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Category: Southwest

  • Osun 2026: Ex-Ogun governor’s aide joins race in APC

    Osun 2026: Ex-Ogun governor’s aide joins race in APC

    Dideolu Falobi, an aide of Ogun State former governor Gbenga Daniel, yesterday joined the 2026 Osun State governorship race on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    He said agitation by some APC members for zoning the governorship ticket favoured Osun East Senatorial District more than Osun West.

    Falobi, engineer, addressing reporters at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Osogbo, said there was need to rescue Osun State from the current administration which, according to him, was not addressing the needs and welfare of the people.

    Speaking about the concentration of infrastructures in Ede, the hometown of Governor Ademola Adeleke, he said development must be evenly distributed.

    Falobi said: “If you singled out a place and developed it, other places that you did not develop would begin to look like a junk hill. So, whatever you do as a leader, try and do what is called across-the-board development.

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    “My administration will design an agenda for development, which will cut across all the towns and villages in Osun State. Just like under the leadership of my former principal, Gbenga Daniel. What we did was to design Ogun State’s master plan, which covered every area and aspect of the state.

    “Everything he did in his eight years is according to that plan we designed. When they were building the stadium in Ilaro, they went and built the one in Ijebu-Ode, they went and built the one in Abeokuta, and they were constructing the one in Sagamu.

    “When they established a polytechnic in Sapade, they picked four other areas and established polytechnics there. When we went to China to get investors to come in, I remember we brought some people to Lagos-Ibadan axis. Some people, we brought them to Itokun axis, some people we took them to Iloko axis, etc.

    “When you are doing 100km of road in Ede, you should do the same for other towns based on a cross-board development plan.”

    Speaking about zoning, he said: “I am not aware zoning is formal in the APC. I stand to be corrected, it is an informal arrangement. By my calculation, since 1999, Osun Central has ruled thrice, Osun West twice and Osun East once, which I belong to.

    “When Aregbesola from Osun East left, it went to Oyetola from Central and now Adeleke from West, so even if they are doing zoning, it should come back to Osun East.”

  • Abiodun to residents: let’s build state that works

    Abiodun to residents: let’s build state that works

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance anchored on citizens’ participation, transparency and accountability.

    He said consulting widely with the people before presenting the state budget remained a defining feature of his government.

    Abiodun made this known during the Town Hall Meeting for the Egba Division, held as part of the preparations for the 2026 Budget.

    He urged residents and stakeholders to continue partnering with government in building “a state that works for everyone.”

    Represented by the Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser, Mr. Dapo Okuboyejo, the governor said his administration had over the years implemented strategic public financial management reforms aligned with international best practices, ensuring fiscal discipline and effective service delivery.

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    According to him, the ISEYA Development Agenda continues to guide the administration’s policy direction, resulting in remarkable progress across critical sectors, including infrastructure, health care, housing, education, agriculture, security and youth empowerment.

    “In the last 12 months, our administration has recorded notable achievements made possible through enhanced fiscal discipline, transparency and efficiency, which have collectively driven socio-economic progress and laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth,” the governor said.

    Abiodun listed ongoing road construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation projects across the state—including the Egba Division—as part of efforts to improve connectivity and boost economic activities.

    In the health sector, he highlighted the renovation and equipping of primary health care facilities, the installation of solar power systems, and the rollout of the Ogun State Health Insurance Scheme to expand access to quality healthcare.

    The governor also mentioned the installation of solar streetlights and deployment of transformers to improve electricity supply, as well as the completion of affordable housing projects such as the Olumo Residential Court Apartments and the Ibara GRA Regeneration Project (Phase I).

    On security, he disclosed that more Amotekun operatives have been recruited to strengthen community surveillance and crime prevention, while in education, the government has rehabilitated science laboratories, renovated technical colleges, and trained STEM teachers to enhance learning outcomes.

