Oyebanji pushes for reforms to strengthen local government finances

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji is pushing for significant reforms to bolster the financial stability of local government councils. He believes that meaningful development must originate from the grassroots, highlighting the local government system as the primary point of contact for citizens seeking government services.

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We firmly believe that meaningful development must begin from the grassroots. The local government system remains the closest tier of government to our people and serves as the first point of call for many citizens seeking government services.

Speaking at a three-day workshop in Ado Ekiti focused on 'Fiscal administrative due process and enhanced internal revenue generation,' Governor Oyebanji stressed the importance of competence, integrity, and professionalism in managing public resources at the local level. He stated that capacity building is a cornerstone of his administration's governance strategy.

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The success of any government at the grassroots level depends largely on the competence, integrity, and professionalism of those entrusted with managing public resources. This is why capacity building remains a critical component of our governance strategy.

The workshop, organized by the state Ministry of Local Government Affairs in collaboration with Hibad Strategic Solutions Limited, aims to equip local government officials with modern techniques in revenue administration, financial planning, auditing, expenditure control, risk management, and revenue optimization. The governor emphasized that fiscal due process is fundamental to good governance, promoting transparency, accountability, and public trust while minimizing corruption and waste.

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Fiscal due process is the foundation of good governance. It ensures that public funds are managed in accordance with established laws, regulations, and ethical standards. It promotes transparency, accountability, value for money, and public trust. When due process is faithfully observed, corruption is minimised, waste is reduced, and developmental outcomes are improved.

Governor Oyebanji reiterated his administration's commitment to accelerating development across all sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, digital innovation, security, and economic development. The Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Foloruso Olabode, added that the workshop facilitators would provide practical insights and actionable strategies to transform fiscal management practices in local governments.

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This workshop will expose you to modern techniques of revenue administration, financial planning, auditing, expenditure control, risk management, and revenue optimisation. The knowledge acquired here should translate into practical reforms that will strengthen the financial health of our local government councils.