Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State says that for local government autonomy to be effective, it must be exercised responsibly and in accordance with the legal framework established by the constitution and relevant laws.

Mr Aiyedatiwa spoke in Akure at the opening ceremony of a four-day sensitisation training for political officeholders and top management staff of local governments in Ondo.

The workshop, tagged “Economic and Financial Administration of Local Councils in Nigeria,” was organised by the state’s Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Ondo State Public Complaints, Financial Crimes, and Anti-Corruption Commission (SPFACC) also collaborated with the ministry.

The governor said that local government autonomy comes with its responsibilities for the local authorities.

Mr Aiyedatiwa said the workshop was a deliberate intervention to reverse the factors that had undermined the trust, which had hindered developmental aspirations in the grassroots.

He stated that the workshop would enhance the participants’ understanding of governance principles and strengthen their leadership and management capabilities.

The governor said the workshop would also promote synergy and collaboration between the participants and career civil servants at the local government level.

According to the governor, a political office is not a platform for personal enrichment or political vendetta but a sacred duty to promote the welfare of citizens.

He said his administration was determined to entrench a culture of accountability, efficiency, and results-orientated governance in all tiers of government.

Mr Aiyedatiwa promised that his administration would continue to support initiatives that would promote transparency, fiscal discipline, and effective monitoring and evaluation at the local government level.

The state’s commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, Amidu Takuro, noted that the workshop had the backing of the governor to address critical aspects of local governance.

Mr Takuro stated that the workshop would enhance the participants’ capacity with contemporary knowledge and skills required for efficient and effective local government administration.

The EFCC director in the Benin Zonal Office, Effa Okim, commended the state government for collaborating with the anti-graft agency and its commitment to fighting fraud and corruption.

Mr Okim said the collaboration was key to the state’s development, adding that it must be sustained for an equal distribution of wealth and effective service delivery to the people.

He frowned at individuals who, without genuine sources of income, were richer than the society, saying the government at all levels must be responsible and accountable.

Similarly, the ICPC resident anti-corruption commissioner for Ondo and Ekiti states, Tiku Menge-Andrew, commended the state government for taking proactive measures to combat corruption and promote accountability.

The secretary of the SPFACC, Adewole Adeyeye, lauded the governor for his commitment, which had brought synergy among anti-graft agencies towards good governance in the state.

(NAN)