Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has announced a significant decision to convert ad-hoc staff in the 33 local government councils to permanent positions.
This announcement was made during the official opening of the new Local Government House and Staff Training School in Ibadan on Wednesday, highlighting the administration’s commitment to improving local governance.
During his speech, Makinde emphasized that this decision was made to address the critical staffing shortages affecting local governments.
He stated that having a stable and permanent workforce is essential for delivering effective services to the community. The governor noted that proper procedures for these new appointments must be strictly followed and completed within four weeks to ensure a smooth transition.
In addition to the staffing changes, Makinde reassured residents that his administration is dedicated to exploring innovative strategies to support local government authorities. He believes that effective collaboration between state and local governments is key to enhancing the quality of life for citizens.
“When there is synergy, we can achieve more,” he stated, underlining the importance of working together towards shared goals.
The newly constructed Local Government House is designed to provide a conducive environment for local government employees. Makinde explained that a better working atmosphere would lead to increased productivity among staff, ultimately benefiting the communities they serve.
He also highlighted plans to renovate and upgrade the facilities within the State Secretariat before the end of his term in 2027, demonstrating a long-term commitment to improving the infrastructure that supports local governance.
In addressing previous issues faced by primary school teachers in the state, Makinde pointed out that their leave bonuses had not been paid since 2017. Recognizing the challenges this posed, he announced that his administration has now settled bonuses for the years 2017 through 2023.
This move is part of a broader effort to rectify longstanding issues within the educational sector and improve the welfare of teachers.
Furthermore, Makinde noted that local health services, such as primary health centers, had also been in dire need of attention. By prioritizing these areas, he aims to enhance the overall quality of public services available to citizens.
To tackle financial deficits affecting local governments, Makinde shared that his administration has paid over N18 billion in pension arrears and more than N15 billion in gratuities to retirees.
He emphasized that these payments are crucial for ensuring the financial security of retired public servants who have dedicated their lives to serving the community.
Governor Makinde’s initiatives reflect a commitment to strengthening local governance in Oyo State.
By converting temporary workers to permanent staff and addressing financial and infrastructural challenges, his administration aims to create a more effective and responsive local government that meets the needs of its citizens.
