Indigenes of the ancient town of Offa in the Offa local government area of Kwara state, under the aegis of the Stakeholders Forum on Good Governance in Offa LGA, have stressed the need for community-driven leadership in the area ahead of Local Government elections in the state.
Speaking at a forum of indigenes of the ancient town on Tuesday, the coordinator of the group, Chief Abdulateef Kunle Ajeigbe, charged the people to make use of the upcoming local government election in September to reclaim the local government and ensure that it serves the people of Offa.
Ajeigbe, who said that Offa local government had been in a state of comatose for many years due to alleged deliberate actions of successive state governments, added that over N9 billion was accrued to the government between January 2019 and June 2024, “without any sign of development to show for it”.
He, therefore, called on the people to join hands in the mission, saying, “Let us come together, across political divides, and support a candidate who embodies the values and aspirations of Offa.
“It is time for us to take our destiny into our own hands. The upcoming local government election in September presents us with a unique opportunity to reclaim our local government and ensure that it serves the people of Offa, not the interests of outsiders or the state government.
“We must support a sound candidate who has a deep love for our community and no attachment to the state government.
“We need a leader who will harness the ample human resources and capabilities within Offa to make our local government outstanding once again.
“The autonomy granted to local governments provides us with the chance to deploy our resources effectively, but this will only be possible if we safeguard the election of credible leaders who are truly committed to the well-being of our community”, he said.
The group lamented that state governments had continued to exert undue control over local governments, despite numerous reforms, adding that such governments often dissolved elected councils for political reasons.
“This has rendered many local governments moribund, unable to deliver the services and development our communities need”.
“For Offa Local Government to thrive, we must elect leaders who are accountable, transparent, and dedicated to the community’s development.
“We must reject imposed ‘yes-men’ and ensure that our local government is led by individuals who genuinely care about our progress and prosperity.
“I urge you all to join us in this critical mission. Let us come together, cross political divides, and support a candidate who embodies the values and aspirations of Offa.
“Our autonomy will only be meaningful if we elect leaders who can truly leverage it to improve our lives and bring tangible development to our community.
“Let us take this opportunity to make history. Let us seize this moment to ensure that Offa local government rises from its state of comatose and becomes a beacon of development and good governance.”
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