Akeredolu inaugurates committee on LCDAs creation

GOVERNOR Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State on Thursday has called on the people of the state not to attach politics to the proposed creation of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) but for the socio-economic development of the people of the state.

Akeredolu who stated this in Akure, Ondo State capital, during the inauguration of the 11 member committee for the creation of LCDA in the state said the decision to create the LCDA was not conceived or designed to whittle the influence of anyone, or to elevate any individual above his peers.

He said “It is far from the so-called recognition extended to political leaders. It is for the ultimate benefit of the people.

“It is our expectation that this exercise will restore their dignity and pride as prime producers, and not as incurable consumers of other people’s ideas and products.

“We remember our promise during electioneering campaigns on the issue of the creation of more local governments from the existing ones.

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“We are aware that the agitation for representation is becoming more strident. Our people are speaking loudly but it’s our responsibility to guide them.

“We shall take decisions which are going to be in the ultimate benefit of the people. The people themselves will be allowed to elect their representatives in due course.”

He stated that “it is our hope that elections will soon take place in all the 18 Local Governments and the LCDAs to be created.”

Akeredolu expressed hope that the exercise would further deepen the existing interactions between and among our people, and also bring out the potentials of the people.

He solicited the cooperation of all local leaders and their people, and enjoined the committee members to approach the assignment with courage and equanimity.

Speaking during the inauguration, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Deaconess Lola Fagbemi had noted that a vibrant and effective Local Government system that will ensure a government of inclusion, where everybody has a choice, saying the LCDA will go a long way to deepening democratic values and good governance at the grassroots.

Fagbemi said “It is in the realisation of this objective and in further fulfilment of his numerous promises and programmes to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the good people of this state that the Governor set up this Committee on the creation of Local Government Department Areas (LCDAs).

“I therefore urge the committee to painstakingly follow all the processes for the creation of the LCDAs and be transparent and consultative, there must be active participation of the communities that desires the creation of the LCDAs.”

Responding on behalf of members of the committee, its Chairman, Lanke Odogiyan, appreciated the Governor for counting them worthy of assignment.

“We are grateful for this opportunity to serve this state at this capacity. We will be up to the task and we promised that we will not fail, ” he assured.