To bring the people closer, the Oyo State Government says it will begin quarterly town hall meetings with members of the public to convey its plans, policies, efforts and actions, and get feedback.
Alhaji Olalekan Alli, the Secretary to the State Government, disclosed the plan in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday in Ibadan.
Alli said that the new policy, which would entail regular dialogue, was adopted to address the various challenges in the state.
The SSG said that the state governor would hold a formal town hall meeting with members of the public and the media once in a quarter.
“The government is optimistic that the new measure will bring the people closer to the government.
“It will also serve as a veritable platform to obtain first hand feedbacks to smoothen the relationship between the government and the governed,” he said.
Alli said that all local government chairmen and heads of local government administration had also been directed to follow suit.
He said that they would engage the citizenry in town hall meetings on quarterly basis.
Alli said that such regular conversation with the people would forestall misinformation, misunderstanding and mischief capable of heating up the polity.
“As a matter of policy, there will be public engagements with focus on issues such as security of lives and property, social and infrastructural services, including health, water supply, roads, energy, education and the environment.
“The discourse will also centre on the economy/finance, including internally generated revenue, salaries and pension of workers as well as the welfare of the citizenry.
“All heads of ministries, departments and agencies, including commissioners and permanent secretaries have been directed to hold monthly briefing and interactive session with their respective members of staff,” he said.
The SSG enjoined all stakeholders to take advantage of the process by making meaningful contributions that would assist the government to undertake life-enhancing programmes for the citizenry. (NAN)
