By Funke Rotimi
The Executive Chairman, Ise/Orun Local Government of Ekiti State, Honourable Ayodele Samson Bamikole, has charged the people of the Local Government to support the present administration in the State by paying their taxes regularly.
Honourable Ayodele gave the charge recently, at the Central Garage, Ise-Ekiti, during the Town Hall Meeting organised for amendment of bye-laws.
While soliciting for prayers of all and sundry, for the success of his administration, the Chairman made it clear that the taxes being paid are meant for the development of the local government as he assured the people of a conducive and peaceful environment that would attract several entrepreneurs, just as he also assured traders of relief packages.
According to Hon.Ayodele, the objective of his administration is to bring development to the Local Government in tandem with the Six Point Agenda of His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. He solicited the support of the people of the area for the State and Local Government authorities.
“I am bold to say that I have come to serve the people of Ise/Orun and I believe that this initiative to amend the bye – law of the Local Government will be a fundamental pre-requisite for improved infrastructure, genuine democracy, accountability and proper management of human and financial resources.
“With these, be assured that the resources and grassroot administration of Ise/Orun Local Government are in safe hands, and we are resolved to bring the dividends of democracy to our people.” The Chairman pledged.
Ayodele announced plans to protect cocoa farmers from harm and theft, by banning the sale of “wet cocoa” along farm roads. He also revealed the actions being taken by his administration to prevent attacks on farmers and stealing of their products.
As the implementation of the new by-law takes effect from April 1, 2025, the Chairman therefore encouraged farmers to sell their products at designated stores to potentially improve the safety and livelihoods of cocoa farmers
Corroborating the stand of the Chairman, the House Majority Leader, Honourable James Ogunjemilua, said the amendment of the law became very necessary in terms of IGR, to justify the current economic reality as prices of items had really gone up when compared to what were obtainable in the past. Adding that the law amendment was carried out to save people of the local government from exploitation.
The amended laws include; Law on revenue/rate, Law on protection of public properties, protection against abnormal POS charges, protection against sexual harassment, and prohibition of underage hawking during school hours.
At the end of the meeting, the Chairman empowered some youths as part of his administration’s efforts to get them engaged. “Once we give them a better tomorrow, all the madness pervading this land will dissipate”. Bamikole affirmed.
