The event is organized by the Office of the Auditor General For Local Governments in Collaboration with the 21 Local Government Councils of kogi state.
The event has as theme:”Emerging Challenges And Benefits Of Local Government Autonomy in Nigeria” .
One of the quest lecturers at the occasion,Prof.Samuel Oguche,whose paper is entitled ‘”Understanding The Dynamics of Local Government Autonomy in Nigeria,” described local government as very critical in ensuring effective democratic governance at the grassroots.
Prof. Oguche, a Senior Research Fellow at the National Institute for Legislative Studies, National Assembly, emphasized the critical role local governments play in fostering development at the grassroots level.
He urged that this third tier of government must receive the focused attention and support it rightfully deserves.
Highlighting the importance of sound leadership, Prof. Oguche called on elected local and other government officials to deepen their understanding of local government autonomy.
According to him, a clear grasp of this concept is essential for implementing policies that truly serve the interests of their communities, adding that they should not take local government autonomy on its facial value.
For democratic governance to thrive at the local level, the legal scholar recommended sweeping reforms such as strengthening institutional frameworks, cutting down bureaucratic red tape, enhancing the capacity of elected officials through continuous training, and instituting strict measures to prevent corruption and financial mismanagement.
Prof. Oguche also advocated for stronger oversight mechanisms for local legislators and improved intergovernmental collaboration, which he said are vital for efficient and accountable governance across all tiers.
The occasion ,involving all the elected officials of the 21 local government areas of the state is expected to end on Wednesday is attended by the Auditor General for Local Governments,Dr Yakubu Adabenege Siyaka and other principal officers of the local government councils I the state..
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
