Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has urged the newly inaugurated Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to fulfil 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 gave this charge 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, at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja.
Represented by his Deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, the Governor enjoined the council leaders to align their development priorities with the State’s THEMES PLUS Development Agenda, ensuring inclusive benefits for all community members.
He stressed that his administration is committed to building a Lagos where every citizen has access to quality education, functional healthcare, modern infrastructure, and a safe environment.
“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,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He emphasised that local government is the foundation of inclusive development, and when grassroots leadership is strong, trained, and accountable, the entire state benefits. The Governor urged 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 about service, responsibility, and impact.
Speaking on the retreat, Sanwo-Olu noted that it marked the first official assignment for the new council leaders and was designed to equip them with the tools, knowledge, and insights to perform effectively from day one. He reiterated the importance of accountability, warning that there will be recognition for excellence and consequences for mediocrity.
The Governor also paid tribute to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his foundational support for strong and autonomous local governance 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, urged the Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen to lead with dignity, open-mindedness, and a deep sense of trust, reminding them that 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, said the retreat was organised to familiarise the LG/LCDAs Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen with the intricacies and guidelines for local government administration, as well as public sector ethics. He described the initiative as a strategic move to ensure a seamless transition into their new roles and to position them for impactful leadership.
Robert further stated that their emergence was not only a reflection of their political popularity but also a strong testimony of the trust and confidence reposed in them by the 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 that would improve the socio-economic lives of the people,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the new Chairmen, Chairman of Conference 57, Hon. Sesan Olowa, commended the state government for organising the retreat, describing it as a capacity-building platform to prepare them for the task ahead. He assured Lagosians of their commitment to a strong, stable, and people-focused grassroots government.
“We are battle-ready. Everyone 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 the #GreaterLagosProject,” Olowa declared.
