Collaborative efforts critical for Nigerians at grassroots- ALGON
Alhaji Bello Lawal, National President, Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON),says collaboration of critical institutions is imperative to meet the needs of Nigerians at the grassroots.
He said this on Tuesday in Abuja at the opening of the 4th edition of the Local Government Economic Summit Group (LGESG).
The two days summit had the theme: “25 Years of Uninterrupted Democracy in Nigeria: The Role of Local Governments in Rural Development and Food Security”.
Lawal said the theme of the summit was timely and deeply resonates with the collective determination to accelerate development at the grassroots level.
He specifically called on critical institutions to collaborate with Local Governments to improve the lives of Nigerians to enable them to truly discharge their civic responsibilities.
He said ALGON was exploring initiatives such as farm settlements and small-scale farming projects, which would be owned by local governments with the support of various partners.
“Additionally, we plan to explore the potential of organic farming, even as we address challenges like farm insecurity and banditry.
“We will also work closely with the Infrastructure Bank Plc, the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) and the Bank of Industry (BOI).
“We will equally partner others to create a comprehensive framework that attracts significant funding for local governments across the country,” he said.
Lawal added that the concept of an investment basket, developed by the Local Government Economic Summit Group (LGESG) was promising, but its success would depend on their ability to collaborate and implement it effectively.
He noted that local governments had long been the cornerstone of thriving rural communities and the driving force behind Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises development worldwide.
“We must resolve to work together to usher in a new era of hope for the citizens of our country, most of whom reside in local communities,” he said.
He noted that the financial autonomy granted LGAs, presented a new era where Local Governments now had the capacity to create an enabling environment that empowered the rural poor to fulfill their economic, social and political aspirations.
He expressed confidence that with the hardworking nature of Nigerians at the grassroots, they were eager and willing to contribute to their livelihoods.
“However, for this to truly thrive, we must ensure that we scale up ongoing efforts in skill acquisition and capacity building.
“Our citizens need continuous support to adapt to the ever-evolving socio-economic realities.
“We must leverage on the mandates of existing Federal and State Ministries Departments and Agencies to provide our people with essential resources, such as agricultural loans, business development skills and export opportunities.
“Institutions like the Bank of Industry (BOI), the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and others must collaborate with Local Governments to improve the lives of Nigerians, and truly discharge their mandates,” he stressed.
Alhaji Aminu Maifata, Chairman, Board of Governance LGESG in his remarks, noted that Local Government was a critical stratum of government.
He said it was also a virile ground for participatory democracy in the country’s political evolution.
He expressed concern over the functionality of Local Governments in the country, noting that if eroded, the masses would bear the brunt.
“We must, therefore, rise to the challenges of the development of under developments in our various localities.
“It is on the above premise that the idea of LGESG was conceived in November, 2021 by the Senate Committee on States and Local Government,’’Maifata said.
He expressed optimism that the coming together of various interest Local Government groups in the country would foster a positive development across the social and economic segments at the grassroots.(https://newsatlarge ng)