The Chairman of the Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission, Mr. Samuel Abejide, has emphasized the critical importance of continuous collaboration among chairmen of Local Government Service Commissions across the federation in strengthening grassroots administration.
Speaking during a 3-day summit organized by the association of local government service commission in Nigeria, Mr. Abejide stated, that, the meeting provided an umbrella for exchange of ideas and cascading those insights to all states.
He highlighted the value of cross-sector engagement, pointing out that the seminar featured vital lectures on anti-corruption, ICPC practices, and other essential governance topics beyond traditional local government boundaries.
“These are necessary components of practical governance experience and should be encouraged annually. They add real value to the professional development of local government administrators,” Mr. Abejide added.
The chairman praised the impressive turnout and urged all states to key into the initiative to ensure that local governments remain responsive, effective, and aligned with both state and federal priorities.
He also praised governor Oyebanji for his constant proactive support for local government staff, noting that these have earned the governor various awards.
According to Mr. Abejide, the governor’s initiatives include:
– Consistent payment of salaries and arrears
– Provision of decent working environments
– Appointment of local government authorities (HLAs, executive secretaries, permanent secretaries)
– Sponsorship of over 150 local government staff for diplomas, postgraduate diplomas, and MSc programmes in approved universities
“He is one of the best governors of the year,” he declared, adding that the local governments in his state are operating smoothly. “We are not lacking in anything.”
Mr. Abejide concluded by urging attendees to uphold the continuity of these gains and to carry the lessons from the seminar into their communities. “Continue this alignment, continue the dialogue—so that what we build today will last for tomorrow,” he said.
Also speaking, the permanent secretary from the Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission, Mrs Titilayo Toba-Ojo described the annual local government seminar as a vital platform for national collaboration, staff development, and sustainable governance.
“This is an idea welcomed by local governments across the nation. While meetings and deliberations occur periodically, this seminar presents a golden opportunity—especially for local government staff to interact, share ideas, and receive valuable insights on sustaining the local government system,” she said.
