The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening local government administration to ensure the effective delivery of democratic dividends at the grassroots.

The Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, Hon. Abubakar Abdullahi, gave the assurance during an inspection tour of ongoing and completed projects in Patigi Local Government Area.

Speaking during the visit, the commissioner pledged continued state support and closer collaboration to enable local councils function effectively and meet their developmental mandates.

Hon. Abdullahi, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs Iyabo Modupe Adekeye, and other senior officials, commended the Patigi council chairman for prudent management of public funds and the execution of people-oriented projects.

He noted that the projects were designed to strengthen security, improve community welfare and boost internally generated revenue in the area.

Projects inspected included a proposed office complex for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Wodata community, a town hall in Lade community, renovation of the Gadaworo community clinic, and the construction of a police outpost in the same area.

Others were the construction of legislative quarters for councillors, a perimeter fence at the Patigi Police Station, and the procurement of a modern ferry to improve transportation across riverine communities and generate revenue for the council.

The commissioner expressed satisfaction with the quality and relevance of the projects, describing them as evidence of purposeful governance and alignment with the state’s vision for strong local governance.

In his remarks, the council chairman attributed the achievements of his administration to the autonomy granted to local governments by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, which he said had enabled councils to respond effectively to the needs of their people.

He also thanked residents for their support and cooperation, noting that their trust continued to guide the council’s development priorities.

The inspection tour also witnessed the defection of members of opposition parties to the ruling party in Godiwa community and surrounding areas, with defectors citing the impact of ongoing projects as their motivation.

Hon. Abdullahi urged the council leadership to sustain the momentum, assuring them of the ministry’s continued backing to advance grassroots development in Patigi.