LG autonomy: Makinde tasks states to boost IGR through productivity
By Adewale Owoade
Hours after the Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to local governments, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has called on states to focus more on productive activities that can boost their internally generated revenue.
Makinde said this at his investiture as the Grand Patron of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, by the NUJ national body.
“It’s a big shame for this country that we cannot feed ourselves. We should go back to those things that will allow us to bring confidence back to our people and to ensure that this country is back on the path of growth and economic progress.
“I would say that it (Supreme Court judgment) has nothing to do with us here in Oyo State because since I came in, we’ve conducted local government elections twice.
“There’s been no caretaker anywhere, we planned and gave allowance for the election process to go on smoothly. So, it’s not a big problem for us.
“The issue we have is that we’re not producing enough, we’re not productive.
“Whatever it is that we’re sharing in Abuja, which is what this FAAC is all about, you want to have value for it, but our real problem is productivity,” he said.
The governor also charged journalists to set aside personal and parochial interests and focus on national interest in the discharge of their duties.
“Whatever anyone wants to become, it is only possible when we have a country. So, all of us, including journalists, must always be guided by the overriding interests of developing our state and the country.
“Journalists must practice development journalism that stands for the interest of the generality of the people,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, NUJ President, Dr Chris Isiguzo, commended Makinde for his people-oriented projects across the state, which he noted had impacted the internally generated revenue of the state positively.
He added that the recognition as grand patron was meant to identify and appreciate him as one of the leaders with meaningful impact. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
