…As Hon. Alabi Declares That Safety, Security Essential For Good Governance

Barely one months after receiving Award presented to him in Lagos by the national president of Civil Society Groups for Good Governance and publishers of CSO News Watch, the National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Alabi Kolade David has again been presented with another meritorious service award.

The leadership award for innovation and service delivery was bestowed on him by all local government vice chairmen in Nigeria.

The ALGON National President was also the keynote Speaker at the 4th Annual National Conference Association of the Association of Local Government Vice Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGOVC).

Hon. Alabi Kolade David his address noted that safety and security are essential elements of promoting and sustaining good governance at the grassroots where physical protection of lives and property always requires maximum attention.

He further stated that local governments and Councils will remain the only purpose vehicle for providing platform and opportunity for effective citizen participation in governance and a breeding ground for quality future leaders through the existence of a secured strong local environment and through authority structures that have power to act within the confines of law.

He also stated that despite the fact that the Local governments and Councils are in generic term, seen as the lowest tier of Government, it is important that such level of governance is given priority attention to leave up to it’s responsibilities both in size, geographically, and in letters as well as spirit given it’s huge responsibities as contained in the 1999 Constitution (as Amended).

He called for stronger unity and togetherness amongst the Vice Chairmen through programmes like the conference where the Vice Chairmen have more opportunity to identify with one another and share ideas on service delivery and better condition of service to their constituents.

It was his opinion that members will have opportunity to relate and discuss extensively in matters of development, challenges.

He however urged them to pray for the Constitution Amendment where issues affecting the system will be addressed to guarantee consistent policies where ideas, tenure, and programmes will be better defined.

In his words, I must commend the organizers of this 4th Annual Conference for this event, its timing, and the the theme which dwell on Improving Grassroots leadership as panacea for insecurity Peace and National Development in Nigeria.

Indeed to me the greatest strength of mankind rests in steady unity and can only be achieved through peace and security which is critical now in the Country.

ALGON, the NEC, BOT, Management and Staff sincerely appreciate this meeting and we must thank the state Governor’s for releasing their Councils Vice Chairmen to attend the meeting.

“You are building bridges and friendships instead of walls and we in ALGON is proud of you as always. So far our collective unity is a priority, and as leaders, by assembling predicably like this shows your collective commitment for togetherness.

Although sometimes unity and progress at the Councils may manifests slowly due to interest or diversities but when sustained with commitment like this, it succeeds”.

The 4th Annual National Conference also featured Award Night and book launch.

Top leaders of ALGON were in attendance to represent the National President Hon. Alabi who was unavoidably absent.

Amongst the ALGON delegation were Chairman Board of Trustees (BoT) of ALGON, Hon. Odunayo Ategbero, and Hon. Ishola member representing the north central on the Board, Hon. Maifata Muazu, the National Treasurer; Chief Dimeji Lamure Special Adviser to the ALGON National President, and Venatus Okafor, the Chief Protocol Officer at ALGON, among others.

Receiving the Award on behalf of the National President of ALGON, the BOT Chairman, in company of others, thanked the organizers of the event for honouring Hon. Alabi, whom he said has made remarkable leadership improvements since his he assumed leadership of the association.

He listed part of the achievement to include rebranding of ALGON, presenting a far-reaching Memoranda in the just concluded Zonal Public Hearing on constitution amendment, brought stability of leadership of the association, and peace in ALGON.

He also noted that the Hon. Alabi has united ALGON members across the country as shown at it’s recent NEC meeting held in zones, and working for the fulfilment of ALGON’s constitutional responsibilities through the launch of National Anti-Multiple Taxation Scheme (NAMTAXS) and National Transit Insurance Scheme (NATIS) to end multiple taxations and improve food security in the country.

The BoT chairman concluded by describing Hon. Alabi’s leadership as impressive in its performance so far.