CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
The newly elected Executive Chairman of Egbe-Idimu LCDA, Lagos State Hon. Idris Balogun a.k.a Oluomo Kafata, has expressed his commitment to bring more grassroots development and dividends of democracy to the people of the LCDA.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that Prince Balogun made the commitment during the LG/LCDA Chairmen and Vice Chairmen at the Onboarding Programme hosted by the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, themed “Driving Grassroots Development Through Strategic Governance.
The Governor of the State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, urged the new Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state to deliver on their campaign promises to the people, assuring them of the continued support and guidance of the state government in the discharge of their duties.
Gov Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, gave the advice on Friday at the Opening Ceremony of the “Onboarding Retreat for Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen, with the theme, ‘Driving Grassroots Development through Strategic Governance”, which took place at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja.
He enjoined the Council heads to align their development priorities with the State’s THEMES PLUS Agenda, thereby ensuring inclusive benefits for all community members.
Sanwo-Olu noted that his administration is committed to building a Lagos where every citizen, regardless of location, can enjoy access to quality education, functional healthcare, modern infrastructure, and a safe environment, among others.
He stated: “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,” said the Governor.”
Hon. Balogun stated that his administration believes that the Local Government is the foundation of inclusive development, noting that when the leadership at the grassroots is strong, trained, and accountable, the entire State benefits.
He vowed to build trust through collaboration, with traditional rulers, religious institutions, market leaders, youth and women’s groups, and community-based organizations, stressing that Governance is not about power, it is about service, responsibility, and impact.
Balogun further stated that the retreat marked the first official assignment for the new Local Government Chairmen and is designed to equip council leaders with the tools, knowledge, and insights required to perform their duties effectively.
He commended the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whose foundational support for strong and autonomous local governance continues to shape development outcomes in Lagos State and indeed Nigeria.