In his determination to the promotion of the Mission and Vision of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), the National President Hon. (Engr.) Bello Lawal has again reaffirmed his administration's determination to supporting Local Governments and Area Councils alongside its member constituents with overall objectives of fostering a strong partnership and service delivery.

Following the 65TH NATIONAL COUNCIL ON HEALTH BORNO STATE PROGRAMME with the Theme: Accelerating Pathway to Universal Health Coverage strategies to 2030 Success".

Hon. Bello assured that all issues concerning rural development through capacity strengthening programmes as it affects the health sector will be prioritized under his watch with his Exco, he said that in similar manner the National Secretariat has just concluded with a Nigerian based United State Government programme experts-the Management Sciences for Health (MSH) which is with a view of closing health gaps and moving rural development in the sector forward.

Addressing some group of Local government leaders in Maiduguri the Borno state capital, he appealed for collaborations and sustainability of it's plans and programmes.

Earlier, the Honourable Minister for Health Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate who was a Special Guest at the event on behalf of the Federal Government, called for collective action to address healthcare challenges, especially women’s and children’s issues.

The Health Minister made the call during the event on Thursday.

He further stressed the need for collaboration across all sectors, including government, healthcare providers and civil society organisations, “to tackle systemic barriers in healthcare, particularly in maternal health.”

He shared a personal account of a pregnant woman suffering from eclampsia, highlighting the risks faced by many Nigerians due to a lack of access to essential healthcare services.

Eclampsia is a rare but serious condition that occurs in the second half of pregnancy, causing seizures, high blood pressure, headaches, and blurry vision and convulsions, which usually occur in pregnant women with preeclampsia.

“We must act with urgency,” the minister declared, urging national effort to address the root causes of preventable deaths, particularly among women and children.

He called for a unified approach across federal, state and local levels, stressing the importance of the National Health Act, which aims to provide universal access to healthcare services.

Both stakeholders agreed on the need for improved healthcare infrastructure, especially in rural areas, where limited access to services and resources remained significant challenges.

He added, “It is not just about building more hospitals or clinics, but ensuring healthcare workers are trained, supported and equipped to deliver the best care.”

Appeal was also extended to private sector to contribute to the national health agenda, thereby aligning with government efforts to improve healthcare outcomes.

The visit provided ample opportunity for ALGON leadership to engage and interface together with key stakeholders in Borno.

The event ended on a positive note, with both parties expressing optimism for a stronger relationship and greater support for delivering on the huge expectations of the people brought to the fore by the Autonomy Judgement.

In attendance were some members of the National Executive Council - the National Welfare Officer Hon. (Dr.) Aminu Jauro Hassan, the Acting Director General Barr. Mrs. Evan Enekwe, the Technical Adviser to the National President, Hon. Shehu Jega, members of the State Government delegation and Local Government Council Chairmen in the Area.

ALGON National President Hon. (Engr.) Bello Lawal receives in the audience a delegation of Management Sciences for Health (MSH) led by its Cluster Lead on Institutional Organizational Strengthening Mrs. Nina A. Pruyn and Dr. Ben Nkechika alongside the Country Representative of (MSH), Mr. Dozie Ezechukwu and Mr. Gabriel Thompson, Senior Regional Accountant - Global Service Unit - FAO - MSH alongside Ag. Director General Barr. (Mrs.) Evan Enekwe with Directors and other Principal officers in a high-level meeting on Capacity Strengthening for the Local Governments and Councils in Nigeria for health and economic development.

ENGR. KAYODE ADEGBAYO APPOINTED SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF ALGON ON PROGRAMMES: A STEP TOWARDS STRENGTHENING LOCAL GOVERNMENT SYSTEMS.

In a move aimed at revamping and rebranding the Local Government System in Nigeria, Engr. Kayode Adegbayo has been appointed as Special Assistant to the National President of ALGON on Programmes.

This appointment comes at a crucial time when the recent Supreme Court judgement has granted financial autonomy to the third tier of government, making it imperative for a more united, vibrant and committed ALGON.

With over 19 years of experience in advocating for the development of grassroots areas in Nigeria, Engr. Adegbayo is well-equipped to bring about positive change in the local government system. His efforts in promoting the welfare of the people at the grassroots level have not gone unnoticed, as he has consistently worked towards improving governance and ensuring the proper allocation of resources in local government areas.

Through initiatives such as the Nigerian Local Government Development Award and the Nigerian Local Government Development Summit, Engr. Adegbayo has been instrumental in fostering healthy competition among local government stakeholders and promoting international best practices in leadership and management. His dedication to the advancement of the local government system has earned him the trust and confidence of the National President and the entire leadership of ALGON.

