The Ondo State Government has concluded a two-day capacity-building workshop for councillors, clerks-at-table and sergeants-at-arms from the 18 local government areas of the state, aimed at strengthening grassroots governance and improving legislative effectiveness.

The training, organised by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in collaboration with PELFASH Development Consult, was held in Akure.

The workshop focused on strengthening participants’ capacity in three key areas: effective representation, legislative functions and grassroots governance.

Declaring the workshop open, the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, said the training was designed to equip councillors with the knowledge and skills required to understand the needs of their constituents, draft effective bye-laws, provide legislative oversight, approve budgets responsibly and promote accountability in the management of public resources.

Adelami said the initiative was in line with the administration’s OUR EASE Agenda, which he said was focused on responsive governance, sustainable development and improved socio-economic well-being of residents.

He described the local government system as the foundation of democracy, while noting that councillors occupied a strategic position as the closest link between government and the people.

“Leadership without capacity is like driving in the dark without headlights. Good intentions cannot draft effective local bye-laws, nor can enthusiasm replace proper legislative oversight,” he said.

The Deputy Governor urged the participants to apply the knowledge acquired during the training to improve their performance and deliver meaningful development to their constituents.

He also called on them to work collaboratively with local government chairmen, traditional institutions and community leaders to promote peace, security and development at the grassroots.

Adelami further charged the councillors to justify the confidence reposed in them by the electorate by ensuring that government policies and programmes translated into tangible improvements in their communities.

“When you leave this seminar, the expectations on you will be higher. Our citizens expect better oversight, more impactful bye-laws, and responsive representation that reflects their everyday realities,” he said.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, described the workshop as a timely intervention aimed at improving local government administration and deepening participants’ understanding of their roles, procedures and responsibilities.

Takuro noted that councillors, clerks-at-table and sergeants-at-arms were key actors in the legislative structure of local governments and therefore required sound knowledge, professionalism, discipline and a proper understanding of the procedures guiding council business.

“The successful administration of local governments requires not only commitment and dedication, but also a clear understanding of roles, procedures, responsibilities and the principles that guide effective legislative and administrative practice,” he said.

He explained that the workshop provided participants with opportunities to refresh their knowledge, acquire new skills, share experiences and address practical challenges encountered in the discharge of their duties.

The commissioner expressed confidence that the knowledge gained would improve the quality of local government legislative proceedings and service delivery across the state.

The workshop, themed “Strengthening the Capacity of Local Government Councillors for Effective Representation, Legislative Functions and Grassroots Governance,” featured lectures and interactive sessions designed to enhance the participants’ effectiveness in carrying out their legislative and representative responsibilities.