Bisiriyu Rafiu
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has charged chairmen of the 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State to ensure that citizens at the grassroots feel the real dividends of democracy.
He gave this charge at the 2025 Local Government and Council Development Area Leadership Summit held at the Lateef Jakande Auditorium, Lagos Assembly Complex, Ikeja.
According to Obasa, the summit was designed to orient newly elected council leaders, sharpen their understanding of their constitutional responsibilities, and prevent mistakes of the past where some leaders lacked clarity about their duties.
Focus on Inclusive Governance
The Speaker urged council bosses to build cordial relationships with members of Community Development Areas and Committees (CDAs/CDCs) to foster inclusiveness in governance.
He specifically tasked them to prioritize social amenities, healthcare services, children’s welfare, and recreational opportunities that directly benefit people at the grassroots.
“Build sports development centres, amusement parks for youths, and create more opportunities for children in the areas of education, sports, and recreation,” Obasa advised.
Call for Unity and Accountability
Obasa also warned against divisive politics, stressing that local government leaders must embrace inclusiveness and cooperate with lawmakers at all levels.
“The fact that someone did not support you today does not mean he won’t be useful to you tomorrow. You must bring everybody together irrespective of their positions. Work hand in hand with your representatives at the State and National Assemblies, otherwise, you will encounter challenges. Before it’s too late, change your gear,” he cautioned.
On accountability, the Speaker urged strict adherence to the law, especially in financial expenditure, while ensuring that councillors and community stakeholders are carried along.
“Some chairmen have not met with their councillors even a month after inauguration. By now, you should have held meetings with community leaders, councillors, and other stakeholders in your local government,” Obasa said.
Capacity Building for Councillors
Highlighting gaps in council administration, the Speaker revealed that the Assembly will organise capacity-building seminars for councillors to improve their effectiveness in grassroots governance.
“If you don’t have knowledge of something, there’s no way you can manage it. These seminars are not for incitement but to help councillors understand their constitutional roles in governance,” he explained.
Response from Conference 57
Responding on behalf of council bosses, the Chairman of Conference 57 and Ibeju-Lekki Council Chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, commended Speaker Obasa for convening the leadership summit.
He assured that council chairmen would work harmoniously with their deputies, councillors, and stakeholders to entrench grassroots development.
“In a democracy, every level of government is important for checks and balances. Council chairmen cannot do it alone; they must work with vice-chairmen and councillors. This is very instructive and crucial for the stability of our administration,” Olowa said.
He further pledged that Conference 57 would build on the legacies of past leaders while creating structures to tackle community challenges such as inter-group relations, youth empowerment, and grassroots development.
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