LASG Holds Stakeholders Engagement With Local Government Council Chairmen, CDAs, Other

In its continued effort to strengthen collaboration between the State Government, Local Governments, and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), the Lagos State Government recently held a one-day Stakeholders’ Engagement Meeting with Chairmen of Local Governments, LCDAs, community leaders, and other relevant stakeholders. The event, themed “Empowering Voices and Shaping Policies,” took place at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja. It aimed to promote dialogue, inclusiveness, and shared responsibility in governance across all levels of the state.

Delivering the keynote address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen, reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to participatory governance. He noted that continuous stakeholder engagement is the lifeblood of democracy, serving as a bridge between the government and the people. According to him, engagement must be a continuous cycle of dialogue, feedback, and collaboration values that reflect Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision of building “A Lagos that listens, learns, and leads.” Dr. Tajudeen urged participants to view development as a collective effort and to embrace dialogue that fosters inclusivity and accountability at the grassroots.

In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Engr. Sholabomi Shasore, described the forum as an avenue to strengthen cooperation between government agencies, local councils, and citizens. She highlighted that the engagement seeks to ensure that government policies reflect the true realities and aspirations of Lagosians, especially those at the grassroots level. Engr. Shasore reaffirmed the Office’s dedication to sustaining such platforms that enhance public dialogue, feedback mechanisms, and the overall goal of achieving a GreaterLagos where every voice counts.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Olawale Musa, represented by Engr. Olasunkanmi Ojowuro, commended the initiative, noting that it allows the government to gather valuable feedback to improve service delivery. He announced the unification of commercial bus operations along the Lekki-Epe Expressway starting November 17, as part of measures to curb touting and enhance efficiency in the transport sector. Similarly, the representative of Conference 57, Hon. Issa Olayinka, lauded the organisers for creating a platform that bridges the gap between local governments and the people, suggesting that such engagements be held more frequently for greater impact.

The interactive session provided participants with the opportunity to voice critical concerns regarding governance and community development. Topics discussed included youth empowerment, double taxation, market inflation, rural electrification, waste-to-energy initiatives, and security enhancement through CCTV installation in hotspot areas. Representatives from the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) addressed concerns on multiple taxation, assuring stakeholders of ongoing reforms to curb the issue. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all parties to strengthen collaboration, transparency, and citizen engagement in driving inclusive development across Lagos State.