By Giwa SHILE
The Chairman, Epe Local Government Area, Mr Adedoyin Adesanya, on Monday said his administration was committed to boosting the local economy and increasing the council’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) through tourism promotion.
Adesanya said in Epe commemoration of Nigeria’s 58th Independence Anniversary that his administration would not focus only on taxes and levies but on programmes that could engender sustainable development.
He said that his administration would tap into the tourism, arts and culture potential of Epe to drive local investment and generate income for the council.
According to him, his administration intends to partner some companies and agencies including FADAMA to provide outboard engines for artisanal fishermen in the rural communities.
“The plan is to set up a small scale feed mill to empower commercial fish farmers in the community (Epe).
“We also intend to setup automated cassava processing units in different parts of the community to support trade and businesses to boost the local economy,’’ Adesanya said.
He expressed worry with the poor federal allocation to the local government saying it was limiting its ability to carry out more people-oriented responsibilities.
The council chairman called for a review of the revenue sharing formula between the tiers of government in favour of local councils because they were closer to the people.
He said that since assumption of office his administration had improved the school system by investing in educational materials and renovation of school facilities,.
Adesanya said that it had also invested in healthcare and maternity homes, adequate security and security welfare, social welfare, workers welfare and infrastructure development.
He said his administration would renovate the local government staff quarters, invest more in infrastructure that could ease the stress of workers and community members.
The council chairman commended the Gov. Akinwumi Ambode-led state government for a cordial developmental relationship with the council.
Adesanya also prayed for peaceful coexistence in the country especially among the political class.
