Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Monday underscored his administration’s unwavering commitment to fortifying grassroots governance through rigorous accountability measures, comprehensive capacity building, and fostering a culture of transparency.
The governor made this assertion during the opening ceremony of a four-day sensitisation workshop aimed at political office holders and top management staff of local governments across the state.
The training programme, held at the Dome International Culture and Event Centre in Akure, is a collaborative initiative between the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Local Government Service Commission, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasised that the workshop transcends a mere formality, representing a deliberate intervention by his government to revitalise the local government system for superior service delivery.
He described local government as the bedrock of democratic development, being the closest administrative tier to the citizenry.
“In recent years, our local governments have been confronted with myriad challenges ranging from poor service delivery to weak accountability frameworks.
“This workshop is a conscious effort to reverse the trend and equip our leaders with the tools and mindset required to serve with competence and integrity,” Aiyedatiwa stated.
The governor exhorted political officeholders to regard public service as a sacred trust, reminding them of their mandate to serve the populace.
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He equally urged senior local government officials to uphold professionalism, adhere strictly to due process, and perceive themselves as integral partners in governance rather than simply bureaucrats.
Aiyedatiwa reiterated his administration’s dedication to institutionalising accountability and fiscal discipline across all government levels, vowing continued support for initiatives that promote transparency, financial prudence, and effective oversight.
He clarified that the training is meticulously designed to deepen participants’ understanding of core governance principles, including transparency, accountability, the rule of law, and active citizen engagement.
Expressing gratitude to the EFCC and other supporting institutions like the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the state public complaints, Financial Crimes and Anti-Corruption Commission (OSPFACC), Aiyedatiwa implored participants to internalise the lessons and apply them diligently in their respective local government areas.
“You are stewards of public trust. The people look up to you for leadership and results. You must not disappoint them,” he added.
Earlier, Amidu Takuro, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, characterised the workshop as a strategic move to restore the integrity of the local government system.
He noted that the training forms part of a broader effort to address vulnerabilities in public financial management and enhance grassroots service delivery.
Effa Okim, the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC’s Benin Zonal Office, commended Aiyedatiwa’s steadfast commitment to transparency and accountability in governance.
Okim affirmed that the workshop would tackle critical issues such as abuse of office and other unethical practices prevalent within the local government system, assuring sustained collaboration between the EFCC and the state government for the sake of good governance.
He issued a stern warning that any failure to adhere to the principles and lessons imparted during the workshop would invite appropriate consequences.
In a goodwill message, Prof. Adewole Adeyeye, Secretary of the Anti-Graft Commission, urged attendees to maximise the opportunity.
He described it as a rare chance to gain practical insights into ethical governance and financial discipline.
Gbenga Fasua, Chairman of Akure South Local Government, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing profound appreciation to Aiyedatiwa for his dedication to bolstering local governance in the State.
The sensitisation workshop, which includes lectures, interactive sessions, and capacity-building engagements led by experts from the EFCC and other oversight agencies, is scheduled to run until Thursday.
