Lagos: Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has charged new chairmen and vice-chairmen of the state’s 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas to deliver on their campaign promises.
He urged them to prioritise the welfare of members of their constituencies.
Sanwo-Olu gave the charge at the opening of a three-day onboarding retreat for the chairmen and vice-chairmen on Friday.
The event was held at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, with the theme: “Driving Grassroots Development Through Strategic Governance”.
It was organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development.
Sanwo-Olu was represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, who said, “Governance is not about power; it is about service, responsibility and impact. The work ahead of you is urgent, and the expectations of our people are high. Your constituents will not measure your performance by your campaign promises, but by the visible and measurable impact of your actions,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu urged the chairmen and deputies to align their development priorities with the THEMES Plus Agenda of his administration. The governor advised them to ensure benefits for all their community members.
He emphasised the importance of building trust through collaborations with traditional rulers, religious institutions, market leaders, the youth, and women’s groups, as well as community-based organisations.
Sanwo-Olu said that there would be recognition for excellence and consequences for mediocrity. He emphasised the importance of accountability in Governance.
The governor assured the chairmen and vice-chairmen of continued support and guidance of the state government in the discharge of their duties.
He said, “Local government is the foundation of inclusive development, and when the leadership at the grassroots is strong and accountable, the entire state benefits.”
He added that his administration was committed to building a Lagos where every citizen, regardless of location, could enjoy access to quality education, functional healthcare, modern infrastructure and a safe environment.
The governor paid tribute to President Bola Tinubu, saying that his support for strong and autonomous local Governance had continued to shape development outcomes in Lagos State.
Mr Sanni Okanlawon, Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Developments, urged the chairmen and their deputies to discharge their responsibilities with dignity and open minds.
Okanlawon advised them to see leadership not as a title, but as a trust.
He said, “Your success is the success of the people at the grassroots, and your legacy will be defined by how well you uplift the communities you now lead,” he said.
Earlier, Mr Bolaji Robert, the state Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, said that the retreat aimed to equip the council chairmen and vice-chairmen with knowledge on local government administration, guidelines, and public sector ethics.
He added that it would ensure seamless transition into their new roles and facilitate impactful leadership. The people of Lagos State expect the fulfilment of promises, delivery of critical infrastructure projects and people-inclined services that would improve socio-economic lives,” he said.
Mr Sesan Olowa, Chairman of the Ibeju Lekki council area, who is now the Leader of All Chairmen in Lagos State, described the retreat as an avenue for the chairmen and their deputies to improve their capacities and prepare themselves for the task ahead.
He assured Lagos residents of the commitment of the new leaders to ensure a strong, stable and people-focused grassroots governance that would deliver dividends of democracy.
“Everyone who is here is fully aware of the task ahead, and we believe that, being the closest to the people, our role is critical and crucial to the survival of democracy and the Greater Lagos Project,” he said.