Visiting one of the Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Ìbàdànland for an official business concern recently was an eye-opener, or shocking! The neglect and abandonment were palpable, a stark betrayal of the promise of grassroot development. My inquiries about the operational pattern of all the LCDAs in Oyo State revealed a struggle for recognition and resources, with stakeholders urgently seeking revitalisation. The problems are clear, but there is hope that reform and empowerment can help Oyo State’s LCDAs get better. Some of the key LCDAs include Aare Latosa, Afijio West, Ajorosun, Akinyele East/South, Akorede, Araromi, Asabari, Atisbo South, Ibadan East/West/South and Iwa, among others.
The creation of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Oyo State was meant to bring development to the grassroots, but unfortunately, the reality on the ground is far from ideal. Despite the noble intention, neglect and disparity have pushed LCDAs to the back burner, leaving staff struggling to survive.
The situation is dire: staff are not being recognised, and the Local Government’s autonomy is being undermined. The disparity in treatment between main Council staff and LCDA staff is stark, with Deputy Directors in the main Council wielding more influence than Acting Directors in the LCDAs. The imbalance is not right.
To promote fairness and equity in the treatment of LCDA and main Council staff, the government should implement policies. This means conducting a thorough review of staffing and resources, setting clear guidelines for LCDA operations, and providing training to boost capacity. It’s time to close the gap and make sure LCDAs get the help they need.
To accelerate grassroot development, the Oyo State Government should empower LCDAs by providing them with additional funds and resources to fuel their projects, granting them real authority to make decisions and manage their own affairs, and fostering community-led decision-making to ensure projects align with real needs. Let’s put power in the people’s hands!
The government needs to step up and provide Local Governments the financial backbone they need. This means paying allocations and running costs on time—no more delays! Moreover, it is crucial to provide genuine support for infrastructure development and service delivery. Let’s enable Local Governments to deliver for their people!
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The people of Oyo State are making a clear and urgent appeal. They want LCDAs to be recognised and respected, with Local Governments functioning according to the Nigerian Constitution. They demand that political heads be empowered with adequate resources and that Local Governments receive the funding they need to survive and thrive, including running costs and allocations. It is a call for autonomy, empowerment and survival—a push for grassroot governance that truly serves the people.
The State Government’s acquisition of Local Government functions poses a serious threat, potentially destroying the fundamental underpinnings of grassroot development in the State. It’s time for the State to wake up and prioritise the LCDAs, the unsung heroes of local development. These areas are not just mere administrative units; they are the pulse of community growth, where real change happens. Let’s empower, not suffocate them!
The call is clear: it’s time for action! The Government must act now to recognise LCDAs as the game-changers that they are; bridge the resource gap and allocate what’s rightfully theirs; unleash the potential of LCDA staff to drive development and let Local Governments breathe, function. and deliver! The people of Oyo State deserve better. It’s time for change. The people are watching; Oyo State should not wait!
Beyond calls for recognition, Oyo State needs a merit-based overhaul of LCDA and Local Government structures. Placing qualified personnel—both administrators and politicians with the right mix of expertise and leadership—can drive transformative change.
Accountability and transparency must be non-negotiable. Strengthening oversight mechanisms and involving citizens in decision-making can curb mismanagement and ensure resources reach intended beneficiaries.
The goal is effective, responsive governance that empowers Oyo State’s grassroots. Recognition is just the start; now it is time for reform too.
Tunji Oladejo, mnipr JP, writes from the University of Ibadan and is the Chairman of The Progressive Forum, Ibadan (TPFI), via oladejo65@gmail.com. 08077284442
