Ondo State government says the newly-created 33 local council development areas will soon take off.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, stated this on Monday after leading an inspection team to ascertain stakeholders’ level of preparedness for the LCDAs’ take-off.

The team also ascertained the available facilities for the take-off of the LCDAs in the southern senatorial district of the state.

The team met with stakeholders in different communities and inspected the permanent sites for the secretariats of the LCDAs.

Mr Takuro appreciated the traditional rulers and other stakeholders for supporting the Governor Rotimi Akeredolu-led administration in the state.

The commissioner stated that the government had just achieved a remarkable feat in paying the seven-month salary arrears owed local government workers by the immediate past administration.

He highlighted other achievements of the state government, including up-to-date payment of pensions to retirees, upgrading traditional chieftaincy stools, upgrading minor stools to “obaship” status, and securing the lives and property of citizens by strengthening the Amotekun Corps.

According to him, the creation of LCDAs is to bring the government closer to the people, give them a sense of belonging, and enhance faster development.

Mr Takuro expressed satisfaction with the infrastructure on ground and the readiness of the people to accept and support the take-off and successful operation of the new LCDAs.

Responding, the traditional rulers in the LCDAs expressed joy with the development and thanked the state government, saying their long-time dream and agitation had finally come to reality.

They also appreciated the governor for taking his positive response to the yearnings and aspirations of the people regarding the creation of LCDAs.

The LCDAs visited included Ile-Oluji West, Oke-Igbo, Irepodun, Ikale-East, Ikale-West, Ikale-North, Ilaje-Central, Ilaje-East, Ilaje-Central, Ilaje Aheri/Etikan and Arogbo.

(NAN)