Engr. Adetunji Stephen Olabode, a two-term former Executive Chairman of Efon Local Government and current Technical Advisor to Ekiti State Governor on Local Government project monitoring and evaluations , has called on Heads of Local Government Administrations (HLGAs) to champion innovation, uphold professionalism, and ensure good governance at the grassroots level.
Speaking at the monthly meeting of HLGAs on Thursday held at the Efon Local Government Secretariat Multipurpose Hall, Olabode emphasised the critical role of administrators in maintaining stability amid political transitions.
Olabode praised Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO), for his commitment to grassroots development, citing improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and agriculture.
However, he stressed that the success of local governments ultimately depends on the competence and integrity of administrative leaders.
Some of the key Points he stressed at the meeting include the fact that administrators must uphold due Process,he explained that as the chief administrative officers, HLGAs must serve as the “conscience and compass” of local governance, ensuring policies align with legal and ethical standards.
Similarly ,he reiterated that they are not just record-keepers but the institutional memory.
The advisor urged LGAs to embrace digital solutions for payroll, tax collection, budgeting, and citizen engagement,noting that
if fail to embrace the future,they will keep managing the present with outdated tools.
Other points included mastering public financial management, civil service rules, and local government reforms to command respect amongst others.
Concluding his keynote,Engr.Olabode challenged the administrators to be bold reformers who elevate local governance standards.
The meeting ended with a call for continued dedication to the state’s development agenda under Governor Oyebanji’s leadership.
