Details

where the representative of the LGA in the State House of Assembly, Honourable Omotola Peter Banjo, the Deputy Speaker of Ogun State Assembly presented himself to the people.

Over 120 constituents attended this town hall meeting among who were 2 kings, and 15 traditional chiefs. Others were market men and women association, religious leaders, teachers, civil servants, artisans, students, youths, and many other constituents who are politically active.

At the town hall meeting, Honourable Banjo highlighted his activities in the parliament since he was elected. He mentioned his contributions in such sectors as road construction and rehabilitation, agriculture, education, employment and primary health services.

One of the issues raised by a participant is the heavy and multiple taxations suffered by the business men in the area, especially the wood plank sellers. They wished that the deputy speaker take their case to the executive governor on their behalf.

Another participant wished to know the efforts the House is making towards making the local government authorities autonomous, as their dependence on the state government is not bringing enough development to the people, whereas another participant was of a contrary opinion. The representative of the community development association was of the opinion that if the local government authorities were granted autonomy, the salaries of workers may be delayed.

In his reply, Hon. Peter Banjo, mentioned that the State Assembly is aware of the multiple taxations and has legislated to reduce it. That autonomy for local government authorities was not the problem, but the dwindling allocations from the federal government.

Another participant, who was a retired teacher, wanted the welfare of all retirees in the state to be taken seriously. For instance, all outstanding gratuities be paid on, and the pension upgraded to the level promised by the President. Hon. Peter Banjo replied him by explaining that the backlog of gratuities from the previous administrations had to be treated first, and the recent minimum wage increase has put another burden on the current administration.

The residents of J4 farm settlement registered their dissatisfaction, and called the attention of their representative to promises made by the executive governor, when he visited last. They handed a letter to the Member to submit to the governor on their behalf.

The town hall meeting ended in a friendly atmosphere as it began.