Indigene of Osun State, through various groups and civil society organizations who spoke with our correspondents across the state are keen on ensuring that local government funds are used transparently and effectively for community development, regardless of the political affiliations of those in power.

The issue of local government funds utilization in Osun State is currently a complex and highly contentious matter, marked by political disputes and legal battles.
Here’s a breakdown of the key agenda points being set by Osun State indigenes for APC Chairmen and councillors and indeed any local government leadership) regarding the utilization of local government funds. The respondents don’t want their names in print, fearing possible harassment from politicians and their supporters.
They demand that local government chairmen and councillors publicly disclose the exact amounts received monthly from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) and internally generated revenue from the state government.
They insist on the publication of detailed annual budgets, including proposed projects, their costs, and timelines, accessible to all citizens.of the respective local government areas.
They call for regular, possibly monthly or quarterly, reports on how funds are expended, with clear itemization and supporting documentation.
In addition, they advocate for the establishment of community-based monitoring committees involving traditional rulers, community leaders, and civil society representatives to oversee project execution and financial management.
They also emphasize the need for regular and independent audits of local government accounts, with findings made public.
some respondents urged local governments to conduct comprehensive needs assessments at the grassroots level, involving community members in identifying their most pressing developmental challenges.
They appealed to the chairmen to prioritize funding for essential infrastructure development such as construction and rehabilitation of rural and urban feeder roads, provision of boreholes, pipe-borne water, and water treatment facilities., renovation and equipping of primary healthcare centers, provision of essential medicines and personnel, renovation of dilapidated schools, provision of learning materials, and support for teachers.
On the economic empowerment, they urged the local government administrators to provide support for local markets and small businesses, drive agricultural initiatives to boost food security and create employment, provide vocational training and skill acquisition programs for youth and women.
While acknowledging the state’s oversight role, indigenes expect the local governments to have significant fiscal autonomy in project selection and implementation, free from undue interference that could hinder grassroots development.
They also encourage local governments to look inward and explore legitimate avenues for increasing their IGR to reduce over-reliance on federal allocations, and to ensure transparency in the collection and utilization of these internal revenues.Finally, they called for regular town hall meetings where chairmen and councillors can interact directly with their constituents, provide updates on projects, and receive feedback.