OGUN LGSC WEEK : EX-NULGE PRESIDENT UNVEILS NINE-POINT AGENDA TO REJUVENATE NIGERIA'S LG SYSTEM

Comrade Akeem Olanrewaju Ambali, immediate past President General of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), has outlined a comprehensive nine-point developmental framework aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s Local Government system and restoring its functional efficiency.

He made the presentation while delivering a public lecture at the Crescent Muslim Professionals Hall, Abeokuta, as part of activities marking the Ogun State Local Government Service Week 2025, themed “Learning from the Past, Serving the Present, Shaping the Future: A New Era of Responsive Local Government Service.”

In his keynote address, Comrade Ambali emphasized that achieving a truly responsive and autonomous Local Government system requires strong political will from all levels of governance — from the Presidency and State Governors to Local Government Chairmen, Councilors, and employees. He described the Local Government as a “sleeping giant” that must be awakened and repositioned to deliver grassroots development effectively.

Comrade Ambali’s Nine-Point Revitalization Initiative called for constitutional and judicial reforms to ensure autonomy, the digital transformation of local government operations, and evidence-based planning driven by data. He also advocated regular policy reviews, stronger oversight through better funding for the Service Commission, and strategic infrastructure partnerships with the Federal Government and private sector. Other key priorities include human capital development, instilling patriotism and professionalism in the workforce, and strengthening community-based security systems to ensure safety and stability at the grassroots.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s 1976 Local Government Reform, Ambali described it as the golden era of grassroots administration, lamenting that subsequent legal and fiscal arrangements — especially the 1999 Constitution — weakened the system.

" The glory of the past years was substantially eroded by the 1999 constitution," Ambali said

In her remarks, the Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Ms. Olivia Olubukunola Onabanjo, commended the relevance of the lecture’s theme, noting that effective leadership must be synonymous with service. She urged all personnel to embrace digital innovation and ICT proficiency to enhance governance and improve service delivery at the grassroots.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Commission, Engr. Olanike Ogunbona, FNSE, expressed appreciation to all attendees for their commitment and participation.

The lecture attracted Full-Time Commissioners and Directors of the Local Government Service Commission (LGSC); Elder Olorunmbe Aregbesola,   President, and other members of the Body of Retired HOLGAs;  Pastor. Benedict Ademoye, President of the Association of Local Government Pensioners; Comrade Ademola Benco, Ogun State NLC President; members of the Body of Serving HOLGAs; officials of NULGE Ogun State; as well as Directors, Heads of Departments, and staff from across the State’s twenty Local Governments.

The Ogun State Local Government Service Week is an annual event designed to foster innovation, professional excellence, and policy discourse in grassroots governance, bringing together policymakers, administrators, and other stakeholders to chart new directions for effective service delivery.

Report by :  Dele Ogunyemi 

E-Signed:

Olopade Sakiru,

Head, Media Team,

LG Service Week.