 has urged local government administrators to capitalise on the recently granted autonomy to improve the lives of rural dwellers.){kind=link}
Philomina Attah
The Forum of Heads of Local Government Administration in Nigeria (FOHOLGON) has urged local government administrators to capitalise on the recently granted autonomy to improve the lives of rural dwellers.
Mr Abdulrahman Mafara, National President of FOHOLGON, emphasised the importance of autonomy in transforming Nigeria’s rural communities during its fourth National Conference in Abuja on Wednesday.
Mafara stressed that local government autonomy was crucial for grassroots development, allowing for better governance and improved quality of life in rural communities.
In his opening speech, themed “Sustainability of Local Government Autonomy: The Key to Grassroots Development,” he described the forum as a vital platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing to enhance governance at the grassroots level.
“Sustainability of local government autonomy is crucial for grassroots development.
“Our organisation has made significant strides in enhancing local governance, aiming to improve rural communities’ quality of life.
“This conference is a platform for sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration. We urge participants to engage actively, leveraging their expertise to ensure local autonomy thrives.
“Together, let’s embrace this opportunity to inspire change and build robust partnerships for a sustainable future.
“We must continue to work together to promote sustainability and improve the quality of life in rural communities,” he said.
He highlighted FOHOLGON’s achievements, including the creation of a cohesive body of local government heads advocating for autonomy.
The President urged participants to prioritise grassroots development as “autonomy is fully realised,” anticipating increased funding for local governments to support these initiatives.
He further tasked participants to take lessons from the conference back to their communities for implementation.
The President, National Union of Local Government Employee (NULGE), Mr Akeem Olatunde, commended the fiscal autonomy granted to local governments, citing its potential to reduce rural-urban migration, curb insecurity, create jobs, and boost rural economies.
To ensure successful implementation, Olatunde emphasised the need for direct fund allocations, abolishing caretaker committees, and recognising local government service commissions in the constitution.
Olatunde, who was represented by his Special Adviser, Alh. Abubakar Al Hassan, Former FCT NULGE President, said that the policy would reduce rural-urban migration, curb insecurity, create jobs, and boost rural economies.
He also stressed the importance of staff welfare issues, including an updated scheme of service and a rural allowance.
The Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) President, Mr Bello Lawal, highlighted the need for strengthening local government autonomy to address issues like insecurity and poverty.
Lawal, who was represented by Mr Kayode Adebayou, the Special Adviser Projects, stressed that effective governance at the local level could significantly improve community welfare.
The ALGON president outlined six key areas for sustaining autonomy, including constitutional amendments, stakeholder synergy, seriousness among local government leaders, and enhancing internal revenue generation.
According to him, this will enhance internally generated revenue to ensure local governments can operate independently and effectively serve their communities.
He urged for collaboration among local governments to meet public expectations and improve grassroots development.
(NAN)