LASRRA, LASDA TO LAUNCH STRATEGIC DOCUMENTATION DRIVE FOR LAGOSIANS IN DIASPORA
In a landmark move to foster greater inclusion and engagement of Lagosians/residents living abroad, the General Managers, Lagos State Residents Registration Agency, Mrs. Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola and Lagos State Diaspora Agency (LASDA), Mr. Jermaine Sanwo-Olu have announced a strategic partnership aimed at documenting members of the diaspora who are indigenes or residents of Lagos State.
This disclosure was made during the meeting of the Heads of the two Agencies held on Thursday at the LASRRA Headquarters, Alausa, Ikeja.
The General Manager, LASRRA, Mrs. Adebiyi-Abiola, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the benefits of accurate data in driving inclusive governance. She said that verifying their identity is very important and that the Agency is open to exploring.
In her words, “The initiative seeks to integrate Lagos residents in the diaspora into the State’s data ecosystem through LASRRA’s innovative identification and registration platform. This collaboration will enable the State to better plan for the needs of its global residents, promote diaspora participation in governance, and enhance access to State-driven programmes and services”.
According to Mr. Sanwo-Olu, “The synergy is very important to give diaspora residents sense of belongings and ease of doing business. This also, will help the State to strengthen ties with its global community, recognizing the vast contributions of Lagosians in the diaspora toward economic growth, cultural exchange and community development”.
He explained that by working closely with the Agency for diaspora affairs, Lagos State, through LASRRA, aims to create a comprehensive database of its residents abroad to better understand their needs and integrate their potential into the State’s long-term development plans.
The General Manager of LASDA said, “Lagosians abroad are an integral part of the state’s growth and development. With this partnership, we are taking a bold step to formally recognize and include them in our systems, ensuring they are not left behind in our plans for a greater Lagos. Our diaspora citizens are not just ambassadors of Lagos around the world – they are investors, innovators, and change-makers. To fully harness the value they bring, we must first ensure they are seen, heard, and counted. This documentation drive is the first step in a larger vision of sustained diaspora engagement”.
According to him, the campaign will involve digital outreach, town hall meetings, and awareness programmes. Through this process, Lagos residents abroad will be encouraged to register with LASRRA, gaining access to a unique identification number and a platform for increased engagement with the State government with the aid of technology.
“The ICT staff of LASRRA and LASDA will brainstorm on how the exercise and process will be achieved. This effort aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision of a digitally inclusive Lagos, where innovation and collaboration power the delivery of responsive governance”, he added.
The Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) is responsible for creating a comprehensive database of all residents in Lagos, ensuring access to public services and enabling effective governance through accurate population data.
The Lagos State Diaspora Agency (LASDA) is committed to fostering a mutually beneficial relationship between Lagos State and its global citizens, promoting opportunities for development, investment, and engagement.