Osun ties rural development to creation of more councils

TO facilitate the transformation of the rural areas, the Federal Government and the National Assembly have been urged to encourage states to create more local councils.

The charge was made by the Osun State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Wale Afolabi, who said since 70 per cent of Nigerians live in the rural areas, the provision of infrastructure at the grassroots should be given priority.

Afolabi told journalists in Osogbo, Osun State capital, that the pace of the nation’s development was too slow and urged public officers to address the issue in the interest of the people

The commissioner said Nigeria should learn from the United States (U.S.) development model, which is driven by the activities of mayoral councils and community cell groups to bring development closer to the people.

He said the current transformation of Lagos State by Governor Babatunde Fashola could be attributed to the creation of area councils or offices in the state, which he said, had helped in delivering democratic dividend to the people.

Meanwhile, Osun State government has installed a law gallery in the Ministry of Justice and linked it directly to Internet to enhance easy administration of justice.

Afolabi, who disclosed this, said the law gallery with up-to-date data bank on Court of Appeal and Supreme Court cases, as well as on bills or laws passed by the National Assembly, is aimed at ensuring accessibility and reference to law officials on all matters.