Ogun urges residents to protect grassroots infrastructure

The Ogun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, has called on rural dwellers to protect the public infrastructure provided by the government to enhance quality of life at the grassroots.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Rotimiolu Akinlesi, the Commissioner, according to a statement on Friday, made this call at the inauguration of a series of developmental projects executed by Dr Olusola Akinbode-led administration of Yewa North Local Government Area of the state.

The projects included a newly constructed Primary Health Centre with equipment and a motorised borehole at Igbokofi, Emado in Ayetoro; Atokun Kara Market, Saala- Orile, a block of three classrooms furnished with Chairs, desks and other facilities at Igan-Alade; and the renovation of a block of four classrooms furnished with Chairs and Desks at Ebute-Igboiro.

Others were the renovation of the YNLG Multipurpose town hall and Osoba Shopping Complex in Ayetoro, construction of 10 lock-up shops at Igbogila, provision of office equipment for ease of administrative duties and distribution of solar lights across the 11 wards, as well as the construction of a perimeter fence around the secretariat of the local government.

Ganiyu, who commended the local government leadership for complementing the state government’s developmental agenda, however urged the residents of various benefitting communities to take ownership of the projects and ensure their proper maintenance, stressing that government facilities could only serve their intended purpose when protected by the communities.

The Commissioner said that “We urge the people of Yewa North to use these facilities judiciously and ensure that they are properly maintained.

“Development is a collective responsibility, and the people must support the government by protecting public infrastructure”.

Ganiyu also called on residents to sustain the peaceful coexistence that had characterised the council, assuring them of the State government’s continued support under its “Building Our Future Together” agenda.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremonies, the Chairman of the local government, Dr Akinbode, said the projects were designed to complement the efforts of the Ogun State Government and bring meaningful development closer to residents at the grassroots.

He explained that “Our administration is committed to creating a conducive environment that would reduce the challenges and risks associated with accessing basic social amenities while improving the socio-economic wellbeing of the people.

“You entrusted your votes to us; therefore, I assure you that we will not disappoint you, as we continue to work for the success and wellbeing of everyone.

“By the time this administration rounds off, all the 11 wards in the Local Government will have more projects to showcase. We are determined to ensure that our people feel the impact of the government in their communities”.

Akinbode added that the projects would also stimulate economic activities in the council area by creating better opportunities for traders, artisans, farmers and other residents.

He stressed that local government administration remained the closest tier of government to the people, noting that his leadership would continue to prioritise projects with direct impact on the lives of residents.

Elder statesmen, Pa Olu Agemo, Alhaji Bisiriyu Popoola and other community leaders at the commissioning venues equally commended Dr Akinbode for the interventions, describing the projects as evidence that grassroots-oriented governance could have a direct and measurable impact on the people.

The Chairman of APC in the local government, Chief Gabriel Adeosun, also commended the renovation of the shopping complex and town hall, saying the interventions would enhance commercial activities and provide a more conducive environment for traders and other users.