The chairmen of Nigeria’s 774 local government districts have been tasked by President Bola Tinubu with implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda at the grassroots level.
At the inaugural Annual National Conference of the 774 Local Government Council Chairmen in Nigeria, which took place at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja on Tuesday, Tinubu took the lead.
Speaking on the theme, “Cascading President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to the Grassroots,” the President represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume, said government would only become meaningful when its impact was felt in the daily lives of citizens.
“The true test of policy is not what is announced in Abuja, but what changes in our wards, villages, towns and communities.
“Contrary to some narratives that gained currency, our vision and focus was about shortening the distance between government and the governed, widening access to services and creating more centres of local development.
“Development must take root from the bottom up,” he declared.
“Local government autonomy is not an end in itself, rather, it is an instrument for service.
“The autonomy pronounced in the judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria places a huge responsibility on all chairmen, elected councillors and their management to deliver impactful governance at the grassroots.
“You must imbibe the culture of evidence-based decision making, driven by technology and reliable statistics.
“You must address, prevent, detect and address grievances before they become crises.
“I urge you to discourage divisions and adopt a zero-tolerance policy for thuggery, intimidation, hate speech and violence.
“Local Government Authorities cannot afford to remain passive recipients of Federal Government initiatives without active participation as development partners.
“Let your tenure be remembered for the lives, communities and systems improved in each of the 774 Local Government Areas.
“Let us work together to build a stronger federation that is secure and prosperous.”
It is essential for the 774 local government chairmen to prioritize the development and security of their communities. Being closer to the people, they have a unique responsibility and opportunity to address grassroots concerns effectively. Since they serve as the direct link between the government at the state and federal levels and the ordinary citizens, they must do the needful to foster progress, safety, and well-being within their localities. By doing so, they will reinforce the trust and confidence of their constituents, ensuring that the voices of the grassroots are heard and their needs fulfilled.
