Local Government workers in Oyo State have commended the Chairman of the Oyo State Governor Engineer Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde and Chairman Local Government Service Commission, Bashorun Akinwale Solomon Akinwole, popularly known as Wolekanle, for prioritising staff welfare and assuring workers of job security across the service.

The commendation was conveyed in a statement issued by the Commission’s Director of Education and Social Services, Mrs. Funke Foluso Lala, following the conclusion of the Staff Auditing and Verification Exercise conducted across the State’s 33 local government areas.

The workers said Bashorun Akinwole had changed the narrative within the local government system in line with the administration’s commitment to the welfare of workers under the leadership of the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, FNSE.

They also praised the Commission chairman for improving training opportunities for staff across all cadres, noting that the initiative had contributed to enhanced service delivery.

Speaking during the exercise, Akinwole clarified that the audit was not intended to downsize the workforce but to identify existing vacancies and ensure proper staffing across the local government service.

“This mandate is hinged on proper records management and due process in our local government. I want to reiterate that we are not downsizing, we are not witch-hunting, and we are not retrenching. Rather, we want to employ more hands to fill the vacancies that we have noticed,” he said.

The exercise covered all the geopolitical zones of the State, including Oyo, Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun I, Oke-Ogun II, Ibarapa and Ibadan. Special attention was given to staff members living with physical disabilities and those who were ill.

The Oyo State Local Government Service Commission (LGSC) has commenced a comprehensive Staff Audit and Verification Exercise across the 33 Local Government Areas of the State.

According to a statement signed by the Director of Education and Social Services, Foluso Lala, the five-day exercise is aimed at ascertaining the authenticity and proper documentation of all workers in the Local Government Service.

The exercise commenced on Wednesday at Ojongbodu in Oyo West Local Government Area, covering staff of Oyo West and Afijio Local Governments.

It also took place at Offa Meta in Atiba Local Government Area, where staff of Atiba and Oyo East Local Governments converged for the verification.

In the Ogbomoso zone, staff of Ogo-Oluwa, Surulere and Ogbomoso South Local Governments converged at Arowomole in Ogbomoso South Local Government Area for the exercise.

Leading the Board and Management Team on the first day, the Chairman of the Commission, Bashorun Akinwale Solomon Akinwole (Wolekanle), said the exercise was not intended to witch-hunt any staff.

Wolekanle explained that the exercise was designed to strengthen record-keeping, ensure accurate and up-to-date personnel data, and promote professionalism and efficiency in local government service delivery.

He urged workers to remain dedicated to their duties and strive for excellence in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Members of the Commission’s team who participated in the exercise included Commissioners Alhaji Yusuf Ali Akinkunmi (Supreme), Hon. Oladejo Emmanuel Oladokun, JP, and Hon. Christiana Nike Arewa.

The Management team was led by the Permanent Secretary, Pastor Adeola Omoyeni Oduola, and included the Head of Local Government Administration, Mr. Adedayo Faith Solaja; Director, Finance and Supplies, Alhaji Gbola Badiru Adedokun; Director, Budget Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Rasheed Olabiyi; Director, Education and Social Services, Mrs. Funke Foluso Lala; Internal Auditor, Alhaja Modinat Adeleke; Deputy Director, Administration and General Services, Alhaji Olalekan Jelili Alade; Acting Deputy Director, Administration and General Services, Mr. Lukman Baliaminu Ojo; and Establishment Officer, Mr. Amusat Mutiu.

Labour leaders also participated in the exercise, including the NULGE State President, Comrade Ayobami Adeogun; State Deputy President, Comrade Olaleye Samson; and State Secretary, Comrade Adeniyi Adekojo.

The exercise is expected to continue across other Local Government Areas of the State on Thursday.

Bashorun Akinwale Akinwole, chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Service Commission, has said Governor Seyi Makinde has repositioned Oyo State as a model for urban development through sustained investment in modern infrastructure.

Bashorun Akinwale stated this while commending the Governor for the completion and commissioning of the Ibadan Central Bus Terminal at Iwo Road.

He said the terminal, regarded as one of the most modern in the Country, reflects the administration’s commitment to orderly and efficient urban renewal.

The terminal comprises two mega bus stations, featuring facilities such as waiting halls, ticketing spaces, eateries, public conveniences, elevators, escalators, a water reservoir, open parking areas, and an electricity-generating house.

Wolekanle noted that the project complements other major transport terminals constructed by the Makinde administration, including those at Ojoo and Challenge, as well as the additional station at Iwo Road.

