By Josephine Oguntoyinbo

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Ondo State House of Assembly has stressed the need for Local Government administration to be more strengthened to further enhance grassroots development.

The Assembly said strong measures should also be put in place to reduce pension arrears of retirees in the State.

The House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs stated this  during a visit to the State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and Local Government Service Commission in Akure.

The Chairman of the Committee, Japhet Victor who led other members on the familiarisation visit affirmed that the functionality of local government is germane to the development of the State.

Japhet who called for synergy between the ministry and the committee, advised the ministry to do more in training for the Staff to be more proactive.

Other lawmakers, while commending the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for work done,  stressed the need for the ministry to collaborate with the Local Government Service Commission to find a lasting solution to the issue of pension and gratuity areas.

The Commissioner for the Ministry, Mr Amidu Takuro while appreciating the Committee for the visit, reeled out the achievements  which include, implementation of semi autonomy for the Local Government in the State, payment of outstanding salary arrears of Local Government workers, primary school teachers and pensioners inherited from the immediate past administration.

He also affirmed that, the Ministry has resolved several intractable chieftaincy disputes by holding peace meeting to promote harmony and development in the State.

He assured that  verification exercise would continue as  a priority of the Ministry to block all loopholes in all the 18 Local Government areas of the State.

Also at the Local Government Service Commission, the Chairman Mr Femi Idris, who briefed the lawmakers on their activities, achievements and challenges sought for legislative support to achieve more success.

The Chairman also pleaded with the Committee to interfere in the implementation of their autonomy.