By: Theresa Moses
Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), has tasked all Local Government Chairmen and their Vices in the country to use available resources judiciously to build roads, provide health services, and mobilize the citizenry for nation building.
Osinbajo was represented by Senator Babafemi Ojudu, Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters (Office of the Vice President) during an award Night and book launch organised by the Association of Local Government Vice Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGOVC) in Abuja recently.
According to him, “I am highly honoured to be among the people who have laid a stable goverance in the grassroots across the country. You are closer to the people, whenever they are hungry you know, whenever they are filled you know, when the roads are bad you know, and you know when there’s no water. It’s you who knows when the bridges are broken; when other amenities are not working no one knows but you as the Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of local governments.
“We know it has been a rough time for your group over the years because of paucity of resources but thanks to the President of the country, His Excellency, Mohammed Buhari. Now, you can access your money and your resources directly. You can plan your activities; you can draw up your budgets; and you can decide on what to do for the people.
“With the new regime, we are calling on both the chairmen and vice chairmen to use those resources judiciously to build roads, provide health services, and mobilize the citizens for all important task of nation building.
“Bear in mind that if you don’t perform, the people will knock at your doors, that’s why we see you as the most important in governance. We want you to use this opportunity in a way that will be beneficial to our people” he admonished.
On the area of security, Prof Osibanjo said: “We also know that you are the closest to the youths and you have the capacity to know all the bad boys in the community as well as the traditional rulers. Therefore, we are calling on you to cooperate with security agencies in ensuring that our communities are well secured. I encourage you to work in harmony with your Chairmen, because the beauty of democracy is when the Vice and the corporate leaders unite and complement one another. As men and women of peace, knowledge, we acknowledge the fact that it’s not easy to be a politician at all levels as the people know you, your houses, cars, where you were before and who you are now. We admonish you, if the people come to see you for school fees for their children, don’t feel bad; you are doing a much more important job.
“Let’s use our resources for the glory of the people and the glory of God. Let this association draw-up plans for our offices. It’s that plan that would improve the lives of our people.
“People are suffering and they are losing faith in democracy, we must wake up to our responsibilities to our people. They want a good life, water, good roads, amenities, good schools as well, these are not too much and I believe it’s what we can do and provide. That’s why we have always been on your side as the third tier of government”.
Dr. Ebi Awosika, Senior Technical Assistant on Community Engagements, Office of the Vice President, Mrs. Nkechi Chukwueke Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagements, Mrs. Halima Bawa, Special Assistant on Community Engagements, Mrs. Nonye Ojekwe, Special Assistant on Community Engagements were among those present at the award Night and book launch organised by the Association of Local Government Vice Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGOVC) in Abuja recently.
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