Mr Usman Hamzat, Chairman, Ifako Ijaiye Council of Lagos State has said that with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigerians must hold their governors and chairmen responsible for development in their communities.
Hamzat said this yesterday at the Lagos State House of Assembly 10th Annual Stakeholders Meeting with the theme: ‘Governance in Action: The Gains of the Renewed Hope Agenda’.
According to him, the meeting is not just another gathering but a testament to the strength of participatory democracy and a platform for honest dialogue between the government and the people.
“The Lagos Assembly, led by Speaker Mudashira Obasa continues to set the pace in grassroots engagement.
“President Tinubu has done a whole lot through the Renewed Hope Agenda. Take Ifako–Ijaiye as an example, when I came in as the local government chairman, I knew what my allocation was.
” But today, I can tell you authoritatively, the allocation has tripled.
“So, this is what the President has done, even for states, the allocation has also tripled. There’s no excuse for none performance”, he said.
The council chairman added that if all the governors in Nigeria used their allocations judiciously, there would be massive development and transformation at the grassroots.
Dr Adekunle Olayinka, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Works in his remarks, pointed out that the stakeholders meeting is an avenue to discuss key issues that affected the community.
Olayinka said the meeting gave both the state and the local government an opputunity to dialogue and channel the resources toward community development.
“We have more than 9000 roads in Lagos state, and we can’t divert all the state’s money to road construction and drainages.
“We have other crucial sectors that need proper attention such as education, security, health and youth empowerment but we will schedule our priority to making the community conducive for residents.
“We will work on the projects and ensure that important roads are rehabilitated and constructed as the case may be”, he said.
Chief Olajide Adeshina, the Baale of Oguntade community had earlier urged both the state and local government areas to find solutions to the dilapidated roads in the communities.
Adeshina also appealed to the government to prioritise the welfare of the chiefs.
Mrs Oluwaseun Owoeye, a constituent, urged the government to embark on youth empowerment and skills acquisition to help in engaging the youths and reducing drug addiction.
Owoeye added that if the youth were effectively engaged, it would divert them from social vices.
Mr Tubosun Rosiji, another constituent Ifako–Ijaiye tasked the local and state governments on erosion and construction of drainages.
According to him, erosion has destroyed many property in the area.
“I think this is the right time the government should intervene in our situation in Alade community of the council. Many residents are facing serious flooding threats”.
Mr Temitope Adewale, lawmaker representing Ifako–Ijaiye Constituency I, assured the constituents of sponsoring an environmental management law that would support cleaner environment and ensure more development.
Adewale, represented by Mr Rotimi Adeleye, former executive secretary of Ifako–Ijaiye, said the proactive engagement between the legislature and executive in the state has led to passage of progressive laws that supported social welfare, environmental sustainability and infrastructural innovation.
The lawmaker assured residents that the assembly remained united by a common mission and guided by sworn oath to serve diligently and meritoriously.
“Let us embrace this era of renewed hope with steadfast determination, ensuring that our collective legacy is one of prosperity, inclusivity and progress”, he said.
