Ogun State government has enjoined local council chairmen and Heads of Local Government Administrations (HOLGAs) to work in harmony, to ensure the dividends of democracy are delivered through the third tier of government.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, speaking during a 3-day orientation programme themed: ‘Strategic Leadership in Local Government Administration,’ organised by the ministry, enjoined them to collaborate towards a successful administration.

While noting that the programme was organised to prepare them for the task ahead and equip them with the know-how for a successful tenure in office, Hamzat, who congratulated the chairmen for their electoral victory, said the essence of the programme was to reinforce the need for impactful governance at the grassroots, which could only be achieved through a proper alignment with the agenda of Prince Dapo Abiodun-led government.

He noted that a collaboration between chairmen and HOLGAs was paramount. “As you embark on this journey, I want you to understand that the career officers led by HOLGAs make up the engine room of the government.

hence the need for collaboration,” he said.

Contributing, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Rotimiolu Akinlesi, noted that the event was necessary for knowledge, skills and networking purposes in order to ensure a successful administration at the grassroots.

In their separate remarks, Chairman Odeda Local Council, Folashade Adeyemo, and HOLGA, Yewa South Local Council, Mr. Oluwole Fateru, expressed gratitude to the ministry for the orientation programme, saying it has equipped them with the practical knowledge to be efficient and productive while in office.