ALGON Rebrands, Holds 2 Day Strategic Retreat in Lagos
Based on the popular saying that until any organizations is challenged, it will learn to innovate and do things better. This aphorism captures a vivid description of what the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) is presently facing.

To consolidate the gains that ALGON has made in the past, despite all challenges, the Alabi Kolade David led Exco has made good part of his promises in rebranding the Association in line with visions of its founding fathers.

Part of the strategic direction include, but not limited to policies, planning, research, development, programmes and capacity building.

In his opening address, the National President Hon. Alabi Kolade David welcomed participants and said that the right time is now to effectively make best use of ALGON as a purpose vehicle for grassroots development.

He noted that such requires effective stakeholders’ engagement, partnership and collaboration which are all geared towards strengthening the capacity of the national Office, the local governments and area Councils for maximum productivity.

It was his view that functions of LGAs/Councils as enshrined in the 4schedule of the 1999 Constitution is huge and requires corresponding innovation to tackle them.

In his message to the participants, the Director General of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum, Ashishana Bayo Okraru, commended the National President of ALGON and the organizers for the initiative.

He said that the maiden retreat will no doubt reposition ALGON to formally take a decisive step predicated on setting best agenda for a rebranded association.

He used the analogy of good team spirit to send strong message across to ALGON for repositioning.

The two-day retreat, according to the Chief of Staff to the National President, Hon. Itiako Ikpokpo stated that by retooling, rebranding and restructuring ALGON through the lessons of the Retreat, there is every hope for the association to become more vibrant.

In his contribution during the group presentation, one of the Consultants, Dr. Asoluka said that ALGON needs to be well focused as an Institution, memory for Research, and evidence based platform for development.

Also speaking another consultant, Professor Jonhson Falade, noted that aligning with SDGs, the national planning will be well optimized leveraging on partnership and collaboration so as to bring about massive developments.

Earlier, the Secretary General of ALGON, Hajia Binta Bello called for sustainability of the retreat as such will help in strengthening of the Association.

Corroborating this view the Chairman of BOT ALGON Hon. Odunayo Ategbero stated that with the leadership direction of Hon. Alabi, ALGON is set to growth from strength to strength given the prevailing unity it is presently enjoying.

The Consultant Kalu Ukoha observed that if ALGON and all key stakeholders, NEC, BOT, Principal Officers and National Office unite to embrace this change, it will be purposeful in the future.

It will be recalled that the retreat with the theme Developing a 5 year strategic framework for Development is coming barely three weeks after the 3rd National Steering Committee for Preparation of Medium Term National Development Plan in Abuja of which the ALGON National President is a member.

This to ALGON is very essential and we’ll situated to have a bottom up impact through the entire Local Governments and Councils in Nigeria so as to free ALGON from the wrong notion of contract awarding and all manner of being tagged as a transactional Association.

Other Exco members in attendance and some principal Officers include Hon Shehu Jega the Deputy National President, Hon. Ezekiel Pabuet National Auditor, from Plateau, Hon. Solomon Onah the PRO from Enugu, Hon. Taofik Isa the legal adviser from ALGON Kogi, Hon Kia Nigeria the financial Secretary from Bayelsa, Hon. Aminu Muazu Mai Fata the Treasurer, Hon Bayo Ishola BOT North Central, Mrs Evan Enekwe Director Legal and Admin services, Mr Nuhu Ozigi Director Administration, Hon Dr Cyril Okafor BOT representing South East, Hon Assi the BOT representing South South and other resources persons.