According to him, the new terminals will enhance the commuter experience, reduce traffic congestion, and strengthen economic activities within the metropolis.

He lauded the Governor for prioritising people-oriented development. He pledged the continued support of the Local Government Service Commission for the administration’s vision of a modern, well-structured Oyo State.

The Oyo State Local Government Service Commission has debunked viral messages circulating both online and offline, claiming that the Commission is currently conducting a recruitment exercise.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Bashorun Akinwale Solomon Akinwole, and issued from the Commission’s headquarters at the Secretariat, Ibadan, the Commission described the claims as “false, misleading and the handiwork of fraudsters.”

The Commission clarified that the conversion of ad-hoc staff into permanent employees had been concluded long ago and that no new recruitment exercise is ongoing. It further warned members of the public to disregard any social media advertisements, calls for applications, or purported appointment letters being issued in its name.

“For the avoidance of doubt, all official recruitment announcements from the Oyo State Local Government Service Commission will be made only through verified Government channels, including the official Oyo State Government website, recognized national newspapers, and accredited broadcast media outlets,” the statement read.

The Commission stressed that it will never request payments from applicants at any stage of a recruitment process, adding that anyone who engages with fraudsters does so at their own risk, as it will not be held responsible for any losses incurred.

Reaffirming its commitment to fairness, transparency, and due process, the Commission urged members of the public to stay vigilant and rely strictly on authentic government platforms for accurate information.

Local Government employees in Oyo State have been urged to be punctual at their duty posts and show greater commitment to the service by diligently discharging their duties in strict compliance to civil service rules .

The chairman,Oyo State Local Government Service Commission, Bashorun Akinwale Solomon Akinwole gave the charge at separate meetings with council staff in the course of the ongoing staff verification exercise across the Local Government in Oyo State.

Akinwole disclosed that the Commission have been inundated with complaints from public sprited individuals about the high rate of absenteeism and cases of staff that had absconded from duty. He said these reports informed the Commission’s decision to embark on the verification exercise.

“Our visit is part of our statutory responsibilities at ensuring discipline, assess compliance to service rules, evaluate the working atmosphere and to authenticate the number of staff on the payroll of the Councils across the State”,he explained

The LGSC Chairman stressed that the Staff audit was not aimed at witch hunting but designed to aid effective planning, manpower development and improved service delivery. He, however, expressed dismay at the lackadaisical attitude of some Local Government workers stressing the urgent need for attitudinal change to justify their monthly earnings.

Earlier,in meetings with polical functionaries and principal officers before the commencement of the exercise ,the Commission Boss reiterated the need for excellent teamwork and unity of purpose which he said would ensure smooth administration and fast track development across the Council areas in the State.

He further charged top career officers to play their roles effectively by offering sound professional advice to their Councils chairmen, to ensure compliance to administrative procedures in the implementation programmes and projects. He added that clear communication and supervision should be maintained with their subordinates to discourage disregard for extant service rules and due process.

Reponding to issues raised during the interactive sessions,, the Permanent Secretary of the Commission, Deacon Taiwo Olafimihan Adewale announced an upward review of training allowance for participants attending Commission sponsored training workshops.He explained that the revised allowance would henceforth be determined by the distance of each participant’s Local Government from the training centre.

While commending Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration for prioritizing manpower development and worker’s welfare, the permanent Secretary noted that the huge resources committed by the government underscored its commitment to capacity building.He, however, warned that deliberate absentism from training workshops by any Local Government staff would not be tolerated and would be treated as an infraction.

Deacon Adewale also urged Council workers to embrace the Commission’s core values of professionalism,accountability, commitment, teamwork, good ethical conduct and zero tolerance to corruption.

The verification exercise which commenced a week ago has so far been conducted in 20 Local Governments. The exercise is being led by the LGSC Chairman, Bashorun Akinwale Solomon Akinwole along with other board members including; Alhaj Yusuf Ali,Barr, Akeem Taiwo Oke,Mrs Christiana Nike Arewa, the Permanent Secretary, Deacon Taiwo Olafimihan Adewale, Zonal Permanent Secretaries and other principal officers of the commission.Oyo LGSC Chairman, Bashorun Akinwole harps on punctuality, adherence to service rules

The Chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Service Commission, Bashorun Akinwale Solomon Akinwole, has declared open a two-day capacity-building workshop aimed at strengthening leadership and administrative efficiency across the 33 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 35 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the State.

