Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has reiterated the commitment of his administration towards repositioning local government administration for effective and efficient service delivery.
Dr Fayemi stated this on Monday during the official inauguration of the new Executive Secretary and Heads of Local Government Administration in the state to ensure and enhance the delivery of his mandate to the people at the grassroots.
While describing local government as the closest level of government to the people, he stated that the success of government policies and programmes depend largely on its functionality noting that his government was determined to refocus it towards the path of development that has eluded it for long.
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The Governor explained that appointment of Heads of Local Government Administration was a manifestation of the good governance agenda of his administration, adding that the appointments were aimed to broadening the horizon of local government workers for efficiency and quality service delivery.
Dr Fayemi congratulated the new appointees with a charge to consider their appointment as a call to duty as well as avoid temptations that can soil your integrity but rather contribute to making local government service a pride to all.
He further advised them to cooperate with their political functionaries, bearing in mind that they will be held accountable for any actions and inactions that may run down the local government administration in the state.
The Governor, who reminded them of their roles which include proper monitoring of their personnel, warned them to ensure prompt report of any acts of misconduct such as abscondment and irregular attendance at work.
He further directed the Commissioner for Local Government to ensure that all the local government administrators produce monthly returns on staff to enable government follow up on any misconduct adding that he desires a Local Government Service of well-disciplined men and women that will be efficient vehicles for delivery of public goods and services to the people.
“The importance of local government cannot be overemphasized. As the closest level of government to the people, the success of government’s policies and programmes depend largely on its functionality. As a government therefore, we need an effective and efficient local government administration to ensure and enhance the delivery of our mandate to the people.
“As a responsible government, we are determined to reposition this level of government and refocus it towards the path of development that has eluded it for long.
“To achieve this, we have put in place the policy thrust of good governance which is now being conscientiously implemented in all the spheres of the public service. It is in this direction that a Local Government Officer was appointed as Permanent Secretary recently. The appointment of Heads of Local Government Administration is therefore a further manifestation of the good governance agenda of this administration. It is my view that the appointment as Heads of Local Government Administration of officers with diverse experience across various cadres in the Local Government Service, will broaden the horizon of Local Government Staff for efficiency and quality service delivery.
“It is gratifying to note that the beneficiaries of these appointments were dispassionately selected on merit through competitive examinations and interviews. Having also passed through security checks, it is assured that you are all men and women of proven integrity. I therefore implore you to consider your appointment as a call to duty, avoid all temptations that can soil your integrity and contribute to making local government service a pride to all. You are required to cooperate with your political functionaries, bearing in mind that you will be held accountable for your actions and inactions.
“In whatever you do, always consider the best interest of Ekiti State and Ekitikete far and above your personal interest. Collectively we can build the society of our dreams and make Ekiti State the pride of all. We can only achieve this through selflessness. I assure you all that government will not relent in the continued quest to enhance the performance of the public service in the overall best interest of Ekiti-kete.
Earlier, the Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Chief Samuel Abejide noted that the appointments were product of merit in line with the good governance agenda of Dr Kayode Fayemi administration as the appointees emerged from a series of examinations and interviews.
The Chairman explained that the event was in fulfilment of the yearnings and aspirations of the local government staff with the view that the position of heads of local government administration has been provided for in the scheme of service since 2016.
The event also has in attendance the Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, member of the state exco, Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Biodun Oyebanji and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Biodun Omoleye.
