- By Halimah Olamide
Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Friday in Ibadan swore in all the 33 newly elected local government chairmen in Oyo State.
Makinde, represented by his deputy, Chief Bayo Lawal, charged the chairmen to prioritise the provision of good governance at the grassroots.
The governor urged them to try and replicate his developmental strides at the state level for the grassroots to also benefit from the dividends of democracy.
He cautioned them to be up and doing in bringing rapid economic growth to their respective local government area.
According to him, there should not be any room for excuses not to deliver on their mandates.
The state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Segun Olayiwola, urged the chairmen to work assiduously to build virile councils, devoid of acrimony.
According to him, they should do all to build a better future for the citizens of the state.
Olayiwola charged the chairmen to work hand-in-hand with their respective executives.
This, he said, would be needed to utilise their expertise and foster collaboration to ensure that the dividends of democracy reached everybody.
Thereafter, he congratulated the new chairmen and vice-chairmen for their victories at the polls.
He attributed the common victory to the commitment of the Makinde-led administration to fairness, transparency and accountability.
Highlight of the occasion was the administering of Oaths of Office and Oaths of Allegiance to the chairmen and their vices by the state Chief Judge, Justice Iyabo Yerima.