Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has charged chairmen of Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas across the state to prioritise security and strengthen community-based efforts to ensure safety of lives and property in their respective areas.
He stressed that effective grassroots security management remains critical to sustaining peace and boosting socio-economic development of the state.
During a strategic meeting with the Chairmen in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, on Thursday, Oyebanji also charged them to prioritise the welfare of their people for optimised 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.
With the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo; the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Chief Olabode Folorunso; Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Chief Alaba Abejide; Special Adviser of Security Matters, Brigadier-General Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd.), Technical Advisor for Local Government Affairs, Bode Adetunji; and Director General Community Communication, Mrs. Mary Odo Omotosho in attendance, the governor emphasised that the first responsibility of government at all levels is the protection of citizens.
He noted that local government 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, Oyebanji cautioned the chairmen against the waste of public resources.
He stressed that funds allocated for development must be judiciously utilised, adding that his administration will continue to support local councils in delivering efficient and impactful governance across the state.
The governor 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.
