ONDO SPEAKER CHARGES LAWMAKERS ON GOOD GOVERNANCE, OVERSIGHT AT 2ND LEGISLATIVE ANNIVERSARY TRAINING
Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, has urged members of the 10th Assembly to remain committed to strengthening legislative oversight and upholding good governance in the state.
Speaking at the opening of the Assembly’s 2nd Anniversary Training held in Ibadan, Oyo State, in collaboration with Meedben Resources Nigeria Ltd., Oladiji praised lawmakers for their dedication to their constituents and charged them to consolidate on their achievements through meaningful legislation and effective oversight.
With the theme “Strengthening Legislative Oversight and Governance in Ondo State,” the event was aimed at equipping legislators with tools to enhance their roles in governance and representation.
Oladiji highlighted key milestones of the Assembly in the past two years, including the passage of several bills, active committee engagements, and intervention in crises across the state. He noted that the House had summoned some ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to ensure accountability, adding that staff welfare has also improved with salary increases for casual and support staff.
“This training is not just a celebration, but a reaffirmation of our commitment to the people,” the Speaker said. He commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his financial support and called for continued cooperation between the legislature and the executive to move the state forward.
Delivering a keynote lecture titled “Legislative Duties: A Social Contract with the Ondo People,” Mr. Benjamin Ekeyi, Lead Consultant at Meedben Resources, emphasized the importance of transparency, accessibility, and responsible governance. He warned lawmakers against pitfalls such as conflict of interest, poor record keeping, and lack of inclusivity, urging them to listen actively, legislate meaningfully, and oversee boldly.
Another speaker, Dr. Francis Amenaghawon, a senior lecturer at the University of Ibadan, in his lecture “Engaging the Executive: Best Practices for Legislative-Executive Collaboration,” stressed the need for synergy between the two arms of government to deliver on constitutional mandates.
Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Olatunji Oshati (Ose Constituency), urged members to reflect on the training and apply their knowledge to attract development to their constituencies. Similarly, former Majority Leader and member representing Owo Constituency I, Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, advocated continuous capacity building for lawmakers.
Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Raymond Daodu (Akoko South-West I), emphasized the need for stronger ties with the executive and appealed for greater government support to enable legislators perform effectively.
Clerk of the House, Barr. Benjamin Jaiyeola, in his welcome address, commended the legislators for their dedication to service, describing the training as a moment for reflection, learning, and rededication to the people.
The training concluded with the presentation of certificates to participants, marking another milestone in the journey of the 10th Ondo State House of Assembly toward effective governance and representation.
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