The workshop, themed “Driving People-Centred Transformation Leadership in Governance”, is being held at the Oyo State Local Government Staff Training School, Secretariat, Ibadan.

It is targeted at Heads and Acting Heads of Local Government Administration to expose to modern leadership managerial skills under the following topics: Building Blocks of Self Leadership, Understanding Transformation Leadership, The Role of Transformational Leadership and Emotional Intelligence and Leading. Change.

Speaking at the opening session of the workshop, the Chairman, Oyo State Local Government Service Commission, Bashorun Akinwale Solomon Akinwole reiterated the mandates of the Commission which he said centred on enhancing service delivery and staff development

“This training is designed to enhance the knowledge scope of participants and allow them to share experiences and proffer solutions to emerging challenges in their various councils,” Akinwole said.

He urged participants to approach the workshop with an open mind and a willingness to embrace new ideas in the interest of service delivery and system improvement. He also stressed the need for local government staff to apply lessons learned from such training sessions to generate innovative ideas and foster excellence in governance.

While expressing gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde for his unwavering support and commitment to the welfare of public servants in Oyo State, the Commission Chairman also acknowledged the Special Adviser on Establishment Matters, board members of the Commission, management staff, and training consultants for their support and contributions to the success of the programme.

Earlier on his remarks,, the Special Adviser on Establishment Matters, Alhaji Siju Lawal urged the participants to leave above board and discharge their duties in accordance with the. Service rules and regulations. He emphasized the need for the top Local Government management staff to shy away from any activity that could tarnish the image of the service which could embrass the current administration which has done much to raise the standard of the service.

Also the permanent secretary Mr Taiwo Adewale in his speech said the commission is determined to enhance the capacity of staff through series of training and seminars.

In conclusion, the chairman Conference of HLGAs, Alhaji Moruf Owolabi, on behalf of the participants appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde and Bashorun Akinwale Akinwole’s led commission for their genuine interest in enhancing the growth of the local government staff and promise to utilize the knowledge in enhancing effective service delivery at the local governments.

In a significant milestone for civil service reform in Oyo State, the Oyo State Local Government Service Commission (OYOLGSC) has announced the release of promotion letters for the 2023/2024 promotion exercise, effectively ending an era of stagnation in the local government service.

The Chairman of the Commission, Bashorun Akinwale Solomon Akinwole, made this known at the Commission’s Secretariat in Ibadan as batches of promotion letters were dispatched to deserving officers across the 33 Local Government Areas and 35 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.

According to him, the release of the promotion letters — which commenced about two weeks ago — follows the approval of Governor Seyi Makinde, underscoring the administration’s commitment to timely promotion of public servants.

“With the completion of the 2023/2024 promotion exercise, all local government staff will henceforth earn their promotions as and when due,” Akinwole assured.

Commending Governor Makinde for the milestone, the Commission Chairman disclosed that over 10,000 eligible staff have benefited from multiple promotions under the current administration in the past six years. He noted that the consistent promotion policy has completely eliminated the embarrassing practice of inviting retired staff for promotion interviews to resolve outstanding entitlements.

Describing the development as a landmark achievement in the history of the state civil service, Bashorun Akinwole urged all local government employees to reciprocate the government’s gesture with renewed dedication and alignment with the goals of the Makinde-led administration

The Chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Service Commission (OYSLGSC), Bashorun Akinwale Solomon Akinwole, has pledged the Commission’s full support and collaboration with the Oyo State Technical Committee on Engineering Regulations and Monitoring (ERM) to ensure engineering standards are upheld across all 68 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the State.

The assurance was given on Tuesday when the ERM Committee, led by its Chairman, Engr. Olayinka Alli, paid a courtesy visit to the Commission. During the visit, the committee sought the support of the Commission in achieving its regulatory mandate, particularly in monitoring engineering practices and preventing structural failures that may endanger lives and properties at the grassroots level.

In his remarks, Bashorun Akinwole commended the Committee for its proactive efforts and emphasized the critical importance of regulating engineering practices to safeguard public infrastructure and human lives.

“We are fully prepared to collaborate with your committee to ensure safety and compliance with engineering standards across our LGs and LCDAs. Your mandate is vital in preventing engineering-related disasters that could cost lives and destroy property,” he said.

To further solidify the partnership, the OYSLGSC Chairman immediately announced the constitution of a liaison committee within the Commission. The committee will work closely with the Technical Committee to facilitate seamless enforcement of engineering regulations across the State’s Local Government areas.

