Council boss takes office to roadside, engages residents on policies

In a strategic move to bring governance closer to the grassroots and deliver services timely to the people, the chairman of Agege Local Council of Lagos State, Ganiyu Egunjobi, at the weekend, performed his official duties from a makeshift structure at Ogeretedo Street, Dopemu, Agege.

Addressing newsmen under the canopy erected by the roadside, Egunjobi said he relocates his office to the street once monthly to feel the pulse of the people and attend swiftly to their needs. The move, which is in consonance with his ‘outdoor office’ initiative, elicited remarks from residents of Agege Ward B.

The action, according to inhabitants of the area, became novel at a time when some political office holders were being mobbed for alleged negligence to the people’s needs.

On the exercise that lasted between 8:00a.m. and 4:00p.m., Egunjobi noted: “It was informed by the need to reform local government administration, focus on the people’s needs and take strategic decisions that would attract development to the area.

“When I assumed office, given my background as a sociologist and manager, I knew it was essential I started strong. So, the first few days offered me the opportunity to build credibility with my new team. I was also cognisant of the fact that security of job is key to success. So, I found a way of eliminating disengament fears from the minds of my staff. That was why I abandoned my office on assumption to be in their midst at the front office.”

Asked why a public office holder dared the risks to be in the open, the council boss submitted: “I grew up in Isale-Oja, one of the trouble spots in Agege. So, I am one of them. I know what resonates with them. The essence is to build public trust. It is a programme we do once every month in each of our seven wards.”