Nigeria’s 2015 MDG targets won’t be achieved unless… – Don

By DAUD OLATUNJI, OLADEPO MICHAEL & EMMANUEL IBUWARISO ABEOKUTA— Professor Opeyemi Ajewole of University of Ibadan, Wednesday, predicted that Nigeria’s 2015 Millenium Development Goal targets will not be achieved unless state and local governments take their responsibilities proactively. The University Don however tasked the Chairmen of the 20 local government areas of Ogun State to strive in achieving the Millennium Development Goals, MDGs. Speaking as a resource person at the 3-day leadership workshop titled, “Enhancing Local Government Leadership in Ogun State,” jointly organised by the MDG office, Ken Nnamadi Centre for Leadership and Ogun State government in Abeokuta, Ajewole said local governments are closer to the grass roots in providing basic services which impact directly upon the MDGs. “The more local governments are able to target and develop the right interventions, the better will be the results on poverty reduction, health, sustainable development and education.” The role of local councils is very crucial to the attainment of the goals under Millennium Declaration”,he said.. The Special Adviser to the Ogun State governor on Millennium Development Goal, Mrs. Hafsat Abiola-Costello in her remarks advised the chairmen to be ready to take tough decisions that would engender development within the 20 council areas of the state. According to her , though, local government is facing some financial challenges but the current poor performance can be improved upon if the new leadership are ready to initiate developmental programmes. Meantime, the Chairman of Isagamu Local Government in Ogun state, Mrs Funmilayo Efuwape, has promised to curb down cultism both in Isagamu and Ogijo communities of Ogun state, noting that Isagamu is going back to full peace. Speaking with Vanguard in Ogun, the newly elected Chairlady of the Isagamu Local Government said during her tenure there will not be insecurity in the area, stressing that by providing good jobs, passing good orientation programs and engaging youths in physical and urban developmental projects, issues of security would have been well handled. http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/08/nigerias-2015-mdg-targets-wont-be-achieved-unless-don/