The recent assessment visit of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, to the Oyo State Local Government Service Commission has triggered fresh political commentary, with the Wolekanle Youth Vanguard describing the institute’s observations as evidence of reforms it says deserve wider national application.
During the on-the-spot assessment, the NIPSS delegation reviewed administrative structures, digital processes, decentralised management and human-capacity development initiatives within the local government system.
The delegation, led by Prof. I.D. Choji, mni, reportedly commended several of the reforms observed in Oyo State, particularly the decentralisation of Permanent Secretary appointments across the seven local government zones, digitisation of administrative processes and continuous staff training.
Choji was also quoted as describing the structures at the Local Government House as exceptional, saying the facilities were “massive” and that the developments observed were an indication that “things are working in Oyo State.”
Reacting to the assessment, the Wolekanle Youth Vanguard said the significance of the visit lies in the fact that NIPSS did not merely receive reports about the reforms but undertook an assessment of the structures and processes on ground.
“NIPSS came, looked closely at what is happening and recognised the difference.”
The group said the development further highlights what it described as the importance of purposeful leadership, institutional strengthening and competent management in public administration.
It particularly cited the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde and the role of the Chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Service Commission, Bashorun Akinwale Solomon Akinwole (Wolekanle), in the ongoing transformation of the local government system.
The Commission has, in recent months, also undertaken statewide staff auditing and verification across the 33 local government areas, with the exercise officially described as an effort to strengthen records management and ensure proper staffing rather than downsize the workforce.
Against this backdrop, the Wolekanle Youth Vanguard posed a broader political question: if the reforms being witnessed in Oyo can attract national institutional attention, can the experience be taken to the federal level?
The group therefore declared its support for the campaign message of “Reset Nigeria”, arguing that Makinde’s experience in Oyo should inform the national conversation.
“If NIPSS can come to Oyo and see what Makinde is doing, why should Nigeria not be given the opportunity to experience it?”
The group also reaffirmed its political alignment in Oyo State, declaring support for Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi and the APM, while identifying “Cassava” as its symbol.
“From Oyo to Nigeria, we stand with progress, competence and leadership that we have seen at work.”
The Wolekanle Youth Vanguard subsequently declared:
“Seyi Makinde for President. Reset Nigeria.”
It also expressed support for Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi for Governor of Oyo State, concluding with its declaration that “Omituntun 3.0 is a done deal in Oyo State.”
The group said its position is anchored on what it described as “supporting the progress we know.”
