KWSG hosts retreat to equip new local government council chiefs
The Kwara State Government has organized a four-day retreat aimed at strengthening the skills of newly inaugurated Local Government Chairmen and Vice Chairmen.
In a statement released on Monday, Deputy Chief Press Secretary Mashood Abdulrafiu Agboola announced that the training program, held from September 26 to September 29, 2024, was facilitated in collaboration with 7 Yard Resources Limited, a renowned management consultancy.
The retreat, chaired by Hon. Oba AbdulKadir Magaji, Majority Leader of the Kwara State House of Assembly, included interactive sessions on the roles and responsibilities of local council chiefs, leadership challenges, and strategies for addressing community needs.
Several distinguished resource persons led discussions on critical topics, including “Democracy, Federalism, and the Evolution of Kwara State” by Prof. Hassan Saliu, “Public Relations and Effective Local Government Administration” by Prof. Saudat Salah Abdulbaqi, and “Overview of Kwara State Local Government Council Laws” by Mr. Oluwaseyi Thompson. Other topics covered included “Financial Management in Local Government” by Dr. Mohammed Ndas Ndaeji, “Financial Autonomy in Local Government” by Dr. Adebola Bakare, and “Executive-Legislature Relations at LG in Nigeria” by Dr. Aminu Umar.
The event was attended by prominent officials, including Hon. Abubakar Abdullahi Bata, Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, represented by Permanent Secretary Iyabo Dupe Adeleke, Commissioner for Finance Dr. Hauwa Nuru, Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Prof. Sheu Raheem Adaramaja, Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission Taoheed Bello, State Accountant General Alhaji AbdulGaniyu Sani, and Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Rafiu Ajakaye, among others.
Hon. Magaji emphasized the importance of the retreat, encouraging local leaders to take the insights seriously to improve their effectiveness. “No knowledge is a waste,” he remarked, urging attendees to benefit fully from the training.
Hon. Bata, referencing Section 7 of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution and CAP. K33, 2005 of the Kwara State Local Government Law, provided insights into the functions of Council Chairmen and their relationships with the Ministry.
Prof. Saliu, the lead speaker, stressed the importance of understanding federalism and democracy as local leaders assume their new roles. He highlighted the evolving nature of financial autonomy for local governments, advising leaders to exercise financial prudence while acknowledging the state’s overarching authority. “You need to understand that although autonomy has been granted, there are still issues surrounding its full and effective implementation,” he cautioned.
Participants expressed their appreciation for the training, acknowledging the valuable insights gained regarding their responsibilities and community expectations. Chairmen from Ifelodun, Ilorin West, and Baruten local governments pledged to apply their new knowledge to benefit their constituents.
This initiative reflects the Kwara State government’s commitment to fostering effective grassroots leadership and promoting community development.
