By Femi Atolagbe

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The Ondo State Government on Tuesday inducted Heads of Local Government Administration (HOLGAs) for the newly created 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.

The chairman of the State Local Government Service Commission, Mr. Femi Idris, declared open  one-day induction/training programme themed “Towards Building and Managing Effective Teams, Crisis Management, and Administration” held in Akure.

He admonished them to lead with innovation, integrity, and transparency.

Idris charged the HOLGAs to prioritize community engagement, inclusive decision-making, and foster partnerships and collaboration for sustainable development.

He said, “As the heads of Local Government Administration, you are crucial to the development and growth of our local governments. Your ability to build and manage effective teams, manage crises, and administer your local government effectively will shape the lives of our citizens and the future of our community.”

“As you embark on a journey to enhance your skills and knowledge in building and managing effective teams, crisis management, and administration, it’s important to fortify yourselves with necessary and adequate information.”

“These skills are essential to drive progress and development in our local governments, and on behalf of the Local Government Service Commission,” Idris added.

Speaking at the induction programme, the Head of Service in the State, Mr. Bayo Philip, urged the heads of Local Government Administration to apply their expertise in fulfilling duties and responsibilities in their respective areas of assignment.

Philip advised them to prepare to face significant responsibilities anchored on high expectations, expressing confidence that with the right mindset, skills, commitment, and teamwork, success would be achieved.

He charged them to maintain regular interaction with their political leadership in the local government, advising them also to ensure that their political leaders do not delegate functions for which they cannot be held accountable.

According to him, “Since we cannot insist that only those with good knowledge of government workings be given political appointments, Accounting Officers should be patient and diplomatic enough to draw the attention of political leaders to the basic rules and procedures of government business, especially public expenditure.”

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Local Government Service Commission, Dr. Bayo Ilawole, admonished the heads of local administration to embrace continuous learning and capacity building.

He stressed the importance of equipping the heads of Local Government Administration with adequate information to enhance their proficiency in their new environment.