    Governor Abiodun noted that the state’s successful hosting of the 2024 Gateway Games reinforced Ogun’s reputation as a hub for sporting excellence and cultural unity.

    “We renovated and modernised all our sporting facilities to international standards, culminating in the inauguration of MKO Abiola Sports Arena, now a premier venue for continental and regional competitions,” he said.

    He added that Ogun State recently hosted the Confederation of African Athletics U18/U20 Championships and continues to host CAF competitions at the Arena, solidifying its status as a trusted venue for international sporting events.

    On job creation, the governor said the administration had inaugurated Ogun Job Centre and Work Hub at the Government Science and Technical College, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta — a one-stop centre for career guidance, entrepreneurial support, and employment opportunities.

    In the agricultural sector, Abiodun said the state had procured modern farm machinery, rehabilitated eight farm settlements, and upgraded the Ogun State Farmers Information Management System (OGFIMS) to a digital platform that enhances market access and supports farmers’ participation in government programmes.

    He also revealed plans to transform rural markets such as the Kila Market in Odeda into modern agro-logistics centres aimed at strengthening value chains, improving storage, and reducing post-harvest losses.

    As preparations continue for the 2026 Budget, Abiodun said his administration would focus on empowering young people, supporting small businesses, and strengthening social protection systems for vulnerable citizens.

    The governor emphasised that the 2026 Budget would consolidate gains in infrastructure, education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and job creation, reflecting citizens’ priorities gathered during the town hall sessions.

    Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide, commended the governor’s efforts in infrastructure development but urged the state government to engage the federal authorities on the rehabilitation of federal roads within the state.

    Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, described the Town Hall Meetings as a vital pillar of participatory governance, transparency, and accountability, saying the initiative underscored the government’s belief that “meaningful progress begins with the people.”

  • ‘North will ensure Tinubu’s re-election’

    ‘North will ensure Tinubu’s re-election’

    Northern political leaders have promised to work with the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, to ensure the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

    The northern leaders, under the aegis of the Northern Bridge Builders Forum, announced their resolve during a visit to the Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

    Their leader, Senator Joel Dantami Ikenya, said the decision to support President Tinubu’s re-election was based on his ongoing reforms aimed at rebuilding the nation’s economy, strengthening national unity, and addressing security challenges.

    Ihenya, a former Minister of Labour and Productivity, stated that the North was impressed by President Tinubu’s inclusive governance style, particularly his decision to bring technocrats on board his administration who align with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He added that the Northern Bridge Builders Forum – spread across the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and backed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF)  Senator George Akume – would collaborate with regional groups, such as Afenifere, to promote peace, unity, and development across the country.

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    “We are here as bridge builders. We are a group of people who have served this country at the highest level, and we have seen from the beginning of President Bola Tinubu’s administration the changes he has brought.

    “We have seen his sacrifice and we say we must support him to continue. We want to thank you for supporting our son, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

     “We feel that things must move forward, and we must work together to get the country to the promised land.

    “In 2027, the North must work together. We want to assure you that the North will perform better than it did in 2023 by supporting President Tinubu. We need your prayers,” Ihenya said.

    The former minister gave reasons for supporting the President’s re-election bid.

    He said: “We are supporting President Tinubu because Nigeria belongs to all of us. We believe in the unity of this country. The North has just done eight years under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “Now, President Tinubu has spent just two years and some months. It would be unfair to agitate for power to return to the North now. That is why we believe the southern part of this country should retain power until Tinubu completes his eight years.”

    Pa Fasoranti described the forum’s visit as “a demonstration of renewed trust and shared commitment to a united Nigeria”.

    Represented by the Chairman of Afenifere’s National Executive Committee and traditional ruler of Ilu Abo, Chief Olu Falae, the Afenifere leader praised the northern leaders for their gesture and support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

    “That is the hope and the future of Nigeria. If we unite and avoid crises or break-ups, we have a bright future. Political bridges must be built, and I thank you for being part of this effort.

