti, during the flag off of the construction of a new Office Complex for the Council’s Chairman and the commissioning of a Shopping Mall at Are – Ekiti, Ifedara LCDA Area of Ekiti State.
Mrs Afuye, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, on Thursday, described the development of the local government system as tremendously dear to Oyebanji-led government, saying nothing will be spared to protect the tier being the closest to the poor masses.
She added; “Let me applaud the Chairman of Ifedara LCDA for this epoch-making event. The feedbacks we are getting showed that our council chairmen are working hard and leveraging on the independence they are enjoying under Governor Oyebanji to better the lives of our rural dwellers.
“We all know the significance of the local government system to the growth and development of any nation. That is why our Governor was well disposed to allowing adequate funding for our councils , so that they can impact positively on the lives of our citizens.
“Since our governor came on board, he has demonstrated that love and zeal to drive his vision by spreading development to the grassroots. It is from this that we can have improved infrastructures, revenues and employment generation, as well as career progression for our citizens”.
On the new shopping mall at Are- Ekiti, one of the component towns at Ifedara LCDA, Mrs Afuye expressed optimism that the project will transform the revenue base of the council.
“I appeal to the council boss to ensure that the shops are evenly distributed without fear or favour. I know that the little rates our traders will be paying into the government’s coffers will elevate the revenue profile of this council”, the deputy governor stated.
In his submission, the Chairman of Ifedara LCDA, Hon. Sina Ogunleye, said the flag off marks a turning point in the life of the council, saluting the immediate past Governor, Dr. Fayemi, for carving out the council from the existing Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government.
Ogunleye stated that the high level of independence enjoyed by the council under Oyebanji-led government , had helped the LCDA to jack up its Internally Generated Revenue, thereby shoring up the level of Infrastructures being provided by his administration.
Ogunleye added that the building project, was intended to increase the productivity of the management team and provide comfort for the council workers.
“I want say unequivocally that the concept of LCDA creation has been a blessing to Ekiti people. The policy is helping to open up the grassroots to social and economic opportunities”.
The Deputy Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon Hakeem Jamiu, who is representing the constituency, said the Assembly will continue to monitor and support the LGs for prudent management of the lean resources accruable to the state.
The lawmaker said; I know that the President elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is a lover of LCDAs will work hard in collaboration with the National Assembly to make our LCDAs substantive Local Governments.
“The fact that the local governments are enjoying some leverage of freedom under Governor Biodun Oyebanji is gradually propelling development and making APC gains more popularity and acceptability among the masses”.
