By Afolabi Sunday
Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission has set agenda for the attainment of grassroots development in the discharge of its duties.
It says it will not compromise the repositioning of the local government service to enable it deliver quality services that will enhance the living conditions of workers, as well as implementing policies that will lead to the attainment of the objectives of local government administration across the state.
At the inaugural plenary of the Commission, the Commission said its activities will be guided by the policy thrusts of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s Administration, noting that the success of the government at the grassroots will amount to the fulfilment of the governor’s strategic development plans aimed at enhancing the living conditions of Ekiti people at the grassroots.
The Chairman of the Commission, Chief Alaba Abejide, assured that the newly constituted commission will live up to the expectations of Governor Oyebanji in delivering quality service in the administration of the local government system, to fulfil his electoral promises to lift the people at the grassroots out of poverty.
Abejide said further that, quality delivery of service is an essential part of Oyebanji’s administration therefore, the members of the commission must strive to ensure sterling performance to justify the confidence reposed in them by the governor.
While welcoming members to the first plenary of the Commission, the chairman reminded them that their appointment was an acknowledgement of the quality of their character as professionals in their various fields as well as their loyalty to the party in their respective local governments.
He praised the governor for appointing members of the Commission, noting that the governor carefully selected them based on their proven qualities to lead the local government administration.
Abejide pointed members’ attention to the reality that the people they are leading in the system are well educated people who are sensitive to the tenets and nuances of local government administration. He urged them to conduct themselves in the manner that will portray the commission and in particular the administration of Governor Oyebanji in positive light.
The Chairman called on the leadership of the Commission’s management team to operate an open administration, stressing that rules and laws must govern the operations of the Commission at all times.
He noted further that, both the political and career components of the Commission are the creation of the law, which of necessity must operate in lawful manner for the attainment of government’s policies.
He urged the management team to always ensure that decisions of the plenary are carried out in record time.
The Permanent Secretary, Mrs Titilayo Toba-Ojo, assured that the management team will synergise with the political leadership to ensure the success of the administration. While seeking the cooperation of the political class with the staff in the discharge of the Commission’s functions, she pleaded for thorough application of the rules and laws for transparency to promote justice for workers.
She said the management team she is leading will ensure accountability and openness, even as she assured that workers in the local governments will live up to their expectations to fulfil the objectives of grassroots development as one of the pillars of Oyebanji’s Administration.
Abejide also led the Commissioners and management staff to inspect the progress of work at the new secretariat of the Commission under construction at the State Secretariat.
The Commission Chairman who lauded Gov Oyebanji for mobilising the contractor to site and approving prompt release of funds for the completion of the project expressed satisfaction at the pace and progress of ongoing work on the building.
He described the gesture as one of the legacy projects of the BAO Administration stressing that the entire local government workforce will forever be grateful to the Governor. He implored the contractor to deliver the project in good record time to enable the staff of the Commission operate in a conducive working environment for proper discharge of their duties.
Also present at the event are: Mr. Olawole Adedipe (Budget, Planning, Research, Statistics and Procurement); Mr. Wole Olujobi (Training and Manpower Development and Information & Civic Orientation); Hon Cecilia Dada (Environmental Health and Community Development).
Others include Prince Suyi Aladesanmi (General Administration, Central Audit and Legal Services); Hon. Febisola Adewale (Appointment, Posting and Special Duties); Comrade Segun Onaade (Establishment and Management Services); Mrs Selinah Titilayo Toba-Ojo, Permanent Secretary and other Management staff.
