In a move to enhance grassroots governance and improve service delivery, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has presented brand-new Toyota Hilux utility vehicles to the 18 newly inaugurated local government chairmen across the state.
The official handover ceremony took place on Monday at the Government House in Akure, where the Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to empowering local government authorities to function effectively.
Addressing the chairmen, Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized the significance of equipping local leaders with essential tools to discharge their duties efficiently.
“This administration prioritizes grassroots development, and we are determined to support the local government system in every way possible. Personally, I believe in local government autonomy, and I’ll wholeheartedly support it. These vehicles are not for luxury but to aid you in reaching every corner of your local government to serve the people better,” he stated.
The Governor further urged the chairmen to uphold the principles of accountability, transparency, and responsiveness in their administration, noting that their performance at the local level would contribute significantly to the overall development of the state.
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In response, the Chairman of the Ondo State Chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), who also serves as the Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Gbenga Fasua, expressed gratitude to the Governor for the initiative. He assured that the chairmen would remain committed to good governance, grassroots development, and implementing people-oriented policies.
The event was attended by top government officials, including Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Adelami, Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties, Comrade Bola Taiwo, Chairman of Ondo SUBEB, Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan, and other dignitaries.
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s latest gesture underscores his administration’s focus on strengthening local governance and ensuring that public officials have the necessary resources to meet the needs of the people effectively.