2027: South-West LG Secretaries Endorse Tinubu, Unveil Plans to Boost Grassroots Governance | ClipTV Online

The South-West Forum of Secretaries to the Local Governments (SLGs) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening grassroots governance, improving policy implementation, and enhancing regional collaboration as preparations gradually begin ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Forum to the Lagos State Government, where representatives from across the South-West deliberated on strategies for improving local government administration and fostering greater collaboration among the states in the region.

Speaking after the meeting, the Chairman of the South-West Forum of Secretaries to the Local Governments, Hon. Kunle Olabiwunnu, said the visit brought together officials from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun and Ondo States to promote stronger institutional partnerships capable of delivering sustainable development at the grassroots.

According to him, the Forum remains committed to supporting government policies through efficient local government administration while encouraging collaboration that enhances service delivery and community development.

“Our objective is to ensure that we remain impactful and effective in implementing government policies. We seek stronger alignment across the South-West to improve governance at the grassroots and contribute meaningfully to the development agenda of our respective states,” Olabiwunnu said.

He explained that discussions also centred on strengthening the administrative capacity of local governments in preparation for future electoral activities, stressing that effective governance at the grassroots remains fundamental to Nigeria’s democratic growth and sustainable development.

Addressing questions on the Forum’s political position ahead of the 2027 general elections, the chairman disclosed that members across the South-West had resolved to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing confidence in the government’s ongoing economic reforms and development initiatives.

Olabiwunnu acknowledged the economic challenges currently facing many Nigerians but maintained that the Federal and State Governments are implementing reforms designed to deliver lasting economic growth and improve the quality of life of citizens.

“Transformation takes time. Our responsibility at the grassroots is to ensure that government programmes and interventions reach the people while helping communities understand the objectives of ongoing reforms. We remain committed to ensuring that the dividends of governance are felt across our local communities,” he stated.

Highlighting some of the interventions expected to impact grassroots communities, Olabiwunnu referenced planned empowerment programmes targeting women, widows and other vulnerable groups across local governments. He also commended the Federal Government’s Student Loan Scheme, describing it as a significant initiative aimed at expanding access to tertiary education and reducing financial barriers for Nigerian students.

The Forum also announced plans to host its maiden regional conference, bringing together Secretaries to Local Governments from across the South-West to deliberate on issues affecting grassroots administration, institutional development and public service delivery.

Describing the proposed conference as a landmark initiative, Olabiwunnu said it would focus on capacity building, leadership development, knowledge sharing and practical strategies for strengthening local government administration throughout the region.

Although a date has yet to be announced, he revealed that consultations are ongoing to finalise arrangements for what is expected to be the first gathering of its kind for local government administrators in the South-West.

According to him, the conference will provide participants with practical tools to enhance service delivery, strengthen democratic institutions, empower local communities and improve governance outcomes across the region.

“We want to use the conference to equip stakeholders with the knowledge and skills required to become more effective administrators at the grassroots. It will focus on leadership, capacity development, institutional strengthening and promoting democratic governance that delivers tangible benefits to our people,” he added.

The courtesy visit underscored the Forum’s determination to deepen inter-state cooperation, strengthen institutional capacity and promote policies that will enhance grassroots governance and accelerate sustainable development across the South-West region.