    “There are about 448 ethnic nationalities in Nigeria, and every group, no matter how small, has a right to be part of the nation’s progress. No tribe is too small to be ignored,” the Afenifere leader said.

    He prayed for peace and unity in the country, stressing that cooperation between the North and the South remained crucial to Nigeria’s stability and prosperity.

    “I’m happy that we are building bridges across the North and South. That is the only way Nigeria can survive and thrive as a multi-ethnic, multi-linguistic country,” Fasoranti added.

  • Foundation unveils UBOMI 8.0 medical outreach to deliver 10,000 free interventions in Lagos

    Foundation unveils UBOMI 8.0 medical outreach to deliver 10,000 free interventions in Lagos

    Pistis Foundation has announced the rollout of UBOMI 8.0 Medical and Surgical Outreach, scheduled to hold from October 27 to 31, 2025, in Lagos State. The flagship edition — the largest for the year — will deliver over 10,000 free medical interventions to vulnerable and underserved populations.

    The five-day outreach will provide both primary and secondary healthcare services, including surgeries, dental and eye care, maternal health services, health screenings, consultations, and community health education — all at no cost to beneficiaries.

    The announcement was made during the Foundation’s 7th anniversary press conference, where UBOMI was recognised as one of the most impactful social intervention initiatives of The Elevation Church, uplifting disadvantaged communities through accessible healthcare.

    Earlier in September 2025, UBOMI extended its mission of dignity and compassion to inmates at the Kirikiri Correctional Centres — Maximum, Medium, and Female facilities — reaching over 1,350 inmates with medical care in a first-of-its-kind prison health intervention by the Foundation. Supported by more than 80 volunteers, the outreach provided medical consultations, treatments, medication, and hygiene supplies, restoring hope to a community with limited access to healthcare.

    “UBOMI is about restoring dignity, hope, and the assurance that every life matters,” said Leonard F. Thomas, Executive Director of Pistis Foundation. “By expanding healthcare access to the most underserved — from inner-city communities to correctional facilities — we are demonstrating that compassion has no boundaries.”

    As Pistis Foundation prepares for UBOMI 8.0, it is seeking partnerships and support from individual donors, philanthropists, NGOs, corporate organisations, healthcare providers, and development agencies to scale its impact and reach more lives in need.

    The Foundation emphasised that partnership and donor support remain crucial to sustaining and expanding the delivery of free healthcare interventions at scale.

  • Repete seeks unity, support in Oyo APC

    Repete seeks unity, support in Oyo APC

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Hon. Afeez Bolaji Repete, has called on members of the party to unite and work toward reclaiming power in the State.

    In a statement, Repete said the political atmosphere in Oyo was shifting in favour of the progressives, noting that residents were increasingly dissatisfied with the current administration.

    He accused the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde of setting back the wheel of progress in the state, describing its approach as a “trial-and-error experiment” that has left many citizens frustrated.

    Repete alleged the current administration had been involved in indiscriminate land sales and demolitions, particularly in Ajia, Ona Ara, and Akinyele local government areas.

    “The good people of Oyo State are feeling the pain of watching helplessly as their lands are grabbed and properties demolished,” he said. 

    “Governor Makinde has succeeded in selling off several state-owned lands to the detriment of public interest,” he alleged. 

    He assured residents that an incoming APC administration would address what he called “the injustices and excesses” of the present government.

    Repete further urged party members and supporters to remain united and committed to restoring good governance in the state.

    “We must all rise and resist this ‘sell, sell, and sell’ approach of the incumbent administration. The APC is ready to restore transparency, fairness, and genuine progress to Oyo State,” he added.

  • Ayefele charges NBC on license to radio station owners

    Ayefele charges NBC on license to radio station owners

    The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Fresh FM Nigeria, Dr. Yinka Ayefele, has charged the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to wake up to its responsibility on issuance of broadcasting license to owners of radio stations across Nigeria.

