By Bakare Lukman
The Chairman of the Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission, Chief Samuel Abejide, has commended the Executive Chairman of Okemesi/Ido-Ile Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Ajibade Sunday Owolabi, for what he described as impressive performance since the inception of his administration.
Chief Abejide gave the commendation on Monday during a working visit of the commission to the permanent secretariat of the LCDA in Okemesi-Ekiti.
The commission chairman expressed satisfaction with the level of development recorded by the council under the leadership of Hon. Ajibade, particularly the construction of a befitting secretariat and the creation of a conducive working environment for staff.
He noted that the achievements of the council chairman are visible across different sectors and commended him for prioritising workers’ welfare and infrastructural development.
Chief Abejide also appreciated the support of the Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, to the local government system, describing him as a worker-friendly governor who has consistently prioritised the welfare and career progression of workers in the state.
He used the occasion to canvass support for the re-election of the governor in the forthcoming governorship election, citing his numerous interventions in the local government service.
According to him, no fewer than 125 local government workers are currently undergoing academic programmes at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, with full sponsorship by the Oyebanji administration.
He added that the LGSC has continued to organise seminars, workshops, and other capacity-building programmes for workers to improve service delivery.
Chief Abejide further disclosed that the governor has recruited over 1,000 workers into the local government system to strengthen manpower across councils in the state.
He assured the governor of the continued support of workers in the local government service, noting that his administration has demonstrated genuine commitment to their welfare.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the LGSC, Mr. Rotimi Akomolede, commended Hon. Ajibade for his developmental strides and appreciated Governor Oyebanji for the completion of the new permanent secretariat for the LGSC.
Akomolede also praised the governor for ensuring rapid career progression of local government workers and urged staff to continue supporting the administration.
In his remarks, the President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Ekiti State, Comrade Oluseyi Olatunde, applauded Hon. Ajibade for constructing the new administrative building, procuring a staff bus, and creating an enabling environment for workers.
The labour leader also commended Governor Oyebanji for clearing salary arrears, outstanding deductions, leave bonuses, pensions, and gratuities, as well as facilitating access to car and housing loans for workers.
He noted that workers in the local government system have resolved to continue supporting the governor in view of his worker-friendly policies.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of Okemesi/Ido-Ile LCDA, Hon. Ajibade Sunday Owolabi, appreciated Chief Abejide and members of the commission for the visit.
He also thanked Governor Oyebanji for his continued support to local governments in the state, which he said has contributed to the numerous achievements recorded by his administration.
Hon. Ajibade listed some of the projects executed by his administration, including the construction of a new administrative building described as one of the best among the newly created LCDAs, beautification of Okemesi Roundabout, construction of 30 open market stalls in Ido-Ile, procurement of a staff bus, construction of solar-powered boreholes, drainages and culverts, as well as grading and sand-filling of roads in Okemesi and Ido-Ile.
Other projects, according to him, include the purchase of seven motorcycles for security agencies, free JAMB registration for indigent students, empowerment of over 300 farmers and women, continuous food distribution to cushion the effects of subsidy removal, and the raising of 7,500 palm seedlings.
The council chairman reaffirmed the total support of the people of Okemesi/Ido-Ile LCDA for the re-election of Governor Oyebanji, citing the governor’s performance, including the construction of the Itawure-Okemesi Road, rehabilitation and equipping of hospitals in the LCDA, road projects in Ido-Ile, and electrification projects across the area.
