Local Government employees have been described as efficient civil servants whose level of productivity has contributed to the growth of the State and the Nation in general.
This statement was made by the Comptroller of Immigration, Oyo State Command, Comptroller A.D. Jimoh PCC+, during his official visit to the Executive Chairman of Ibadan North West Local Government, Alhaji AbdulRahman Olanrewaju Adepoju.
According to the Comptroller, it is an erroneous perception to address Local Government workers as illiterates or incompetent. Rather, they should be recognized as highly relevant in the administration of any state. He stated, “Their services to the development and growth of the state and nation cannot be underrated, hence their activeness should be commended. All top officials or career officers in any Ministry or parastatal passed through the services of Local Government before their chosen careers. The Local Government is the closest to the grassroots, and for any Ministry or Agency to make its impact known at the grassroots, the Local Government Authority must be involved. Their services are highly essential, hence the need to applaud the workers for their steadfastness.”
The Immigration Boss reiterated that his goal of touring all the Local Governments within the state is to create a harmonious working relationship between his command and the grassroots population. This, he noted, could only be achieved with the support of the Executive Chairman and his cabinet, thus underscoring the importance of the familiarization visit. He explained, “As the new Comptroller of Immigration for Oyo State Command, my visit to Ibadan North West Local Government is to officially introduce myself to the Executive Chairman and brainstorm on how to maintain a cordial working relationship between the Immigration office and the office of the Executive Chairman.”
Comptroller Jimoh emphasized that his command is fully ready to extend a hand of fellowship to the management of the council, the traditional council, security agencies, and also to address issues related to the issuance of passports, child trafficking, and security challenges within the Council Area.
The Comptroller noted that, as an indigene of the state, he is eager to implement remarkable reforms in the immigration services of the Oyo State Command. He added that his doors are open for ideas and suggestions that could help his command succeed.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Ibadan Northwest Local Government, Alhaji AbdulRahman Olanrewaju Adepoju, appreciated the Comptroller’s official visit to the Local Government. He emphasized that the Local Government is known for peaceful co-existence among all within the Council Area. The Council Boss further stressed that, despite the paucity of funds in the Local Government, his administration has managed to create a conducive working environment for all security agencies within its jurisdiction, including the Immigration Service. Alhaji Adepoju assured the Comptroller that he and his cabinet are fully ready to work harmoniously with the Immigration office for effective productivity.
The Chairman urged the new Comptroller of Immigration not to relent in maintaining a strong security network to identify and remove illegal immigrants within the Local Government and the state as a whole.
Earlier, in her welcome remarks, the Head of Local Government Administration, Mrs. Rachael Olabode, commended the Comptroller’s initiative to visit the Local Government. She expressed confidence that his visit would foster greater synergy between the Local Government and immigration services.
In attendance with the Executive Chairman to welcome the Comptroller and his entourage were the Leader of the House, Hon. Gbemileke Nelson; Chief of Staff, Hon. Kazeem Fantola; the Head of Local Government Administration, Mrs. Rachael Olabode; Director of Administration and General Services, Mrs. Folashade Olanrewaju; Director of Environment, Sanitarian Folashade Akande; Internal Auditor, Mr. Mudasiru Adedeji; Establishment Officer, Mr. Abdul; and Deputy Director of Agriculture, Mr. M.A. Makinde.