By Josephine Oguntoyinbo

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Ondo State House of Assembly has said all hands must be on deck to further strengthen the local government system.

The House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs said this during an oversight visit to the State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy affairs and the Local Government Pension and Transitional Department in Akure.

The Committee led by its Chairman, Dr Adeyemi Olayemi affirmed that it is one of their constitutional duties to oversees MDAs for effective service delivery.

At the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Committee posited that the Ministry is very sensitive and unique hence the need to further look inward and add value to the system.

The Committee Chairman who  informed that the Committee will soon embark on oversight visit to the eighteen local government areas starting from the Ondo South Senatorial Districts, demanded for the submission of details report on the activities of the ministry.

According to him, the Assembly will soon organise training for traditional rulers in the State, especially on security matter.

While commending the Commissioner and his team for the achievements so far, the lawmakers called for synergy.

Speaking at the Local Government Pension and Transitional Department ,the Lawmakers assured of support to ensure reasonable amount are earmark for  the retirees in the local governments.

They advised the department to equally liase with necessary stakeholders to get more results.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy affairs, Akogun Akinwunmi Sowore appreciated the Committee for the visit and sought for their support to achieve the set objective.

The Commissioner noted that some laws of the Ministry were due for review to further strengthen the system.

Also, the Permanent Secretary, Local Government Pension and Transitional Department, Mr Abiodun Akintade while welcoming the lawmakers posited that the department core mandate is to administer pension to retired staffers of local governments and Primary School Teachers.

The Permanent Secretary called for increased funding in meeting the demand of Pensioners.