We want LGs as centres of development- Makinde

The Oyo state governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has stated his administration’s resolve to make the 33 local governments and 35 Local Council Development Areas of the state centres of development.

The governor, who made this known at the swearing-in ceremony of the caretaker chairmen in Ibadan, said they must contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Taiwo Adisa, quoted Makinde as saying that the inauguration of the local government caretaker chairmen was in order to avoid a vacuum in governance at the grassroots.

According to Makinde, the decision of his administration to inaugurate the councils was to ensure that the closest level of government to the people is fully functional such that the councils could make meaningful impacts on their lives.

Further, he said the administration wants to ensure that the people of Oyo state continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

“I have often said that this administration is people-centered and will continue to put the interests of the people first. You will agree with me that the closer government is to the people, the more impactful and meaningful the activities of government will be to them.

“You are indeed occupying unique positions as a link between the State Government and the People.

“Ideally, you are the first point of call that should address the governance issues of the people before escalating same to higher authorities.

“Therefore, if we are to compare Oyo state to an enterprise with many branches, you are the branch supervisors taking responsibility of the affairs of the company at a local level.”

The governor talked on the need to reduce roadblocks to business growth and development through cut in multiple taxations.

“The economy of Oyo State cannot grow if small businesses do not thrive and this will mean our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) cannot grow either.

“One of the points we raised during our campaign is how multiple taxation is killing businesses. We want to remove all the roadblocks to business growth,” he said.

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