Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has charged chairmen of Local Government councils and Local Council Development Areas across the state to prioritize security and strengthen community-based efforts to ensure safety of lives and property in their respective areas.
The Governor stressed that effective grassroots security management remains critical to sustaining peace and boosting socio-economic development of the state.
He also charged them to prioritize the welfare of their people for optimized service delivery, noting that placing citizens at the centre of governance would enhance trust, improve community engagement and ensure that development efforts have meaningful impacts across the state.
Governor Oyebanji, who gave the charge in Ado Ekiti on Thursday during a strategic meeting with the Chairmen of local Governments and Local Council development areas in the state, emphasized that the first responsibility of government at all levels is the protection of citizens.
The meeting was attended by the Chief of Staff, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo, Commissioner for local Government Affairs, Chief Olabode Folorunso, Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Chief Alaba Abejide, Special Adviser of Security Matters, Brig- Gen Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd), Technical Advisor Local Government Affairs, Bode Adetunji and Director General Community Communication, Mrs Mary Odo Omotosho.
The Governor noted that local councils, being the closest to the people, must take ownership of security challenges and respond swiftly to emerging threats.
He further urged the Council bosses to work closely with traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, and security agencies to develop coordinated structures that can identify early warning signals and prevent breaches.
The Governor also encouraged them to invest in intelligence gathering and support security operatives where necessary to compliment the efforts of the state government so that the state can sustain its status as the safest in the country.
Reiterating his commitment to accountability and transparency, the Governor cautioned the Chairmen against the waste of public resources.
He stressed that funds allocated for development must be judiciously utilized, adding that his administration will continue to support local councils in delivering efficient and impactful governance across the state.
Governor Oyebanji also reaffirmed that his government remains committed to sustaining peace across the state and assured that he would continue to provide the necessary policy backing and resources to ensure that every community remains safe, peaceful and conducive for development.
