Obafemi-Owode LG: Engr. Mrs. Olanike Olawunmi Ogunbona Leads Official Screening Exercise for Local Government Staff

By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo 

Obafemi Owode, December 9, 2023** – The Permanent Secretary of the Local Government Service Commission, Engr. Mrs. Olanike Olawunmi Ogunbona, FNSE, made a significant visit to the Obafemi Owode Local Government today as part of the official screening exercise for staff across 20 local governments in the state. Accompanied by several Directors from the Commission, the visit underscored the commitment of the Local Government Service Commission to enhance service delivery within the local government structure.

Upon arrival, Engr. Ogunbona was warmly welcomed by the Executive Chairman of Obafemi Owode Local Government, Ambassador Ogunsola Lanrewaju Adesina alongside Mrs. Olufunke Adeniji, the Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA). The welcoming committee reflected the importance of the screening exercise, which aims to assess and improve the efficiency of local government staff.

In her address, Engr. Ogunbona emphasized the need for a transparent and thorough screening process, which she described as a vital step towards fostering accountability and professionalism within the local government sector.

 “Our goal is to ensure that every staff member is positioned correctly to deliver optimal service to the community,” she stated. “This exercise is not just a formality; it is a necessary measure to ensure that our local governments are staffed with capable and dedicated individuals.”

The screening exercise, which encompasses over 20 local governments, is part of a broader initiative to enhance the capabilities of local government staff and align their roles with the current demands of governance. Engr. Ogunbona highlighted the importance of continuous professional development and training, noting that the local government is often the first point of contact for citizens seeking assistance and services.

During the visit, Ms. Adeniji expressed her support for the screening initiative, noting that it would provide an opportunity for staff to showcase their skills and commitment to public service. “We are excited about this exercise as it will not only help in identifying areas for improvement but also in recognizing the hard work of our dedicated staff,” she remarked.

The screening exercise will involve assessments, interviews, and evaluations of staff performance, with the aim of ensuring that personnel are well-equipped to meet the challenges of their roles. The initiative has been met with enthusiasm from local government staff, many of whom are eager to demonstrate their capabilities and contribute to the betterment of their communities.

As the day progressed, Engr. Ogunbona and her team engaged in discussions with local government officials, addressing concerns and outlining future plans for enhancing local governance. The visit concluded with a commitment to ongoing collaboration between the Local Government Service Commission and local government authorities, ensuring that the needs of the communities are met effectively.

The screening exercise represents a crucial step in the ongoing efforts to strengthen local governance and improve service delivery across the state, with Engr. Ogunbona at the forefront of this transformative initiative. The Local Government Service Commission remains dedicated to fostering a capable and efficient local government workforce for the benefit of all citizens.