July 26, (THEWILL) – The Consultant for the Senate Standing Committee on States and Local Government Administration, Engr. Kayode Adebayo, has praised Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, for the purposeful leadership that has led to the transformation of local government councils in the state in the past one year.
He described the quality of work done so far at the ongoing construction of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) House in Benue State as fantastic.
According to him, the uncommon and proactive leadership disposition of Governor Alia, who has the plight of the Benue masses at heart, has endeared the people to his administration.
Adegbayo made the remarks while fielding questions from Journalists shortly after he was led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Dr. Dennis Akura, to inspect the ongoing work at the ALGON House, Makurdi, on Friday.
“I’m in the State to go round the 23 local government areas and assess the projects being executed by the local government councils with the aim of awarding those that have performed well at their respective councils,” he said.
According to him, the Senate Committee on States and Local Government Administration, under the leadership of Senator Binus Yero, is committed to ensuring that the right thing is done at the third tier of government in all States of the federation.
He commended the Special Adviser, Hon. Akura, for bearing his wealth of experience as a former council chairman on his new job for the overall good and development of the State, saying Governor Alia did not make a mistake in his appointment as Special Adviser.
He stated that the project, on completion, will improve the Internally Generated Revenue of the local government areas and money generated can be channelled to ventures that would create employment opportunities for the teaming youths at the grassroots areas.
“The vehicles and motorcycles procured by Councils for onward distribution to council wards across the State to enhance security at the local government is one major achievement worthy of commendation,” he stated.
Earlier, Dr. Akura expressed satisfaction with the visit of Engr. Adebayo to the State and promised an enabling atmosphere for their oversight.
The Adviser explained that Governor Alia had granted financial autonomy to local government councils as soon as he took the mantle as the State leader a year before the Supreme Court verdict.
He said the Governor has achieved at the local government level, under his strict supervision, the prompt payment of workers’ salaries, pensions and gratuities.
He disclosed that the ALGON House project being sponsored by council chairmen was to compliment the good work the Governor is doing in the State.
In his remarks, the ALGON Chairman and Chairman of Konshisha Local Government Council, Mr. Philip Achwua, thanked the Consultant and his delegation on the visit and promised to give them the desired cooperation to succeed in their assignment.
He pledged, on behalf of his colleagues, to always ensure the prudent application of the lean resources accrued to them on projects that are beneficial to the masses at the grassroots.