By Muyideen Aliyu
Kwara State Government has reiterated commitment to strengthen Local Government administrations through effective policies and advisory support to sustain development at the grassroots.
The state Commissioner for Local Government Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Developments, Hon Abubakar Abdullahi Bata gave this assurance during an oversight inspection of various ongoing and completed projects executed by Agbelere-led administration in Ilorin East Local Government Area of the state.
The Commissioner lauded the management of the Local Government for the commitment to people-oriented projects across the Local Government, emphasized that the era of unfulfilled promises by government in the state is over.
He explained that the present administration under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, had redefined governance with tangible results across Council Areas.
He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done and the spread of the projects, noting that they reflected the true essence of governance at the grassroots level.
Bata lauded the cordial and productive working relationship between the Executive and Legislative Arms of the Local Government, maintaining that such synergy had ensured inclusiveness and effective delivery of dividends of democracy to the People.
He noted that the impressive turnout of benefiting Communities during the inspection tour to show appreciation to the Chairman, is a clear indication that confidence in Local Government administration had been restored.
According to him, “the lost glory of governance at the third tier is gradually being reclaimed.”
He noted that Communities now had direct access to their elected representatives and were receiving timely responses to their developmental needs.
The Commissioner applauded the provision of a solar-powered borehole in Akintola Community, Sabo-Oke area, describing it as a critical intervention that would improve access to clean water.
He assured residents that their request for solar-powered street lights to enhance security would be addressed promptly.
At the channelization and erosion control site in Adualere Community, the Commissioner expressed optimism that the project would bring lasting relief to residents who had long suffered from severe erosion challenges.
He commended the ongoing construction of a 450-capacity ICT Centre at the Council Secretariat at Oke – Oyi, noting that it would serve as a major hub for digital services, reduce the need for residents to travel to Ilorin for examinations such as JAMB, WAEC, and NECO registrations, and boost economic activities within the Area.
Earlier, the Council chairman ,,Hon Lukman Olayinka Agbelere, attributed the successes recorded by his administration to the enabling environment provided by the State Government.
He commended the Governor for allowing Local Government to operate independently without undue interference.
He stressed that all executed projects were based on inputs from Councillors, who represent various wards, ensuring that Community needs and campaign promises were adequately addressed.
The Chairman appealed to Communities with pending requests to remain patient, assuring them that their needs would be attended to in due course as the administration remains committed to equitable development across the Local Government.