    He said the step became necessary to sanitise broadcasting industry, which according to him has been saturated, particularly in Ibadan.

    Speaking at a briefing to commence the 10th anniversary of Fresh FM Nigeria, Ayefele said issuance of broadcasting license to owners of radio stations must follow due process, rules and regulations guiding the broadcasting industry.

    He stated that the Commission must monitor to maintain professionalism and proper conduct of operators of the radio stations.

    He recounted the rigours he went through to secure his first license, noting that the process made him appreciate and cherish the licence more.

    According to him: “I want to urge NBC to be up and doing in their responsibility, obtaining broadcasting license has been polarized, in fact, it has gotten to a stage that license is now being sold on Facebook.

    “NBC need to do more because broadcasting and ownership of radio stations has now been polarized and saturated, most especially in Ibadan.”

    He however said his vision is to change the face of broadcasting, and for his radio stations to be a choice and role model to other radio stations.

    Assistant Director, NBC, Ibadan zonal office, Alhaja Sherifat Koro, who spoke on behalf of NBC Zonal Director, Jude Ajayi, said NBC was happy to associate with Fresh FM, describing the station as a tree planted, nurtured, and seeing growing and now have many branches.

    She urged the station to continue doing its best in ditching out quality programmes to its listeners and adhered to the rules and regulations guiding broadcasting.

    Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Dr. Suleiman Olanrewaju, said the 10th anniversary of Fresh FM is an indication of dedication, resilient, and positive impact of the station.

    He lauded the station for changing the story of radio programing, describing Ayefele as a good talent manager.

    Group Managing General Manager of Fresh FM, Nigeria, Alhaji Abolade Salami described the 10th anniversary as a remarkable event.

    He lauded the dedication, determination and collective input of staff of the station for making the event a successful one.

  • Sanwo-Olu to Oyebanji: you’ve entrenched purposeful governance for citizens

    Sanwo-Olu to Oyebanji: you’ve entrenched purposeful governance for citizens

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared that his Ekiti State counterpart, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, has in three years of his administration, succeeded in entrenching the culture of purposeful governance that has benefitted all the strata of the state.

    To sustain this trajectory of good governance initiated by the governor, Sanwo-Olu canvassed support for Oyebanji and urged Ekiti voters to return him for a second term to further consolidate democracy gains for the citizens.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke yesterday at Iworoko Ekiti, in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area, during the inauguration of Ado-Ekiti Ring Road Phase 1, as part of the activities marking the third year of Biodun Oyebanji’s administration.

    He showered encomiums on Ekiti House of Assembly for cooperating with the governor and strengthening Executive-Legislative partnership that spiralled development in the state.

    Sanwo-Olu described the Ring Road project as strategic and pivotal to the development of the state, stressing that the governor had not disappointed and that through him, purposeful governance was spiralling and consolidating fast in Ekiti.

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    With his sterling performance, the Lagos State governor said the Ekiti State governor had demonstrated that leadership was about service and not showmanship or acquisition of wealth at the expense of the populace.

    “I am impressed with how you are consolidating purposeful governance for Ekiti people.”

    This is a governance they can see and feel, not in the air. You have proved to be an embodiment of what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has continued to challenge all of us at the subnational that we must represent the people well.

    “You have a man who in three years has done what some people can’t do in four or five years. He has shown that leadership is about service, is about talk and do, is about once you are given a commitment, there shouldn’t be any excuse.

    I stand here truly proud of what you have done. Ekiti can’t afford to reject you for a second term,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    He further saluted Oyebanji for connecting the towns through good roads and streetlights, saying this would help in powering meaningful economic prosperity and purposeful governance in the state.

    “This is not just politics or rhetoric; this is an achievement we can all touch and feel. He has told you all the roads he has built,  all the health centres he has built and all the youth he has engaged. For you to stop this stop and start that you do, I want you to vote massively for him in 2026 election. Return him back to office to work for you.

