Kwara Local Governments Enjoy Autonomy, Says Council Chairman

The Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government in Kwara, Abdulrasheed Yusuf, has asserted that local governments in the state are operating independently without interference from the state government. He made this statement during a news briefing commemorating his one-year anniversary as council chairman, held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Press Centre in Ilorin.

According to Yusuf, the state government, led by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, has not interfered in the activities of local governments, allowing them to enjoy financial independence. He emphasized that council chairmen are responsible for their performance and should be held accountable by their constituents. The local governments operate joint account deliberations but undertake projects tailored to their specific needs.

Yusuf called on stakeholders and politicians to unite in addressing insecurity, rather than politicizing the issue. He highlighted his administration’s goal of complementing the state government’s programs by driving development at the grassroots level. Key achievements during his tenure include the construction of primary healthcare centers, installation of solar-powered motorized boreholes, and road grading.

Additional accomplishments include the provision of solar streetlights and support for security agencies with motorcycles and logistics. Yusuf noted that his administration has implemented transformative projects, touching over 100 localities and enhancing security, community development, and infrastructural growth. Specifically, in Oke-Ode ward, a transformer was installed to serve 62 communities, and water reticulation and primary health center renovation were carried out.

The council chairman also mentioned the recruitment of local guards, provision of identity cards to traditional rulers, and support for police formations across the wards. He pledged to undertake more projects in areas such as road construction, healthcare, education, and security. Yusuf’s statements underscore the significance of local government autonomy in driving development and addressing community needs. As the administration continues to implement its plans, the impact of these efforts on the state’s development will be closely watched.