…says Gov has been remarkably, impressively supportive of LG administrations
_*The chairman of Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo States, Hon Ayo Ajana, has described the first 365 days of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa as purposeful and impactful, insisting that the governor has been remarkably and impressively supportive of local government administrations. In an exclusive interview with Weekend HOPE, he discussed the challenges he met on ground at the inception of his administration and how he has manoeuvred his round the challenges and many more. OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU brings the excerpts:*_
*On assumption of office, what were the major challenges you met on the ground?*
Upon assuming office as the Executive Chairman of Akoko South-West Local Government Area, one of the most immediate challenges I encountered was the deplorable condition of the local government secretariat.
Shortly after resuming work on 5 March 2025, I undertook a comprehensive inspection tour of the secretariat complex. What I encountered was deeply concerning and disturbing. The environment was in a state of severe neglect, most offices were untidy, poorly maintained and generally unconducive for productive work.
Indeed, the situation was so alarming that it took me several days to fully come to terms with the extent of deterioration I observed. The entire facility was in a deplorable state, characterised by leaking roofs, deteriorating structures, broken ceilings and several abandoned office spaces. In practical terms, the secretariat had become largely unfit for effective administrative operations and public service delivery.
Another major challenge was the non-functionality of the council’s road graders. The two graders owned by the local government were grounded and required urgent repairs. This severely limited our capacity to maintain and rehabilitate roads across the local government area.
In addition, we were confronted with the issue of staff absenteeism. Many workers were not regular at their duty posts, which inevitably affected productivity and the overall efficiency of service delivery within the council.
*How have you been able to navigate those challenges and how far have you overcome them?*
Our administration adopted a holistic approach in addressing these challenges because many of them were interconnected.
For instance, when we examined the issue of staff absenteeism more closely, it became evident that the poor condition of the secretariat contributed significantly to the problem. The offices were not conducive for work, electricity supply was inconsistent and the general working environment was discouraging.
Consequently, we embarked on a comprehensive renovation of the local government secretariat. As I speak, the oldest building within the complex, which houses the Works Department, the Community Development Department and the NYSC unit, has been completely renovated and restored to a functional standard. Plans are underway to extend the renovation exercise to other buildings within the complex in phases.
To further address absenteeism, we ensured that the secretariat’s power generators are fully functional, thereby improving electricity supply and creating a more conducive environment for staff productivity. We also introduced internal engagement initiatives such as ‘Happy Hour,’ aimed at boosting staff morale and strengthening institutional discipline.
In terms of infrastructure development, we successfully repaired the two grounded road graders. These graders are now actively deployed in grading roads across several communities within Akoko South-West, thereby improving accessibility and facilitating easier movement of people and goods.
*What is the most challenging issue you have encountered since assuming office as chairman?*
Without doubt, the most significant challenge has been the limited internally generated revenue, IGR, of the local government.
Like many other local government councils in Nigeria, Akoko South-West faces constraints in generating sufficient revenue internally to meet the growing developmental needs of the people.
This financial limitation inevitably affects the pace at which certain developmental projects can be implemented. Nevertheless, our administration has remained committed to prudent financial management, prioritising critical projects and ensuring that available resources are utilised efficiently for the greatest benefit of our people.
*Governance at the grassroots across Nigeria has not met the yearnings and aspirations of the people. What are you doing differently to change this narrative?*
One of the key factors responsible for the disconnect between grassroots governance and the expectations of the people is the tendency of some leaders to become detached from the communities they serve.
From the outset, our administration deliberately chose a different approach. We have prioritised accessibility, inclusiveness and direct engagement with the people. We encourage residents to bring forward their concerns, ideas and suggestions, and we ensure that such feedback informs our governance decisions.
As a result, several of the projects we have executed were initiated in direct response to the needs expressed by members of the community.
For example, the rehabilitation and reticulation of a solar-powered borehole at Korowa in Oka-Akoko was initiated following a request made by a resident on social media. Similarly, the construction of single-cell box culverts at Owase and Iboje Quarters, as well as the rehabilitation of Imesi Road in Supare Akoko, were undertaken in response to concerns raised by community members.
Through this people-centred approach, we are gradually redefining grassroots governance and ensuring that it truly reflects the aspirations and priorities of the people.
*How supportive has the state governor been to local government chairmen in Ondo State?*
The governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has been remarkably and impressively supportive of local government administrations across Ondo State.
His leadership style encourages collaboration, inclusiveness and a strong commitment to grassroots development. Local government chairmen across Ondo State continue to receive encouragement and institutional support from the state government to ensure effective governance at the grassroots level.
