Gov Sanwo-Olu Lauds CDAs For Self-Help Projects

The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has lauded leaders of Community Development Associations (CDAs) and Community Development Committees (CDCs) for embarking on self-help projects in their communities, just as he implored them to monitor the 377 ongoing projects in the various wards in the State to ensure that quality work is not compromised.

Speaking at the Lagos State Y2020 Community Day Celebration with the themed “Promise Made, Promise Kept, More to Come”, the Governor promised that his administration is committed to completing the projects and more community-based projects, commending them for being partners in progress.

Sanwo-Olu, who joined the celebration virtually, stated that his government was responsive and alive to its responsibilities and urged residents in the communities to comply with COVID-19 safety measures and regulations put in place by the Federal and State Governments.

Earlier in his address, the Honourable Commissioner, Local Government and Community Affairs, Mr. Wale Ahmed, said the theme of the celebration was apt and relevant as the present administration has started fulfilling the promises made to transform the rural communities, reduce rural-urban drift and improve on the engagement of Community Development Associations (CDAs).

In his words: “The theme for this year’s celebration, Promise Made, Promise Kept, More to Come”, is very apt and relevant as the present administration under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has started the fulfilment of promises made to transform our rural communities, to reduce rural-urban drift as well as to continuously engage our CDAs in meaningful discussions on how to promote the State government’s T.H.E.M.E.S. Agenda”.

The Commissioner said the Governor has chosen the occasion as an extension of government recognition, support and encouragement for Lagos communities to do more as development partners.

“For the Annual Community Day Celebration, it has become a tradition for the Ministry to encourage and boost the morale of CDAs to do more in their developmental projects by rewarding deserving communities for the self-help projects they had embarked upon with branded new buses as star prizes for the first three communities and consolation prizes for 10 other CDAs”, he said.

In her goodwill message, Wife of the Governor, Dr. (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, commended the CDAs and CDCs for their roles and contributions to the socio-political development of the State, stressing that no community can grow without any meaningful development.

While describing the local communities as platforms to grow traditions, values and cultures, she pleaded with community leaders to consistently support the government’s efforts in the dissemination of information at the grassroots.

The Chairman, Lagos State Community Development Advisory Council, Mr. Azeez Amusat, thanked the Governor for his efforts and support to CDAs and CDCs, assuring him of their unflinching support while pleading for a reduction in the annual dues for those who want to register.

Oshorun-heritage CDA, Peace Estate CDA and Itesiwaju Odo-Kekere CDA came first, second and third respectively for executing developmental projects in their domain. Each of the three CDAs got an 18-seater bus, while 10 other CDAs were rewarded with a consolation prize of N500,000 each.