Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said that his administration remains committed to strengthening the capacity of individuals, communities, businesses, and institutions in the state to not only survive but also adapt and grow despite economic and social stresses.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, expressed this commitment on Thursday at the Grand Finale of the Year 2024 Community Day Celebration, themed “Stronger Together: Building a Resilient Community,” which took place at the Police College Parade Ground, Ikeja, Lagos, saying that his administration was committed to addressing the needs of its residents and listening to their voices.
“As a responsive government, we have prioritised strengthening the capacity of individuals, communities, businesses, and institutions to not only survive but also adapt and grow despite economic and social stresses. Through innovative policies and targeted intervention programs, we are mitigating the impact of global and local economic challenges on Lagosians,” the governor said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said these interventions, which include various initiatives spearheaded by the Ministries of Agriculture and Wealth Creation, such as the EKO CARES program and a 25 per cent reduction in BRT fares, Ounje Eko, among others, had significantly supported individuals, businesses, and communities across Lagos to adapt to economic and social pressures.
On the theme of the celebration, Sanwo-Olu said it underscores his administration’s collective commitment to extending the dividends of democracy to every corner of Lagos State, adding that it also aligned seamlessly with the Lagos Resilience strategy’s shared vision of building a stronger, more adaptable city capable of thriving in the face of 21st-century challenges and beyond.
The governor, therefore, called on all Lagosians through the various Community Development Associations (CDAs) to support his administration’s shared vision of a peaceful and prosperous Lagos, saying that they should be vigilant and united against any actions that could undermine investments, infrastructure, and the heritage of the state.
“As we celebrate today, I urge all Lagosians, through the over 5,000 Community Development Associations represented here, to continue supporting our shared vision for a peaceful and prosperous Lagos. Let us remain vigilant and united against any actions that could undermine our investments, infrastructure, or heritage. Such destabilisation would have devastating consequences for us all,” he warned.
The Special Adviser (SA) to the Governor on Rural Development, Dr Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, in his welcome address, said that the event was another moment to appreciate the Community Development Associations for their immense contributions to the development of the state through many self-help projects executed by them and for promoting peace and security as well as advising the state government on matters affecting community development across the state.
Agbaje added that the vision of the administration of Mr Sanwo-Olu was to be a model in the management of vibrant, well-developed, and sustainable communities towards achieving the dream of a Greater Lagos.
He, therefore, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his commitment and support to the development of communities across the state through the provision of critical and vital infrastructural interventions, such as rural roads, rural electrification, and water schemes, which were facilitated through the Office of Rural Development to the several communities across the divisions in the state.
He described the theme of the celebration as a testament to the commitment and passion of the present administration in ensuring Lagosians receive adequate care regardless of their socio-economic status and affording business owners an environment that engenders ease of doing business, thereby strengthening the economy of the state and affirming the resilient spirit that Lagos is known for.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Community Development Advisory Council, Alhaji Azeez Amusat, noted that the event was set aside to showcase the unity and strength in rapprochements with the government and its leadership as a partnership that had endured in participatory democracy, especially in the last quarters of a century unblemished.
Amusat stated that since its inception, the present administration had done a lot of interventions and social welfare programs as well as made Community Development Associations one of the pivots of the administration, saddling them with many onerous tasks, which they never failed.
He said they seek more recognition and fulfilment of salient pending promises to further undermine the body as a critical sector in governance.
READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
and then