The Forum of Heads of Local Government Administration in Nigeria (FOHOLGAN) has commenced its 5th annual delegate conference in Abuja, presenting awards to outstanding state governors and local government chairmen, including the Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Hon Christopher Zakka Maikalangu.
Speaking Tuesday, during the second day of the 3-day conference, with the theme “sustaining professionalism in local government administration in Nigeria”, the outgoing President of FOHOLGAN, Alhaji Abdulrahman Marafa, said, despite achieving a lot during his three-year tenure, the major challenge faced by the Forum was bringing all the states of the federation on board as active members in all programs.
He said: “I served successfully in my three years tenure through the support of my members. During my tenure, with cooperation of my executives and members, we were to achieve the establishment of strong synergy with other organisations and fora such as the Association of Chairmen of Local Government Service Commission, ALGON, NULGE, etc, involvement and participation in policy drafting conferences and seminars.
“We collaborated with state governors to grant heads of Local Government Service Commission Permanent Secretary status as applicable at the state level, catered for welfare of members by attending event and giving financial support.
“The major challenge faced by the Forum was bringing all the states of the federation on board as active members in all programs. I believe my successor will endeavour to work on that. To my incoming Executive members that will be elected today, my advice is to be committed to the mission and vision of the Forum through dedication and hard work.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of Ondo State Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Femi Idris, who is also the Chairman, Association of Local Government Service Commission Chairmen in Nigeria, said there is need for more states to open up and join the association for national development.
He said the conference is about capacity building, saying the participants should be able to contribute meaningfully to the progress of the association and local government administration in their different states.
While receiving his award, the Chairman of AMAC, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, who was represented by his vice, Nasiru Usman, said the award was a testament to his determination to continue providing dividends of democracy to AMAC residents.
