Ogun LG Workers Urged to Embrace Digital Skills, Accountability as Service Week Highlights Future of Grassroots Governance

…Onabanjo, Saka seek improved productivity, professional development and technology-driven service delivery

As the demands of Public Service continue to evolve, Local Government workers in Ogun State have been urged to move beyond traditional administrative practices, acquire relevant digital skills and embrace innovation, accountability and continuous professional development to improve service delivery to residents.

The call was made at the 2026 Ogun State Local Government Service Week public lecture, where Government officials and stakeholders challenged the workforce to translate years of institutional experience into measurable improvements in grassroots governance.

The event, which began on Wednesday, November 11, and concludes on Thursday, November 12, 2026, is themed “From Experience to Excellence: Strengthening Service Delivery at the Grassroots.”

Delivering the keynote public lecture, the Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Local Government Service Commission, Dr. Bayo Ilawole, stressed that the effectiveness of Local Government administration depends largely on the competence, commitment and adaptability of its workforce.

He described Local Government as the closest tier of government to the people, noting that workers occupy a strategic position in ensuring that government policies translate into tangible benefits for communities.

According to him, the responsibilities of Local Government employees extend beyond routine office duties to include effective administration, community development, provision of essential services and building public confidence in governance.

Ilawole, however, observed that grassroots administration continues to face challenges, including inadequate funding, limited capacity development, weak accountability structures, political interference, corruption, infrastructural deficiencies and poor staff motivation.

He cautioned that years of experience in public service should not become an excuse for resisting change, insisting that modern governance requires workers who are willing to learn, innovate and adopt more efficient ways of performing their duties.

The guest lecturer identified visionary leadership, investment in human capital, prudent financial management, digital transformation, effective performance management and community participation as essential requirements for repositioning Local Government administration.

He also urged employees to make integrity, discipline, teamwork, creativity and respect for citizens the foundation of their professional conduct, stressing that the ultimate assessment of public service should be the positive impact it makes on the lives of ordinary people.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Ogun State Local Government Service Commission, Ms. Olivia Olubukunola Onabanjo, welcomed participants and described the Service Week as an important opportunity for workers to reflect on their responsibilities, exchange experiences and acquire knowledge that would improve their professional performance.

She encouraged participants to pay close attention to the discussions, expressing optimism that the programme would strengthen the capacity of the workforce and reposition the Local Government Service for greater efficiency and productivity.

In his goodwill message, the Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Iskeel Olanrewaju Saka, mni, who formally declared the lecture open, challenged Local Government employees to embrace technology-driven governance, continuous learning, mentorship and professional excellence.

Saka maintained that the proximity of Local Governments to the people places enormous responsibility on their workforce to respond effectively to the needs and expectations of residents.

He emphasised that the future of grassroots administration requires a competent, technology-literate and adaptable workforce capable of delivering services in line with contemporary administrative standards.

The Head of Service particularly advocated the automation of administrative processes, improved electronic records management and the adoption of data-driven decision-making across Local Government institutions.

He explained that embracing digital solutions would reduce administrative bottlenecks, improve transparency, strengthen accountability and enhance the speed and quality of service delivery.

For the thousands of residents who depend on Local Government institutions for essential services, the adoption of these reforms could translate into more efficient administrative processes, improved access to government services and greater responsiveness from public officials.

The Ogun State President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Adefesobi, represented by Comrade Fatai Akiode, commended the Local Government Service Commission for its sustained efforts towards improving workers’ welfare, professional development and career advancement.

He acknowledged the importance of initiatives that provide employees with opportunities to update their knowledge, share experiences and strengthen their capacity to meet the changing demands of public administration.

Similarly, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, HRM Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, represented by the Seriki of Owu Kingdom, Prof. Ajao Adelekan, praised the Commission for organising the programme.

He described the Service Week as a valuable platform for professional interaction, knowledge exchange and the promotion of effective grassroots governance.

A major highlight of the public lecture was a panel discussion involving retired Heads of Local Government Administration (HOLGAs), who examined the challenges confronting the system and explored practical ways of improving its operations.

The panellists emphasised the need for comprehensive digitalisation of Local Government activities, alongside innovative administrative approaches that would strengthen institutional efficiency, accountability and service delivery.

The gathering attracted government functionaries, traditional rulers, serving and retired public servants, as well as other stakeholders in the Local Government Service.

Those in attendance included Full-Time Commissioners of the Ogun State Local Government Service Commission; the Permanent Secretary of the Commission, Engr. Olanike Ogunbona, FNSE; Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Local Government Pensions, Engr. Olufisan Osiyale; and Permanent Secretaries in the Bureau of Service Matters.

Also present were Mr. Dipo Ogunfowora and Engr. Kehinde Akintomide of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment; HRM Oba H. R. Tayo, the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom; Directors of the Local Government Service Commission; Heads of Local Government Administration across the state; Directors, Heads of Departments and other prominent stakeholders.

As the 2026 Service Week draws to a close on Thursday, November 12, its central message remains the need to place workers’ capacity, professional ethics and institutional performance at the heart of grassroots development.

For Local Government employees, the challenge goes beyond attending lectures and participating in annual celebrations. It is about taking the lessons back to their respective councils, improving their daily responsibilities and ensuring that residents experience the benefits of a more efficient, accountable and responsive workforce.

Ultimately, the success of grassroots governance will not be measured only by government policies or administrative reforms, but by how effectively the men and women working within the Local Government system translate those policies into meaningful improvements in the lives of the people.

Global Mirror News reports that the 2026 Ogun State Local Government Service Week provides an opportunity for renewed commitment to building a professional, innovative and people-centred workforce capable of meeting the changing expectations of grassroots governance.