Former Osun State Governor and immediate past Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has called for a deeper understanding of federalism in Nigeria, emphasising that true federal systems operate with only two tiers of government: federal and state governments.
He argued that local governments cannot be considered a third tier of government within any federation.
Aregbesola made this assertion while delivering the keynote address at the 11th edition of the Teen Speakout event, themed “Empowering Local Governance: Is Autonomy the Key to Sustainable Development in Nigeria’s Rural Communities, or Are There Better Alternatives?”
The event, held at Osogbo Government High School on Tuesday, saw Aregbesola, represented by his spokesperson, Sola Fasure, address the structural challenges of governance in Nigeria.
According to Aregbesola, the ongoing debate about granting local governments autonomy must be understood within the framework of Nigeria’s federal system.
“If local governments were to be treated as a federating unit, there would be no need for state governments,” he said, explaining that federalism allows only two levels of governance: the central government and state governments.
He acknowledged, however, that the goal should be to administer local governments in a way that benefits grassroots development, regardless of their status in the federal structure.
READ: Oyetola’s Supporters Dragging Aregbesola To Get Appointment From Abuja – Fasure
Aregbesola highlighted reforms his administration introduced to make local governance more cost-effective, including the introduction of a parliamentary system to local governments in Osun State.
He noted that these reforms were aimed at reducing the financial burden of running local offices and ensuring that resources were directed toward developmental goals.
Aregbesola used the platform to emphasize the vital role youth must play in governance and policy-making.
He warned that the disengagement of young people from public policy discussions has serious consequences for the future of the nation.
“Many people are surprisingly unconcerned about public policies, despite these policies shaping their lives,” he said. “The future truly belongs to you, and what you do today will determine the kind of Nigeria that will emerge tomorrow.”
Reflecting on his time as governor, Aregbesola underscored the importance of legacy policies that benefit the public. He cited initiatives such as Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES), O’Meals school feeding programme, and Osun Rural Enterprise and Agricultural Programme (O’REAP), which contributed significantly to improving education, healthcare, and economic development in the state.
He however cited the abandonment of many of these programs, urging young people to actively protect and sustain such legacies. “Your silence will amount to consenting to the destruction of what was meant to guarantee you a better tomorrow,” he warned.
Aregbesola encouraged the students and participants at Teen Speakout 11.0 to engage in critical thinking and active participation in governance, stating that the youth hold the keys to Nigeria’s future.
The event, organised by Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative, continues to provide a platform for youth engagement in pressing national issues.
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
