By Oluwanifemi Idowu, Abeokuta
The Former Governor of Ogun state and Senator representing Ogun East senatorial District, Otunba Gbenga Daniel has said that he is in full support of the call for local Government autonomy.
The Senator who stated this while presenting his stewardship report at a "Dialogue with Journalists" organused by the Nigerian Union of journalists, Ogun state Council.
He added that his support is for the fact that it is only local government that can adequately cater for the people at the grassroots, especially those that are at the remote area.
He maintained that , local government is the closest to the people and granting the autonomy will make it vibrant and be able to perform its responsibilities.
According to him" once upon a time, local governments in Ogun state were building roads, health centres and co. And I didn't change the law.I believe in local government autonomy .
"There is no way you can sit in Abuja and solve problems of people in Maun in Ipokia Local government area of Ogun state. it is the local government that will solve their problems, so, I believe in Local Government autonomy."
Speaking further,Senator Gbenga Daniel, also called on youths in the South West region to enroll in military service.
Senator Daniel highlighted his achievements, including sponsoring 11 bills at various stages in the National Assembly.
He emphasized the importance of the South West Development Commission bill, which he believes will boost the region's economy if passed.
As Chairman of the Committee on Navy and Vice Chairman of the Appropriation Committee, Senator Daniel encouraged his constituents to leverage his network for their benefit.
Daniel also stated that over 3000 people have benefitted from various empowerment schemes and medical initiative programs which included free eye treatment, provision of glasses, Training, and Tractors to farmers, grants and loans to Traders, M and marketmen, and provision of Sewing machines and working tools to artisans.
While fielding questions from journalists , Senator Gbenga recalled that as a governor of Ogun state employed lots of people and did not retrench. "My responsibilities as a governor then was responsibilities to the good, the bad and the ugly.
"I trained people through the OGAGEP, in painting, and welders who fabricated poles for street lights, and graduates were employed into the state Civil Service.
On the system of Government, " He maintained that "Parliamentary and unicameral, I do not believe that Nigeria's problem is the emoluments of the national assembly, but the problem is corruption.
'I don't have any problem with any type of government."
On his part, the Chairman, NUJ, Ogun state Council, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju appreciated the senator, for honouring the invitation as he assured him of more support from the union.
He however called on him to assist the union in giving facelift to facilitates within the iwe iroyin press centre, and the Ogun NUJ Permanent site in leme, Abeokuta.
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