Kwara Govt organises retreat for new LG executives on financial prudence, governance

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

The Kwara State Government organized a four-day capacity-building training for the newly inaugurated Local Government Chairmen and Vice Chairmen to prepare them for their roles as chief executives at the grassroots level.

The program, which commenced on Friday, September 26, and ended on September 29, 2024, was organized in collaboration with 7 Yard Resources Limited, a top management firm.

Majority Leader of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Oba AbdulKadir Magaji, chaired the interactive session, which featured lectures and discussions centered around the responsibilities of the local council chiefs, leadership challenges, prospects, and how to address potential challenges.

Resource persons led the council leaders through various topics, including “Democracy, Federalism, and the Evolution of Kwara State” (presented by top scholar Prof. Hassan Saliu), “Public Relations and Effective Local Government Administration” (by strategic communications expert Prof. Saudat Salah Abdulbaqi), “Overview of Kwara State Local Government Council Law” (by Mr. Oluwaseyi Thompson), “Financial Management in Local Government” (by Dr. Mohammed Ndas Ndaeji), “Financial Autonomy in Local Government” (by Dr. Adebola Bakare), and “Executive-Legislature Relations at the Local Government Level in Nigeria” (by Dr. Aminu Umar), among others.

The retreat was attended by government officials and top civil servants, including the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Community Development, Hon. Abubakar Abdullahi Bata (represented by Permanent Secretary Iyabo Dupe Adekeye); Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Hauwa Nuru; Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof. Sheu Raheem Adaramaja; Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission, Taoheed Bello; Accountant General of the State, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Sani; and Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, among others.

Hon. Magaji emphasized the importance of the retreat in equipping participants with the essential knowledge needed for their roles. He urged them to take the workshop seriously and benefit from the expertise of the various speakers.

“Irrespective of any prior experience, there are always areas to learn from. No knowledge is wasted. I urge you to take this very seriously,” he said.

Hon. Bata, referencing Section 7 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and CAP. K33, 2005 of the Kwara State Local Government Law, outlined some of the council chairmen’s duties and their relationship with the Ministry.

He reminded them that they are responsible for formulating economic plans and development schemes for their local government areas, and urged them to provide quality leadership that would improve the lives of their constituents.

“I charge you to provide quality leadership and pursue programs that will endear you to your people. I also enjoin you to exhibit a high sense of responsibility and transparency in the discharge of your duties,” he said.

Prof. Hassan Saliu, the lead speaker, stressed the need for the new Chairmen and Vice Chairmen to understand the concepts of federalism and democracy.

He noted, “They must operate within this system. They need to understand their realities, moderate their expectations, and be mindful of the promises they make to their people.”

Speaking on financial autonomy for local governments, Prof. Saliu remarked that the concept is still evolving in Nigeria and requires further clarification. He urged the council chiefs to exercise financial prudence.

“Three key factors must be considered: the vision and mission of the APC government, which is the ruling party; the reality that although autonomy has been granted, there are still complexities surrounding its full implementation,” he said. “It’s not as though autonomy will immediately rain down on you once you assume office. You remain under the state government, and there are unresolved issues that need clarity.”

He also highlighted Kwara State’s progress since its creation in 1967, particularly under the current administration, citing infrastructure development, peaceful coexistence, religious harmony, and increased national political visibility.

Participants, including the Chairmen of Ifelodun, Ilorin West, and Baruten Local Governments, expressed appreciation for the training. They noted that it helped them better understand their responsibilities and the expectations of the people. They pledged to work towards positively impacting the lives of their communities.