“We need a working local government system to compliment the state and federal government to make Nigeria greater and better. We need the local government system that is strengthened and well empowered to guarantee a secured grassroots in Nigeria to allow agriculture and other socio-economic activities to thrive,” Engr. Kayode Adegbayo remarked.

With Engr. Adegbayo at the helm as Special Assistant on Programmes, there is no doubt that the local government system in Nigeria is set for a positive transformation.

His appointment signifies a step towards a more effective and efficient governance structure that will benefit the people at the grassroots level and contribute to the overall development of the nation.

THE PARTNERSHIP FOR AGILE GOVERNANCE AND CLIMATE ENGAGEMENT (PACE) - A UK INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria ALGON has played host to The Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE), a United Kingdom International Development Agency.

Receiving in audience the delegation of the Agency led by Mr. Chinedu Eze, the Ag. Director-General of ALGON Barr. (Mrs.) Evan Enekwe thanked the delegation for their interest in the development of the Local Governments in Nigeria.

The meeting is looking at effective mobilization of the rural populace and sensitization aimed at resolving Nigeria's climate and governance challenges that are affecting the poorest set of constituents who are most vulnerable.

It is important to create avenues to monitor and hold all stakeholders accountable to achieve the climate change objectives.

The meeting had in attendance Salawu Nuhu Ozigi (FCA), Chief Dimeji Lamuren, Alhaji Lawal Ibrahim, Tony Enoh, the PACE team had Ms Adele Ogechi and Edwin Omoja with all parties agreeing to work in unison to achieve the desired outcome.

Hon. (Engr.) Bello Lawal has officially assumed office as the National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).

He arrived the at National Secretariat of ALGON in Abuja today, accompanied by his National Executive Council members and other stakeholders of the Association.

He was warmly received by the Deputy National President, Hon. (Chief) Moses O. Nomeh and other top management staff of the Association in Abuja. 

Hon. (Engr.) Bello Lawal takes over from Hon. Aminu Mu'azu Maifata, whose tenure expired on October 8 as the 12th National President of ALGON.

Hon. (Engr.) Bello Lawal has been elected as the new National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).

He takes over from Hon. Aminu Mu'azu Maifata, whose tenure expired October 8, 2024.

Hon. (Engr.) Bello Lawal is the current Chairman of Kaita Local Government and Katsina State chairman of ALGON.

He was elected alongside other members at ALGON's National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Lafia, Nasarawa State capital.

...ALGON NATIONAL PRESIDENT HON. AMINU MU'AZU MAIFATA CALLS FOR CALM, MORE PATIENCE, DISTANCES ALGON.

The National President of ALGON, Hon. Aminu Mu'azu Maifata, has called for calm and restraint among Nigerians, particularly at the grassroots level, in response to planned protests. He warned that the protests may be hijacked by those with ulterior motives, harming the country's stability.

Maifata appealed to youths to reconsider participating in the protests, urging them to avoid being used by detractors. He emphasized the importance of patience, asking them to give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration time to implement its policies and produce tangible results.

The ALGON President rallied support from community leaders, Muslim leaders, and churches to advise their followers on the potential consequences of the protests getting out of control. He expressed hope in the current government's interest in local governments and called for patience.

Maifata highlighted the efforts of local government chairmen in improving their communities and appealed for massive sensitization on the dangers of the protests. He emphasized the need for prayers to encourage local government leaders to deliver on their mandate with the cooperation of state governors.

The ALGON President pledged that, things will get better soon, urging calm and restraint in the face of provocation. He distanced ALGON from joining the planned protests, emphasizing the association's commitment to peaceful and constructive engagement.

Abuja, Nigeria - The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and the World Bank has held a landmark meeting to discuss the transformative impact of local government autonomy on Primary Healthcare (PHC) services in Nigeria.

Led by ALGON National President, Hon. Aminu Mu'azu Maifata, the meeting brought together key stakeholders to explore innovative solutions for strengthening PHC services in local communities.

"The autonomy granted to local government by the Supreme Court a unique opportunity to revolutionize healthcare delivery in Nigeria," said Hon. Maifata. "We are committed to working with the World Bank to build capacity, improve infrastructure, and enhance the quality of PHC services."

The meeting marked the beginning of a collaborative effort to address the challenges and opportunities arising from local government autonomy. Both parties agreed to work together to ensure that PHC services are responsive to the needs of local communities.

With the World Bank's expertise and ALGON's grassroots presence, this partnership has the potential to transform the healthcare landscape in Nigeria. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting collaboration and in attendance were the Chief of Staff to the ALGON National President Hon. (Barr) Shehu Jega, Ag. DG Alhaji Salawu Ozigi, DFA ALGON, the World Bank Team led by Dr. Ritgak Tilley-Gyado with Mr. Okunola, Dr. Okechukwu Udeh former Deputy Governor of Anambra State and Barr. Donald Ayibiowu, (both ALGON consultants).