Benin City, Edo State – Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has announced that the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, allocated over N8 billion to the state’s 18 Local Government Councils in December alone. This significant increase in funding marks a notable shift from the previous allocations, with the councils receiving over N6.5 billion monthly from January to September 2024, and now exceeding N8 billion monthly from October to December.
In total, the Local Government Councils have amassed over N83 billion in allocations over the past year, according to the State Accountant-General’s office.
Governor Okpebholo made these statements during a courtesy visit from Hon. Alabi Bliss Oshionogue, the Acting Chairman of Akoko-Edo Local Government, along with councilors and party leaders. He commended President Tinubu for his efforts to enhance grassroots development but expressed concern over the management of these funds by elected officials.
“Before Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, Edo State was receiving N3.5 billion monthly as Local Government allocation, but today, Local Governments in Edo State are receiving over N8 billion monthly. This is not State allocation,” Okpebholo stated.
He criticized the performance of the current local government chairmen, noting that despite their year-long tenure, they have not demonstrated effective use of the increased resources. “These Chairmen had the boldness to remove N800 million monthly from Local Government accounts while our schools suffered without good classrooms, teachers, and other infrastructure,” he remarked.
The governor emphasized the need for accountability and commitment to development, asserting that his administration will work closely with local government officials to ensure that the benefits of increased funding reach the grassroots. “We are here to correct the wrongs as Edo State must move forward, and no individual will draw us back. My administration is set and ready to cooperate with you, provided you work in line with Mr. President’s plan for Local Government Councils by ensuring development gets to the grassroots,” he added.
Looking ahead, Governor Okpebholo highlighted plans for significant investments in agriculture and reiterated the administration’s commitment to collaborating with local governments to drive progress. He concluded by reaffirming President Tinubu’s dedication to ensuring that the dividends of democracy and good governance are felt at the community level.
Efforts to reach Hon. Newman Ugiagbe, Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), for comment went unanswered, as his phone was switched off. His Vice, Hon. Tajudeen Alade, also did not respond to inquiries.