I must particularly commend the governor for providing Hilux vehicles to all eighteen local government chairmen, as well as vehicles for six principal officers across the councils and chairmen of local council development areas, LCDAs in Ondo State. This intervention has significantly enhanced the operational capacity of local government administrations.
It is a clear demonstration of his commitment to strengthening governance structures and improving service delivery at the grassroots level.
*What have you done to impact the people of Akoko South-West and what further plans do you have?*
Since assuming office, our administration has remained focused on implementing people-centred projects that directly improve the quality of life of residents across the fifteen wards of Akoko South-West Local Government Area.
In the area of infrastructure, we carried out extensive road grading across all fifteen wards to enhance accessibility and facilitate smoother transportation. We also undertook the construction of a rigid pavement along the Police Station–Market Road at Ikese, Oka, to improve road durability and ease vehicular movement in that busy corridor.
We rehabilitated and reticulated a solar-powered borehole at Korowa in Oka-Akoko, thereby improving access to potable water for residents. Additionally, single-cell box culverts were constructed at Owase and Iboje Quarters, while Imesi Road in Supare Akoko was filled and graded to address transportation challenges in the area.
Within the local government secretariat, we undertook the comprehensive renovation of the oldest building in the complex, which houses the Works Department, the Community Development Department and the NYSC unit. We also rehabilitated the collapsed perimeter fence of the secretariat to strengthen security and improve the overall outlook of the facility. These interventions have significantly improved the institutional working environment and strengthened administrative efficiency.
Our administration has also placed strong emphasis on social welfare and human capital development. Through a Special Welfare Scheme, 300 elderly residents received ₦80,000 each in accumulated monthly support. We have also continued to extend financial assistance to elderly women and widows across the fifteen wards.
In the area of education support, we provided free JAMB registration forms to 150 prospective candidates across the local government as part of our commitment to encouraging academic advancement and supporting young people in pursuing higher education.
Security has also remained a top priority for our administration. Several proactive security measures have been adopted to safeguard lives and property across communities within the local government, in collaboration with relevant security agencies and community stakeholders.
Furthermore, vehicles were provided to traditional rulers to strengthen community engagement, while a Toyota Hiace bus was provided for the legislative arm of the council to support its official operations.
In addition, we expanded grassroots participation through the appointment of personal assistants responsible for youth affairs, women’s affairs, student affairs, community engagement and non-indigene interests, thereby broadening representation in governance.
Before the conclusion of this administration, we intend to consolidate on these achievements by expanding road maintenance efforts, strengthening our social welfare initiatives and implementing additional community development projects that will further improve the wellbeing of our people.
*The governor recently marked one year in office. What is your assessment of his performance?*
The first year of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa in office has been purposeful and impactful.
Within this period, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to stability, continuity in governance and sustainable development across Ondo State.
His administration has prioritised infrastructure development, economic growth and social welfare. Through the Zero Pothole Initiative, several township road projects across the eighteen local government areas of Ondo State have been completed, including the Ayegunle–Iwaro Oka Road in my local government area, while other road projects are currently underway. These interventions are designed to significantly improve connectivity and transportation across the state.
In the healthcare sector, programmes such as the Orange Health Insurance Scheme and the expanded Abiyamo Maternal and Child Health Insurance Scheme are already improving access to healthcare services for thousands of residents, including artisans, traders, farmers and pregnant women.
Furthermore, the recruitment of healthcare professionals across the 203 wards and the ongoing rehabilitation of primary healthcare facilities are strengthening healthcare delivery at the grassroots.
The governor has also demonstrated commendable commitment to the education sector through investments in tertiary institutions and the recruitment of over 2,000 teachers for public schools.
Taken together, these initiatives demonstrate a clear vision for sustainable development and a strong commitment to the wellbeing of the people of Ondo State.
*How would you rate the APC state congress?*
The congress was largely peaceful, transparent and well organised. It reflected the unity and internal strength of the party across the state.
The emergence of the new leadership provides an opportunity to further consolidate the party’s achievements and strengthen its organisational structure.
I am confident that the new executive council will work collectively to advance the interests of the party and ensure its continued success in future electoral engagements.
How well have you fulfilled your campaign promises?
We have made considerable progress in delivering on many of the promises we made to the people during our campaign.
Our administration has prioritised initiatives that directly impact the daily lives of residents, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development, social welfare, community engagement and improved service delivery.
While governance is an ongoing process and there is always more to be done, I can confidently say that we have remained faithful to the mandate entrusted to us by the people.
We will continue to work diligently until the end of our tenure to ensure that the people of Akoko South-West experience the tangible benefits of responsible and people-centred governance.