Autonomy: Ishowo Olanrewaju Commends FG, Tasks LGs on Effective Utilization of Funds
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Autonomy: Ishowo Olanrewaju Commends FG, Tasks LGs on Effective Utilization of Funds
By Kaosara Olayemi Oladimeji
A Kwara-based public affairs analyst, Comrade Ishowo Olanrewaju, has commended the Federal Government for actualizing local government autonomy, noting that the direct allocation of funds to local government councils will bolster development at the grassroots level.
In a statement on Wednesday, Olanrewaju applauded the Federal Government’s bold step, saying, “The actualization of LG autonomy is a welcome development, and we commend the Federal Government for this bold step. With allocations coming directly to the LGs’ purse, we expect to see genuine development at the grassroots level.”
Olanrewaju, however, tasked local government chairmen to take advantage of this opportunity to drive people-oriented programs and policies.
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He emphasized the need for LGs, especially in Kwara State, to rise to their duties by appointing statutory offices, blocking loopholes and wastages, and presenting their 2025 budget to their respective councillors.
“The LGs must ensure that their appropriation bill attracts the needs assessment of their people. This is the only way to guarantee that the funds are utilized effectively and efficiently. The era of squandering public funds under the guise of ‘federal allocation’ is over. LGs must now be accountable to their people,” Olanrewaju stressed.
The analyst further urged the Kwara State Government to take charge of the payment of junior secondary school teachers, citing a 2019 judgment that made it unconstitutional for local governments to bear this responsibility.
“It is high time the Kwara State Government took responsibility for the payment of junior secondary school teachers. The 2019 judgment is clear on this matter, and it is unconstitutional for LGs to continue bearing this burden. We call on the state government to act swiftly and take charge of this responsibility,” he said.
Olanrewaju cautioned that the LGs must be transparent and accountable in their financial dealings, ensuring that the funds are used for the benefit of the people.
“The LGs must be transparent and accountable in their financial dealings. They must ensure that the funds are used for the benefit of the people, and not for personal aggrandizement. We will be watching closely to see how these funds are utilized, and we will not hesitate to speak out if we notice any irregularities,” Olanrewaju warned.
The analyst urged the LGs to engage with their constituents, identify their needs, and develop programs and policies that address these needs.
“The LGs must be proactive in driving development at the grassroots level. They must engage with their constituents, identify their needs, and develop programs and policies that address these needs. This is the only way to ensure that the funds are utilized effectively and efficiently, and that the people benefit from the LG autonomy,” he noted.
