Oyo: NULGE elects new Exco, seeks divine intervention over LG autonomy

The National Association of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has taken to prayers to seek spiritual intervention over issues related to local government autonomy, as its Oyo state chapter elected new executives that would run the affairs of the union for the next three years.

Addressing newsmen on Tuesday, in Ibadan, the newly elected Oyo State NULGE President, Com. Ayobami Adeogun disclosed that the National President of NULGE, Alhaji Ambali Akeem Olatunji has directed all the members across the 774 local governments in the country to convene interfaith prayers tomorrow September 1, 2021 to seek divine help from the above to conquer all challenges facing local government administration, particularly autonomy.

Adeogun was elected on August 25, 2021 at Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, the state capital. Other elected officers included: Oladejo Asamu, Deputy State President; Aderonmu Olusesan, Treasurer; Adegoke Abidemi, State Women Chairperson; Adelodun Atilade, Auditor; Adebagbo Abiodun, Auditor.

Other executives are: Hassan Abidemi, Publicity Secretary; Opatayo Olaoye, Welfare Officer; Ayandare Moses, Trustee; Olanrewaju Ahmed, Trustee and Tella Adekunle, Young Workers Representative.

According to Adeogun, “It has been over a decade we have been agitating for local government autonomy, which has never seen the light of the day. We are still on the struggle to ensure that the third tier of government is being recognised in terms of financial, administration because local government is most relatively relevant to the grassroots.

“Our National President, Alhaji Ambali Akeem Olatunji has directed all our members across the 774 local governments in the country to convene interfaith prayers tomorrow September 1, 2021 to seek divine help from the above to conquer all challenges facing local government administration, particularly autonomy”.

While lauding Governor Seyi Makinde for issuing over 8000 promotion letters to every beneficiaries, Adeogun said he is expecting robust relationship with the state government.

“We commended Governor Seyi Makinde for issuing over 8000 promotion letters which have been pending in the last administration as well as payment of salaries every 25th, which he has never failed including gratuities and salaries of pensioners.

“On his mission as new President, which I consider achievable within the laid down framework of the Union budgetary capabilities and candid support, cooperation from other elected members, we are going to initiate and implement viable and relevant projects to the betterment of our great members.

“Ultimately to represent and protect the welfare and interest of the entire members of staff. Developing people of power in terms of developmental values (Members’ Training and Seminars on unionism, chosen profession and life enrichment programs), i.e. Skill Acquisition Scheme across cadres.

“Introduction of Annual NULGE Week celebration with varieties to strengthening spirit of oneness in the service. Building up of NULGE functional Interactive Website to ensure quality information dissemination to the members of staff and a channel to showcase Oyo Nulge activities to the world at large.

“Embarking on the existing Sendforth Party in Honour of our Local Government Retirees. Production of NULGE Magazine, Almanac and Pocket Diary and  Launching of NULGE Historical Book (Titled: NULGE; Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow)”he concluded.