By Ademola Lawal
Sequel to their formal inauguration by the governor of Osun State, Gboyega Oyetola, the Council have been reminded of need to live up to expectations.
The State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Adebayo Adeleke gave the charge during the maiden meeting with all the newly sworn Chairmen at the conference Hall of the ministry, State Secretariat, Osogbo.
Describing leadership in any capacity as a challenge and call to serve people, Prince Adeleke said, as new leaders at the grassroots, they cannot afford to fail the people who are expecting much from them in terms of quality service delivery.
While congratulating them for being found worthy, the Commissioner stressed the need for them to close ranks and form a common front for the overall growth and development of their councils.
He was quick to draw the attention of the Chairmen to the fact that they have limited time to deliver, therefore they should hit the ground running and make a difference in the lives of their people.
The Commissoner urged them to make Agriculture, one of the top priorities of their administrations, noting that it is a veritable means of boasting the local economy.
To justify the confidence reposed in them by the Governor, Adeleke did emphasise that all the 69 Council Chairmen alongside their Executive members should embark on aggressive revenue generation drive to have enough in their respective coffers to impact meaningfully on people.
The Commissioner drew the attention of the Chairmen to the fact that in the last three years, notwithstanding the poor revenue allocation accruing to the state from federation account, governor Oyetola has never for once been found wanting in meeting the yearnings and aspirations of the over four million populace of the state because of his wisdom and prudent nature.
“I admonished you all to work as a team with the career officers in your various Councils,play well your parts and seek the face of God and your people to see you through the arduous tasks ahead as leaders of your respective Councils” he said.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Rasaki Adeosun, noted that all the 69 caretaker Council chairmen and the 389 Councilors have vital roles to play with the traditional rulers in their respective communities .
As custodians of Culture and tradition, Hon.Adeosun urged the new Chairmen to work as partners in progress with the royal fathers in line.
Earlier, in his welcome address ,the Coordinating Director in the Ministry, Mr Kola Adedokun appreciated the governor and members of the state executive council for making the inauguration of the new Council Chairmen a reality .
He seized the opportunity to advise
them to perform maximally and creditably in strict compliance with the Development Agenda of the present administration just as he urged them also to be fully guided by the provision of the Financial Memoranda of the local government administration guidelines as issued by Osun state House of Assembly.