    “With this achievement that we are all proud of, Governor Oyebanji’s second term is a second term of additional prosperity, second term of more youth empowerment, second term of more hospital construction, second term of more empowerment for senior citizens, and for our women, to feel more dividends of democracy.

    “We need to galvanise ourselves and give him votes you have never recorded before. Votes that can transform the state into a centre of excellence and that will be a precursor to what will happen in 2027 for President Tinubu. It is only when you do this that you can see continuity of governance.

    “With the way things are going in Ekiti under Governor Oyebanji, in 2030, you will see small London in Ekiti. You will see an Ekiti that is a pride of Southwest and glory of Nigeria that will drive our people home from where they work abroad.”

    Commenting on how pivotal the road project is to economic growth, Governor Oyebanji revealed that the project was specifically conceptualised to decongest Ado-Ekiti metropolis of gridlock and spike up economic activities along Iworoko, Afao, Are, Igbemo, Araromi Obo and other adjoining towns.

    Exhibiting confidence that his strategic thinking would open up the state to better prosperity, Oyebanji was upbeat that with ‘’this road, the first of its kind in the state, a new Ado-Ekiti town will be created along the corridor that will drive industrial growth and urban development that will add value to the state.’’

    Besides road construction, Oyebanji said an aggregate of 103 health centres had been built with modern facilities to offer quality health care for the citizens at the grassroots.

    “This road, which is about 17.85 kilometres, is just the first phase and we are grateful to President Tinubu for freeing more money to the subnational and we promise that we will triple our votes for Mr President in 2027.

    “So those who have done INEC’s online registration and have not done physical capturing, go and do it so that you can show to Mr. President that you love him.

    “With your support, I will break the jinx of continuity in Ekiti in 2026 . The era of a government spending four years and being sent packing is over, to drive development, happiness and prosperity, so that our people can plan for their future.”

    Speaking for the contractor, Craneburg Construction Company, that prosecuted the project, Mr Elie Adem branded the Ring Road as a strategic project, not only to connect towns, but also to ensure economic development and regional connectivity that attested to purposeful leadership.

    Tracing the trajectory of Governor Oyebanji’s participation in the epic battle for the creation of Ekiti State in 1996, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, lauded the governor for his shrewd economic policies and said his enigmatic drives had made all the political, religious, market men and women, and youth groups to endorse him for a second term.

    “I am not surprised at what you are doing, because you are material prepared for this job long ago. You are humble, kind and generous. We pray for Ekiti to be in peace for you to continue to serve the people. God will help you succeed,” the monarch said.

  • Ladigbolu, Awoyemi for Afenifere conference

    Ladigbolu, Awoyemi for Afenifere conference

    Chairman of Yoruba Unity Forum and member of Afenifere Elders’ Caucus, Archbishop Emeritus Ayo Ladigbolu, and governance expert, Dr. Ayo Awoyemi, are among the leading speakers at the forthcoming Southwest Stakeholders Dialogue scheduled to hold in Akure, Ondo State.

    The two-day regional forum with the theme: ‘Strengthening Democracy through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future’, will take place on October 29 and 30 at the International Conference Centre (The Dome), Akure.

    Convened by Pa Reuben Fasoranti, leader of Afenifere, the dialogue is designed as a citizen–government interactive town hall session that will bring together ministers, senior federal government officials, traditional rulers, civil society leaders and other stakeholders from across the six Southwest states.

    Ladigbolu will deliver a special address, while Awoyemi is billed to present the keynote address, both expected to provide thought-provoking perspectives on strengthening democratic governance and regional cooperation.

    The dialogue will be hosted by Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, with co-hosts including Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.

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    Expected participants include current and former political leaders, professional associations, youths’ and women’s groups, civil society organisations, business leaders and traditional institutions.

    Discussions will focus on democratic consolidation, regional collaboration and the impact of federal policies on the Southwest.

