NAN-H-109
LCDAs
By Victor Adeoti
Osogbo, Feb. 2, 2017 (NAN) Gov. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun on Thursday said the creation of 31 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) by his administration was targeted at grassroots development.
Aregbesola made the remark at the inauguration of Ife South-West LCDA Secretariat complex in Awolowo Town.
The governor said his administration decided to create the new LCDAs in order to consolidate on the efforts of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and the late Chief Bola Ige.
He said that the initiative was also to draw government nearer to the people by extending the benefits of democracy to the grassroots.
Aregbesola, who described Chief Obafemi Awolowo as the father of modern government in Nigeria, said the establishment of the LCDAs was to build on the legacy laid by the late sage.
“The determination to guarantee security of lives and property of the people through the promotion of communal peace and progress informed our government’s decision.
“That is why we ordered the immediate take-off of the newly created 31 Local Council Development Areas, three Area Councils and two Administrative Offices across the length and breadth of the state.
“Besides, the fact that LCDA contributes to the development of the state, its creation also helps foster communal peace and progress among the people at grassroots.
“The creation of LCDAs is not for fun, but rather a noble intent to bring government nearer to the masses and enhance all-round growth and development,” the governor said.
In his welcome address, the LCDA Council Manager, Alhaji Olalekan Akande, commended the governor for the dedication of his government to the general well being of the people in the state.
He said the inauguration of the Secretariat complex was a clear manifestation of the vision and mission of the state government to make life more meaningful to the residents of the community.
Earlier, the Olu of Awolowo Town, Oba David Omisore, expressed profound gratitude to the state government for siting the new LCDA headquarters in the town.
Gov. Aregbesola had, on March 8, 2016, announced the creation of 31 LCDAs, three Area Councils and two Administrative Offices, in addition to the existing 30 Local Government Areas in the state.(NAN)
VE/AK/SOA
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Edited by Akin Makanjuola/Oluwole Sogunle