By Victor Akinkuolie Okitipupa
The Chairman of Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, Mr Andrew Ogunsakin, has urged the newly appointed Supervisory Councillors and Special Advisers to see their appointments as a genuine call to serve humanity and contribute to the development of their various political wards.
Ogunsakin also reminded them to view their appointments as a collective responsibility to work for the growth and development of the local government and Ondo State in general.
The chairman gave the charge at the weekend during the official inauguration and swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Supervisory Councillors and Special Advisers of the local government, held at the council secretariat in Okitipupa.
Describing the event as another milestone in the journey towards good governance, effective service delivery and sustainable development in the local government, Ogunsakin expressed appreciation to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his continuous support and commitment to grassroots development.
He noted that the governor’s leadership vision continues to inspire progress and effective governance at the local level.
The council boss emphasised that the appointments were based on loyalty, competence and dedication to the progress of Okitipupa Local Government, describing the positions as a sacred trust rather than an avenue for personal enrichment or political rivalry.
Reiterating his administration’s commitment to the “OUR EASE” Agenda policy of Governor Aiyedatiwa, the chairman listed key focus areas to include improving the welfare of the people through meaningful developmental projects, promoting peace, unity, and security across all communities, and ensuring sustainable development in all towns and villages within the local government.
Ogunsakin called on the newly sworn-in officials to work harmoniously with departmental heads and contribute meaningfully to policy implementation.
He particularly urged the Special Advisers to provide sound counsel, bring forth creative ideas, and serve as bridges between government and the people.
The chairman also highlighted some of his administration’s ongoing programmes and projects aimed at transforming the council area.
These include the upgrading and renovation of the council secretariat, rehabilitation projects at the Okitipupa old garage, completion of lock-up shops for displaced traders, and the launch of a demonstration poultry and arable production initiative to empower youths through agriculture.
He further mentioned the establishment of an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre, which he described as a hub of innovation and digital empowerment designed to help youths and students thrive in today’s global digital economy.
“Leadership is about service. Our people expect results, not excuses. Let us justify the confidence reposed in us by upholding honesty, fairness and accountability in all our dealings,” he said.
Ogunsakin congratulated the appointees and expressed confidence in their capacity to deliver, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to leaving a lasting legacy of development, unity and progress in Okitipupa Local Government.
The event, held at the council secretariat in Okitipupa, was attended by political appointees, politicians, staff of the local government, friends, and family members of the appointees, among others.