The Lagos State Association of Council Vice Chairmen (LASACVIC) has held the maiden edition of its Leadership and Capacity Seminar, bringing together council leaders across the state to strengthen grassroots governance.
The two-day seminar, themed “Building Leadership Synergy for Effective Grassroots Governance,” took place from Tuesday, 30th September to Wednesday, 1st October 2025, at Watercress Hotels, Ikeja. The event, which commenced daily at 12 noon, was proudly sponsored by Conference 57, the body of council chairmen in Lagos State.
The programme was hosted by the Vice Chairman of Ifako Ijaye LCDA, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Awoniyi-Akerele, who also serves as Chairperson of LASACVIC. In her welcome remarks, she emphasized the importance of collaboration between council chairmen and their deputies in driving grassroots development.
Delivering the keynote address, the guest speaker and former Chairman of Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA, Hon. Rasaq Ajala, described the gathering as historic and a step toward deepening synergy in local government administration.
Ajala began by saying: “I am delighted to be part of this historic gathering, which I strongly believe has been organized to build the much-needed synergy between chairmen and vice-chairmen across the 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State. The ultimate objective of this collaboration is to realize the fundamental purpose behind the creation of these councils — bringing governance closer to the doorsteps of our people. Listening to the welcome address delivered by Chairman LASAVIC, it was clear that today’s program has been made possible by the full sponsorship and support of Conference 57. Therefore, I must sincerely thank the leadership and members of Conference 57 for their commitment to leadership and for ensuring that this gathering has become a reality.”
He stressed that the theme of the seminar reflected the very essence of grassroots administration: “The theme of today’s event speaks directly to the essence of governance at the grassroots: fostering synergy between the chairmen and their vices. This unity is essential to deliver effectively on the mandate entrusted to us by the people in every council. For those meeting me for the first time, my name is Abdulrazaq Olusola Ajala. By the grace of God and through the support of the people of Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye, I have had the rare privilege of occupying nearly every elective and appointive office at the local government level — from councillor to supervisor, vice-chairman, and chairman. This wide-ranging experience has taught me that effective governance at the local level is critical, because people don’t live in abstractions of federal or state power; they live in communities, and the local government is their first point of contact with governance.”
The former LCDA boss went further to acknowledge the contributions of leaders who have consistently supported local government administration.
“Permit me to acknowledge some of our distinguished leaders present here today. I particularly recognize Kábíyèsí Moshood Mayegun and my dear sister, a passionate believer in grassroots governance, who has consistently supported the chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye while also providing credible leadership for LASACVIC. Looking around this hall, I see many faces of colleagues and leaders who, like me, understand the importance of local government administration.
“If we succeed at this level, there is no reason why the state and federal levels of governance will not thrive. But we must always remember that the privilege of leadership bestowed upon us by our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and our people is a rare one, and it must never be taken for granted.”
He also addressed the sensitive issue of political aspirations and harmony in governance:
“I know that among us today are those who may had aspired for the position of chairman but were given the role of vice-chairman instead. That is the reality of politics — sometimes the party, in its wisdom, decides through selection or election who takes which office. However, once the decision has been made, governance must take precedence over politics. There cannot be two chairmen in one council, just as there cannot be two vice-chairmen. Any rift between a chairman and vice-chairman will only weaken the delivery of the very objectives of local government. I recall a meeting with our leader and benefactor, now President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He reminded us that leadership is not about personal enrichment but about service. That message remains ever relevant — governance is not about maximizing one’s pockets, but about demonstrating passion and commitment to serve the people.”
Ajala concluded by charging the vice-chairmen to foster collaboration and embrace innovation in governance.
“Going forward, I urge all vice-chairmen to sit with their chairmen, share ideas, and work in unity. Ideas are the fastest-selling commodity in governance, and no one can claim a monopoly over them. Our councils have different peculiarities and challenges, but what binds us together is the common duty to deliver impartial, people-oriented governance. Let us therefore see this rare opportunity not as a personal entitlement, but as a call to serve, to impact lives positively, and to make our local governments a model of development for Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole.”
The event was well attended by vice chairmen from across the state, alongside notable political leaders and stakeholders in grassroots governance. The Lagos State APC Chairman was represented by his deputy, Hon Lateef Mayegun.
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