Present at the meeting were Alhaji Yusuf Ali, Full-Time Commissioner I; Alhaji Taiwo Akeem Oke, Full-Time Commissioner II; Mrs. Christiana Nike Arewa, and the Permanent Secretary of the Commission, Deacon Taiwo Olafimihan Adewale.

The move signals a renewed commitment to safe and regulated engineering practices at the grassroots level, in line with the State Government’s broader agenda for infrastructure development and public safety.

The Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Local Government Service Commission, Deacon Taiwo Adewale has declared that the deployment of newly appointed Seven Permanent Secretaries from  Local Government Service as  Zonal Local Government Administrators was part of Governor Makinde’s development  agenda to redefine the local government service and reposition local government administration for optimum service delivery.

He made the declaration  on Friday at a meeting held with  the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries and the Heads of Local Government Administration of the  33 Local Governments of Oyo State at the Local Government House, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Deacon Adewale stated that the novel  idea of Zonal Local Government Administrators will no doubt bring about positive change that would strengthen  the local government service. He, therefore, solicited mutual cooperation that would promote harmonious working relationship and promised that the operational guidelines for the Zonal Local Government Administrators would soon be released for the smooth running of their respective Zones.

He equally seek  the support of the Heads of Local Government Administration  to facilitate the  logistics needs for the immediate take off of the Zonal Offices.

While congratulating the new Zonal Local Government Administrators, the Permanent Secretary applauded His Excellency, Engr Seyi Makinde for the unprecedented appointment of twelve Permanent Secretaries from the Local Government Service and appreciated the significant feats recorded in the local  government service, in the past five years of the  administration.

He reiterated His Excellency’s charge on the need for the Permanent Secretaries to demonstrate exemplary leadership by discharging their duties diligently for the sustainable development of the grassroots.

“We have no excuse to  fail this administration, the various welfare packages under this administration have benefited all, even, with  these appointments, window of opportunities for elevations will be opened to many very soon” PS assured

Deacon Adewale said further that the year 2025 would be a year of elevations for all cadres in the service, assuring that no civil or public servant would be left out.

He explained that all workers, in one form or the other would benefit,  from Governor Makinde’s magnanimous  implementation of the N80,000 new minimum wage which commences in January and the approval of Years 2023/24 promotion exercise.

As the Permanent Secretary concluded his remarks, the Conference could not hide their excitement over these significant feats as they rose spontaneously to applaud  Governor Makinde led administration for raising the bar of the service.

In his response, the Chairman, Conference of Heads of Local Government Administration, Mr Akeem Olatunji, expressed  profound gratitude to His Excellency for his consistent approval of good incentives  for serving and retired Heads of Local Government Administration and also for having considered great number of the members of the Conference worthy of appointment as Permanent Secretaries. He assured that diligent and excellent service delivery will continue to be the watchwords of the members of the Conference of HLGA.

It would be recall that the 33 Local Governments in  Oyo State were grouped  into  seven Zones recently, and newly appointed Permanent Secretaries were deployed to  each zone as  Local Government Administrator/PS. The  Zones include:

IBADAN ZONE 1 comprising; Ibadan South East, Ibadan South West, Ibadan North West, Ibadan North East & Ibadan North LGs– LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATOR/PS Pastor Adeola Oduola.

IBADAN ZONE 2 comprising; Akinyele, Egbeda, Lagelu, Ido Oluyole &  Ona-Ara LGs, LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATOR/PS Mr Akinwale Olufemi

IBARAPA ZONE– comprising; Ibarapa East, Ibarapa North & Ibarapa Central  LGs, LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATOR/PS Dr. Amusat Kalifat Adefunke

OYO ZONE: Comprising; Oyo East, Oyo West, Afijio & Atiba LGs: LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATOR/PS Alhaji Amusat Busari Adekunle

OGBOMOSO ZONE: Comprising; Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South, Ogo- Oluwa, Oriire & Surulere LGs, LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATOR/PS Mr Oguntona, Thomas Oladele

OKE-OGUN ZONE 1: Comprising; Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Kajola & Iwajowa LGs, LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATOR/PS Dr. Atoyebi Adedapo Olumuyiwa

OKE – OGUN II: comprising; Saki West, Saki East, Oreloope, Olorunsogo & Irepo LGs LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATOR/PS Mr Bangbose Olarewaju Ajani.