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Dare Applauds Tinubu’s LG Autonomy, Advocates PPPs to Fast-Track Grassroots Development

Published

3 months ago

July 16, 2026

Joel Ajayi

The Presidential Adviser on Public Communications, Chief Sunday Dare, has applauded President Bola Tinubu’s local government autonomy policy, describing it as a landmark governance reform, while urging local government councils to embrace Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as a vehicle for accelerating grassroots development.

Dare made the call on Wednesday while delivering a lecture at the Gazelle Media Annual Lecture in Lagos, where he emphasized that PPPs should be viewed not merely as financing mechanisms for major infrastructure projects, but as a governance model that fosters collaboration among government, businesses, civil society and local communities to deliver sustainable development.

According to him, the autonomy granted to local governments under the Tinubu administration is one of the most significant governance reforms in Nigeria’s democratic history, restoring the capacity of the nation’s 774 local government councils to plan, finance and execute development projects that directly impact the lives of citizens.

He stressed that financial autonomy must go beyond direct allocation of funds and result in greater transparency, stronger accountability, improved service delivery and deeper collaboration with the private sector and local communities.

“Only then will autonomy achieve its true purpose of improving the daily lives of Nigerians,” Dare stated.

He maintained that effective Public-Private Partnerships would help bridge funding gaps, improve project delivery, stimulate innovation, create employment opportunities and rebuild public confidence in governance through visible and measurable development outcomes.

While highlighting the enormous potential of PPPs, Dare identified weak institutional capacity, lack of transparency, policy inconsistency, public distrust and political discontinuity as major barriers limiting their effectiveness at the grassroots.

He therefore urged local government councils across the country to leverage PPPs to unlock investments, strengthen governance and accelerate community development.

Dare concluded that Nigeria’s greatest opportunity for national transformation lies beyond Abuja and the state capitals.

“Our greatest opportunity resides in our wards, our villages and our towns. That is where governance must be felt, and where prosperity must begin,” he said.

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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

11 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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