Chairman of Offa local Government Area of Kwara State, Prince Saheed Popoola, has called for the amendment of the 1999 Constitution to ensure fiscal autonomy of local government councils in the country.

Popoola who is the only opposition, Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, chairman in the state, said local governments should be empowered to have  direct access to the monthly allocations from the Federation Account as a way of hastening rapid developments at the grass roots.

He however, urged local government chairmen to look inwards for creative ideas that could help them generate more funds for their councils instead of always waiting for allocations from the Federal Government.

He spoke while receiving an award as "Best Local Government Chairman in Good Governance in Nigeria" by the "Centre for Democratic Governance in Africa" at Offa weekend.

Popoola regretted that over the years, the amount allocated to local governments in the country never  got to them

Adding that serious attempt should be made to address the situation.
"If there is autonomy in the local governments in Nigeria, it would be in the interest of development at the grassroots.

Over the years there has not been the expected development because of the absence of autonomy." Of particular mention is the fact that the amount announced against the respective councils during the monthly allocations do not get to them.

"The National Assembly and other stakeholders should please address this trend in the interest of the down-trodden masses, " he added.

On the award, Popoola said that he rejected several awards, pointing out however that the orgainsers of the one being aqwarded him took him by surprise.

The chairman then dedicated the award to both the staff of the local government for their support and understanding, the ACN, and the people of the area for the extreme sacrifice they made to vote him and other members of the executives into office against all odds.

The Director General of Centre for Democratic Governance in Africa, Dr Dafe Akpocha told the audience that it was the first time the centre would give an award to a council chairman, saying that Popoola's own was different because of his exemplary leadership qualities.

According to Akpocha, the award was to identify with the good leadership qualities of Prince Popoola so as to encourage him to work harder.