Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Tuesday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening grassroots administration through capacity building, professionalism and improved work ethics among local government personnel.
The Special Adviser to Governor Aiyedatiwa on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Igbekele Akinrinwa, stated this on Tuesday during the graduation ceremony of 178 local government officers.
Akinrinwa said the training was in line with the administration’s policy of developing a more efficient and responsive local government service capable of delivering quality services to residents at the grassroots.
According to him, the local government officials completed the eight-week in-service training programme at the Local Government Staff Training School, Itaogbolu, in Akure North Local Government Area.
He urged the beneficiaries, who were promoted from Grade Level 14 to Grade Level 15, to reciprocate the government’s investment in their professional development by demonstrating discipline, punctuality, commitment and accountability in the discharge of their duties.
The governor’s aide said the administration would expect the newly promoted officers to translate the knowledge acquired into improved performance across the 18 local government areas.
He stressed that poor work attitude and indiscipline must give way to professionalism in the local government service.
He said the officers should see their new positions not merely as career advancement but as an opportunity to provide leadership and contribute to the effectiveness of governance at the grassroots.
The 178 officers received training in leadership, administrative communication, general studies, entrepreneurship, agribusiness, skills acquisition and other professional courses designed to broaden their capacity for effective public administration.
Akinrinwa expressed confidence that the programme would enhance efficiency within the local government service and support the administration’s efforts to deepen development at the grassroots.
Earlier, the pioneer Permanent Secretary of the Local Government Staff Training School, Prince Ayodeji Ayeku, described the programme as part of the state government’s sustained investment in human capital development.
Ayeku commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for prioritising capacity building, saying a better-trained workforce remained critical to improving public service delivery at the local government level.
Also, the Permanent Secretary of the Local Government Service Commission, Dr Bayo Ilawole, reminded the officers that their elevation to Grade Level 15 came with greater responsibilities, higher expectations and increased accountability.
He urged them to use their new positions to provide exemplary leadership and contribute meaningfully to the development of the local government service.
The Ogbolu of Itaogbolu, Oba Idowu Faborode, also commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for upgrading the training school and investing in its infrastructure.
The monarch said the granting of self-accounting status to the institution had revived activities at the school, adding that the community’s vision of hosting the first full-fledged Local Government University in Nigeria was gradually taking shape.
The ceremony featured the presentation of leadership and professional awards to outstanding participants, while some of the beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the state government for providing them with opportunities to improve their knowledge and professional skills.