Sanwo-Olu Urges Councillors To Make Good Laws

Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has charged councillors representing the 377 wards in the state to make laws and perform their oversight functions with purpose.

Sanwo-Olu gave the charge at the weekend during the onboarding and retreat organised for the councillors in the state.

The governor, who was represented by the special adviser on Environment, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, said that local government is where citizens form their strongest impressions of governance, leadership and democracy.

“The people of Lagos State are counting on you to help build a local government system that is responsive, inclusive, accountable, and development-driven, which reflects the THEMES Plus Agenda of our administration and the aspirations of the people. And I want to urge you to see your tenure not in terms of years served, but in terms of lives that you will touch and legacies will leave behind within your respective communities,” he said

In his remark, the Commissioner, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mr Bolaji Robert, thanked the Governor for approving the retreat, which, according to him, was a proof of his commitment to strengthening local governance, deepening democratic values, and building a capable, accountable, and people-centred leadership across Lagos State.

He also congratulated the Councillors for emerging as representatives of their various wards, while reiterating that their election was not a product of chance, but a clear reflection of the confidence, trust, and expectations that the people of their communities have placed in them to improve lives at the grassroots.

In his goodwill message, the House Committee Chairman on Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Sanni Okanlawon, represented by the Chairman House Committee on Information and Strategy, Hon. Steve Ogundipe, commended the ministry for the initiative, which he said reflects the determination of the state government in promoting effective leadership and strengthening governance at the grassroots level.

He said the engagements would also broaden their perspectives and sharpen their legislative skills, enabling them to deliver people-oriented governance within their respective communities.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs Kikelomo Bolarinwa, urged participants to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the programme to engender sustainable development, improved legislation, and inclusive representation in their respective domains.

The Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki LGA, Sesan Olowa, in his goodwill message, said he believes the retreat will promote professionalism and cohesion amongst councillors across the state.