As University Don Charges Stakeholders to show more Commitment to realization of Local Government Autonomy
Stakeholders in the local government affairs have been charged to show commitment and be responsive to the realization of local government autonomy for the benefit of the people at the grassroot.
The remark was part of the speech delivered by the guest speaker at a programme organized by the Pioneer Movement Iseyin , Prof Kehinde Oluwaseun Kester of the Department of Adult Education University of Ibadan.
Prof Kehinde while delivering his lecture on the topic, Facilitating Accelerated Development Through Local Government Autonomy, enumerated the essential roles of the local government, factors militating the functionality of the local councils as well as the way forward.
He passionately explained the functions of the local council to include, grassroot representation with genuine interest, decentration of local government, community engagement and participation of local people in communal activities and preservation of cultural heritage among others.
Prof Kehinde while speaking on the pros and cons of local government emphasized that local governments are in the best position to manage internal affairs if given free hands to operate.
The guest speaker noted that if critical challenges such as policy making, service delivery, constitutional financial constraints and political interference, inadequate resources are addressed, local government will be effective and responsive l to the needs of the people at local level.
He opined that in a true federalism ,each level of government has a significant degree of autonomy and decision making power with clear boundaries and limitations to ensure accountability and autonomy.
The speaker in his submission advised that gradual process can be made towards greater autonomy through collaborative efforts of the stakeholders.
Pioneer Movement Iseyin,PMI, an apolitical, non governmental organization and non religious which has been in existence for over four decades, with the mission of ameliorating to notable challenges bedeviling the people of Iseyin land.
Over the years the organization has contributed immensely to infrastructural development, education, health sectors in iseyin land.
In his address, President of the association, Pioneer Kayode Adelere, said the core value of the association is educational advancement.
He reiterated that education is the most powerful tool one can use to thrive in life.
Pioneer Adelere stressed that PMI in its magnanimously has touched several lives most especially the less privileged in the society particularly through the provision of education facilities, health equipments and social amenities.
Earlier, the Aseyin of Iseyin His Majesty Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola Adeyeri the third , Chairman Iseyin local government Hon Rasaq Fadiran and Chairman of the day Dr Olugbade Adeoti in their separate remarks admonished students to justify the confidence repose on them by being diligent.
They charged students to face their studies squarely and should not misuse the opportunity they have.
In their views,,every member of PMI during their school days didn’t have the same opportunity as they were not born with a silver spoon .
They also admonished parents to support their children both financially and morally to achieve brighter future.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of gifts,awards and certificates of different categories that worth 3.9 million naira to 68 outstanding teachers and students.
Apart from the awards, two sowing machines with a total value of three hundred and forty naira were also presented at the occasion as a support to the less privileged in the society.
The association PMI has its members from various fields of life both home and abroad.
The epoch event had in attendance National President IDU Alhaji Mubasiru Azeez among others
Report By kaseem Jenrade