Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has sworn in 38 new local government chairmen and their deputies, urging them to prioritise security and ramp up revenue generation in their respective domains.
Addressing the newly elected officials at the Osuntokun Pavillion, Government House, Ado-Ekiti, Oyebanji, represented by Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, declared, “Security and revenue generation must be at the top of your agendas. We will not tolerate any form of security negligence at the local level.”
He stressed that tackling poverty, joblessness, and insecurity requires a robust grassroots approach, positioning local governments as “integral” to his administration’s development focus.
He said, “Your security plans and strategies should be communicated to me through the office of Special Adviser on Security, as soon as you take over. I will not tolerate security lapses in your domains, therefore, ensure all critical stakeholders are carried along and are involved”.
The Governor praised the outgoing chairmen, both re-elected and those departing, for their resilience and acumen in navigating the challenges of pioneering leadership. He also issued a stark warning against corruption and urged the new officials to embrace “honesty, impartiality, and fairness” in their service
In reaction, the Chairman of Ajoni LCDA, Hon. Michael Ogungbemi, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, pledged that they would work hard to surpass the expectations.
