The Comptroller of Immigration for Oyo State, Comptroller A.D. Jimoh, has praised local government employees for their contributions to the development of the state and the nation, urging for a more robust working relationship between his command and local government authorities.
In a statement issued by Ramat Alade, Head of the Information Unit at Ibadan Northwest Local Government, Onireke, Comptroller Jimoh lauded the dedication and efficiency of local government workers. His remarks came during a visit to the Executive Chairman of Ibadan Northwest Local Government, Alhaji AbdulRahman Olanrewaju Adepoju, on Tuesday in Ibadan.
He dispelled the misconception that local government employees are unqualified, emphasizing their critical role in the administration of the state.
“It is erroneous to label local government workers as incompetent or illiterate. They are the backbone of our administrative system. All top officials and career officers in ministries or parastatals have passed through local government service at one point. The local government is the closest administrative unit to the grassroots, and any effective grassroots impact relies heavily on their involvement,” Jimoh stated.
The Comptroller highlighted the purpose of his tour across local governments in Oyo State, explaining that fostering harmonious relationships with grassroots workers is essential for the success of immigration services. His visit to Ibadan North West was part of a broader effort to familiarize himself with key stakeholders and strategize on how to maintain a productive working relationship between the Immigration Command and the Local Government.
As a native of Oyo State, Comptroller Jimoh reiterated his commitment to reforms that will enhance the immigration services within the state. He also noted the importance of collaboration with the local government to address challenges such as passport issuance, child trafficking, and security concerns in the area.
In his response, Alhaji Adepoju welcomed the Comptroller and expressed his administration’s readiness to work closely with the Immigration Command. Despite limited resources, the Chairman affirmed that his administration has created a conducive working environment for security agencies, including the immigration service, to function efficiently.
Adepoju further urged the Comptroller not to relent in efforts to tighten security and curb illegal immigration within the local government and the state at large. He assured the Comptroller of full cooperation in achieving these objectives.
Earlier, Mrs. Rachael Olabode, the Head of Local Government Administration, commended the Comptroller’s initiative to visit the local government. She emphasized that the visit would foster stronger ties between the Immigration Command and local authorities.
Also present at the meeting were Hon. Gbemileke Nelson, Leader of the House; Hon. Kazeem Fantola, Chief of Staff; Mrs. Folashade Olanrewaju, Director of Administration and General Services; Sanitarian Folashade Akande, Director of Environment; Mr. Mudasiru Adedeji, Internal Auditor; Mr. Abdul, Establishment Officer; and Mr. M.A. Makinde, Deputy Director of Agriculture.
The visit is expected to strengthen coordination between the immigration office and the local government, enhancing both security and service delivery within the area.