    Programme highlights include Southwest Stakeholders Confab, Southwest Governors’ Forum session on ‘Regional Collaboration: Impact of Federal Government Reforms, Policies and Programmes on Southwest States,’ and a series of thematic engagement sessions aimed at defining a common development agenda for the region.

    Organised in partnership with Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, the forum seeks to foster cooperation among governments, institutions and citizens in building a more inclusive, accountable and prosperous Southwest.

    Enquiries are to be directed to Dr. Akin Onigbinde (SAN) and Dr. Seye Oyeleye, Director-General of the DAWN Commission.

    With Ladigbolu and Awoyemi leading key sessions, the Akure dialogue promises to generate far-reaching ideas on democracy, governance and future of development in the Yoruba-speaking Southwest states.

  • Ondopoly Alumni hails Aiyedatiwa for breaking 12-year convocation jinx

    Ondopoly Alumni hails Aiyedatiwa for breaking 12-year convocation jinx

    The Alumni Association of Ondo State- owned Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), has hailed Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for ending the institution’s 12-year break from holding convocations.

    The institution had earlier announced that it would graduate about 25,000 students during its 12th–23rd combined convocations scheduled for Saturday.

    Acting Rector, Mr. Olorunwa Adegun, made this known at a news conference to herald the week-long convocation activities.

    He noted that the last convocation was held in 2013 and lauded Governor Aiyedatiwa, the Visitor to the polytechnic, for his decisive intervention that made the event possible.

    In a statement yesterday, the National Executive Council of RUGIPO Alumni Association described the governor’s approval for the convocation as “a landmark decision that has restored pride to thousands of graduates across the globe and rekindled hope in the hearts of current students and stakeholders.”

    In the statement by Samuel Asulewon, an engineer, the association said the governor’s action went beyond a mere celebration, describing it as “a bold commitment to education, institutional legacy and youth development in Ondo State.”

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    He added that the RUGIPO Alumni Association, under the leadership of Chief Adesina Adeola, remained committed to promoting quality education and pledged support for the continued growth of the institution.

    “This singular act is a testament to the administration’s dedication to advancing the cause of education and empowering youths for future leadership,” the association noted.

    As part of activities lined up for the convocation week, the Alumni body announced it would inaugurate its National Secretariat (Legacy Project), perform the groundbreaking ceremony for its Alumni Lock-Up Shops, and ratify the Association’s Constitution.

    The statement added that ‘’these initiatives are aimed at strengthening the foundation of the institution and deepening the legacy of unity, growth and service among its graduates.’’

    The Alumni Association expressed appreciation to the Governing Council of the polytechnic for its steadfast commitment to institutional development and for keeping the RUGIPO spirit alive.

  • Edo sends 18 HOLGAs on compulsory leave

    Edo sends 18 HOLGAs on compulsory leave

    Edo State Government has asked Heads of Local Government Administration (HOLGA) in the 18 local governments to embark on compulsory leave.

    The leave is expected to last for 30 days.

    Chairman, Edo State Local Government Service Commission, Kabiru Adjoto, said the directive was to allow thorough assessment for improved administrative operation at the local government level.

    He spoke while briefing reporters on the outcome of his visit to the 18 local governments.

    Adjoto directed the affected HOLGA to hand over to Directors of Administrative and General Services.

    The former Speaker said the commission uncovered 382 shadow files, while 132 files of retired personnel were not found.

    He said: “The measure has become necessary to allow for thorough assessment for improved administrative operation at the local government level.

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    “We want to ensure a fair and objective review of posting, staff deployment and record management practices. Our focus is to encourage transparency and restore confidence in the local government system.

    “Our task is very clear. To positively reposition the workforce of the local government in such a way that dividends of democracy trickle down to the grassroots.

    “We want to make sure things work well. Governor Okpebholo wants to ensure development trickle to the grassroots. It is our duty to take this decision.”