… Assures Them of State Government Support, Guidance
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has urged the new Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state to deliver on their campaign promises to the people, assuring them of the continued support and guidance of the state government in the discharge of their duties.
Sanwo-Olu stated this on Friday at the Opening Ceremony of the “Onboarding Retreat for Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen, with the theme, “Driving Grassroots Development through Strategic Governance”, organised by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, held at the Sheraton, Ikeja.
The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, also enjoined the Council Heads to align their development priorities with the State’s THEMES PLUS Development Agenda, thereby ensuring inclusive benefits for all community members.
He stated that his administration is committed to building a Lagos where every citizen, regardless of location, can enjoy access to quality education, functional healthcare, modern infrastructure, and a safe environment, among others.
“Dear Chairmen and Vice Chairmen, the work ahead of you is urgent, and the expectations of our people are high. The challenges facing our communities are real, from waste management, local road maintenance, public health services, to school administration. Your constituents will not measure your performance by your campaign promises, but by the visible and measurable impact of your actions. You have made commitments to the people, now is the time to deliver,” said the Governor
Speaking further, Sanwo-Olu noted his administration has always believed that local government is the foundation of inclusive development, noting that when the leadership at the grassroots is strong, trained, and accountable, the entire State benefits.
He, therefore, admonished them to build trust through collaboration, with traditional rulers, religious institutions, market leaders, youth and women’s groups, and community-based organisations, stressing that Governance is not about power, it is about service, responsibility, and impact.
Speaking on the aptness of the event, Sanwo-Olu stated that the retreat marks the first official assignment for the new local government Chairmen and is designed to equip council leaders with the tools, knowledge, and insights required to perform their duties effectively from day one.
While emphasising the importance of accountability, Sanwo-Olu stressed that there will be recognition for excellence and consequences for mediocrity.
In addition, Sanwo-Olu paid tribute to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, whose foundational support for strong and autonomous local governance continues to shape development outcomes in Lagos State.
In his goodwill message, Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development, Hon. Sanni Okanlawon, also urged the Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen to discharge their responsibilities with dignity, with open minds, and to see leadership not merely as a title, but as a trust.
Hon. Okanlawon added that their success is the success of the people of the grassroots, and their legacy will be defined by how well they uplift the communities they now lead.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mr. Bolaji Robert, stated that the onboarding retreat is organised to equip the LG/LCDAs Chairmen and Vice Chairmen with salient information and the requisite knowledge on the intricacies and Guidelines for Local Government Administration, as well as Public Sector Ethics.
Robert noted that the initiative is a strategic move to ensure a seamless transition into new roles and to position the Chairmen for efficient and impactful leadership throughout their tenure.”
He added that the emergence of the Chairmen and Vice Chairmen is not just a reflection of their popularity within the party, but a strong testimony of the trust and confidence reposed in them by the good people of Lagos State.
“As you begin your four-year term, the expectations of the people are high. They await the fulfilment of promises, the delivery of critical infrastructural projects and people-inclined services, which are the visible dividends of democracy that would improve the socio-economic lives of the people,” Robert said.
In his response, Chairman, Conference 57, Hon. Sesan Olowa, on behalf of the newly inaugurated helmsmen, commended the state government for organising the retreat for the Chairmen and their Vice, describing it as an avenue for them to improve their capacities and prepare themselves for the task ahead.
He, therefore, assured Lagosians of their commitment to ensure a strong, stable, and people-focused grassroots government that will deliver the dividends of democracy.
“We are battle-ready. Everyone who is here is fully aware of the task ahead, and we believe that, being the closest to the people, our role is very, very critical and crucial to the survival of democracy, and #GreaterLagosProject,” he said.