Aiyedatiwa Flags Off EFCC-Partnered Governance Workshop, Vows to Deepen Transparency at Grassroots
By Exponent News, Akure – July 28, 2025
In a bold move to overhaul local governance and combat unethical practices, Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Monday declared his administration’s unwavering commitment to entrenching transparency, accountability, and service delivery at the grassroots level.
The Governor made this declaration while flagging off a four-day sensitisation and capacity-building workshop for political appointees and senior management staff of local governments in the state. The training, held at the Dome International Culture and Event Centre in Akure, is being jointly facilitated by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Ondo State Local Government Service Commission, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the workshop as a “strategic intervention” aimed at repositioning the local government system to deliver effectively on its constitutional mandate. He noted that no meaningful development can take place without strengthening the closest tier of government to the people.
“In recent years, local governments have struggled with issues ranging from inefficiency to poor accountability,” the Governor stated. “This training is part of a deliberate reform agenda to equip public servants with the right tools, mindset, and ethical compass to function effectively.”
The Governor charged officials to treat their roles as a sacred trust, urging them to uphold professionalism and see themselves as key players in governance, not just bureaucrats. “You are the face of government to the people. They deserve leaders who are competent, transparent, and responsive,” he stressed.
He also reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on financial mismanagement, promising continued support for initiatives that promote good governance and robust oversight.
Welcoming participants, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Amidu Takuro, described the workshop as a critical step toward rebuilding public confidence in local government administration. He noted that the training is designed to tackle loopholes in fiscal management and reinforce ethical governance across the 18 local councils in the state.
Also speaking, EFCC Zonal Director (Benin Office), Mr. Effa Okim, commended the Governor for prioritising accountability. He said the commission remains committed to its collaborative efforts with the state to root out financial impropriety and abuse of office.
“Public office is a trust. Those who violate that trust will be held accountable,” Okim warned, while assuring that the EFCC would continue to partner with the state to strengthen governance systems.
Prof. Adewole Adeyeye, Secretary of the Ondo State Anti-Graft Commission, described the workshop as a rare opportunity for public officials to deepen their understanding of governance best practices and avoid pitfalls that could jeopardise their service records.
Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Hon. Gbenga Fasua, expressed appreciation to the Governor for initiating the workshop, describing it as timely and impactful.
The high-level workshop continues through Thursday, featuring lectures and interactive sessions by experts from the EFCC, ICPC, and other oversight bodies.
Dignitaries in attendance included the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip; and Chairman of the House Committee on Local Governments, Hon. Japhet Victor Oluwatoyin, among others.
