The Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission has concluded the final stage of the interview process for applicants to the post of Executive Secretary.
The commission had earlier conducted a written examination for heads of local government administration who are moving to the next level of Executive Secretary.
Speaking after the exercise, a commissioner in the commission, Prince Suyi Aladesanmi who represented the Chairman, Mr. Samuel Abejide, said that 80% of the candidates demonstrated improved knowledge, having gone beyond the routine to study local government rules and current affairs.
“We have done the last part of it. The Commission will now sit down and take a final decision. The only observation we have is that 80% of the people we interviewed today showed that they read outside the local government rules, so they have added knowledge. While some are still believing in the olden days, on the average, they did very well,” he said.
The Commissioner commended the Permanent Secretary, Mr Rotimi Akomolede for his consistent guidance and also applauded the Chairman of the Commission, *Hon. Samuel Abejide*, for his leadership in repositioning the local government system.
He urged officers above level 15 to stay abreast of current affairs and national issues, adding that Executive Secretaries coordinate not less than four to five Local Governments and must therefore be highly competent.
“To the coming ones, especially Anybody who is above level 15 should be conversant with current affairs, and see beyond the normal routine, I must feel you, today, we are not disappointed,” he added.
He expressed appreciation to the Governor for providing the enabling environment for the reforms, expressing optimism that as the administration steps into its second term, the people will witness more dividends of democracy at the local government level.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Akomolede, described the exercise as a welcome development which would strengthen efficiency and effectiveness at the grassroots.
“It has been a very wonderful experience. The officers that appeared before the Commissioners were drilled and were able to bring out a lot of potentials in them. Those below expectations also received advice. I believe this will go a long way in strengthening the local government service,” he said.
One of the participants, lauded the Commission for making the process competitive and transparent.
“It has not been business as usual. This gives room for the emergence of the best brain, in theory and in practice. This will improve productivity and increase efficiency in the local government system,” he stated.
He advised younger officers in the service to keep refreshing their knowledge through newspapers, journals and magazines, noting that “the days of remaining stagnant have gone in the local government system.”
Written by
Oladija Omolara
Director information
