The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has concluded a 3-day South-South Local Governments Workshop in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.
The workshop which has the theme, “Strengthening Local Governance For Sustainable Development In The South-South Region”, took place between Monday 14 and Wednesday 16 April, 2025 at the Monty Suites Hotel.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Venatius Okafor who represented the Acting Director General of ALGON, said that the association has been at the forefront of the agitation for local government autonomy.
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“We are the true custodians of the constitutional renaissance that fought for local government autonomy.
The long suffocation of the executive arm is beginning to give way for administration of self-determination.
Autonomy is not merely the absence of control but the presence of competence, vision and institutional readiness. The power to act is meaningless without capacity to act right hence the theme of this workshop which is not only apt but timely.
“Autonomy is not a function but a force; it is not the end of struggle but the beginning of responsibility.
Are we the custodians of this new found autonomy ready to govern with vigilance, transparency, innovation and justice?” he queried.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Yakurr local government area and Chairman of Forum of Cross River State Local Government Chairmen, Hon. Yibala Inyang, said the workshop was part of efforts by ALGON to engage the entire chain of local government functionaries in a learning process that will boost their capacity and enrich their output.
“It is not only an opportunity for learning and growth but an opportunity to network,” he added.