Kehinde Adeleye
Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area, led by Princess Samiat Bada and her team, hosted a Stakeholders Parley that brought together private individuals, business owners, and community leaders to foster collaboration and innovation, identify growth opportunities, and promote sustainable development in the LCDA.
The Stakeholders Parley provided an opportunity for open conversation, encouraging community involvement and shared accountability.
Attendees exchanged ideas and perspectives on how to improve citizens’ quality of life, promote sustainable development, and form effective public-private partnerships.
Bada highlighted her administration’s commitment to long-term economic reform and community development.
She emphasized the value of teamwork and collective action, citing the LCDA’s accomplishments in a variety of areas such as roads and infrastructure, healthcare and the environment, social welfare, education, youth empowerment, and tourism.
She also promised a renewed emphasis on housing as a critical component of future programmes aimed at creating safe, sustainable, and prosperous communities.
The housing programme is organized around three pillars: affordable housing initiatives, infrastructure development, and community engagement.
This comprehensive strategy will provide high-quality living spaces, improve infrastructure, and engage locals in the planning and implementation of new housing projects.
Princess Bada reaffirmed the LCDA’s commitment to provide security, infrastructure, health care, and a safe environment to help enterprises and develop a flourishing community. She emphasised the need for ongoing collaboration, openness, and accountability, and thanked stakeholders for their assistance.
She challenged stakeholders to collaborate with them to create a future of prosperity, sustainability, and equity for all.
The Chairman emphasised the importance of investing sustainably, promoting inclusive growth, improving social responsibility, strengthening communities, and ensuring affordable housing.
Princess Samiat Bada thanked her team (executive, legislative, and management) as well as the corporate sector for their assistance. She cited continuing infrastructural developments in the community, notably the Ikosi-Isheri health centre. She emphasised the need of having enough money and equipment to carry out their work properly.
She called for support from the private sector and taxpayers, stressing the importance of their contributions. Bada also mentioned her plans for the future, expressing her hope for another term into the office in 2025.
The former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Rotimi Olowo, emphasized the value of collaboration and inclusive government in achieving economic sustainability and holistic development in Lagos.
Olowo emphasised the importance of collaboration among many stakeholders, including the government, residents, and local government chairmen, in addressing the needs of the people.
He applauded efforts such as town hall meetings, which solicit constituent feedback for development projects, and pushed for ongoing interaction with the community beyond annual budget processes.
The former assembly member also emphasized the need of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in addressing Lagos’ housing difficulties, particularly in places with limited space.
He emphasized the importance of providing inexpensive and durable housing for all citizens, rather than simply luxury complexes, in order to address the basic necessities of housing, shelter, and food.
Olowo applaud Princess Samiat Bada for initiating this programme to involve her people, stating that it is a positive step towards achieving economic sustainability and holistic development in the LCDA. He recommended employing public-private partnerships to address housing issues and ensure that all inhabitants’ needs are served properly.
In conclusion, Olowo stressed the importance of collaboration, inclusive government, and sustained engagement with the community to achieve economic sustainability and holistic development in Lagos.
Otunba Yetunde Arobieke, a former Commissioner in Lagos State, emphasized the importance of stakeholders’ engagement in bridging the gap between the local government and citizens in Ikosi-Isheri. She commended Princess Samiat Bada, for initiating a dialogue with stakeholders, highlighting the need for citizens to communicate their needs and issues to the local government for effective solutions.
Arobieke stressed the significance of citizens moving closer to their local government to facilitate better communication and problem-solving. She addressed the misconception that nothing good can come from the government, emphasizing the need to dispel this mindset to prevent citizens from denying themselves essential services and benefits.
The former Commissioner encouraged citizens to engage with their local government, noting that local governments are adequately funded, stating in Lagos State under the leadership of Governor Sanwo-Olu. She assured that local government resources are protected and utilized to address various challenges faced by citizens in their communities.
Hon. Femi Saheed, Member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Kosofe constituency 2, expressed his optimism about the Ikosi-Isheri LCDA engagement parley, describing it as a significant step towards fostering innovation and collaborative efforts between citizens and the Government.
According to him, the community engagement aims to nurture a symbiotic relationship between citizens and the Government, ensuring that the needs and desires of citizens are effectively understood and addressed through cooperation between the two parties.
He said the Engagement is educational, enlightening, and have a profound impact on all citizens of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, paving the way for a brighter future for the community, and I applaud Mayoress for coming up with a wonderful initiative like this.
The Chairman of the Local Government Commission, in his remarks, acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the “actualizer” of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State, a feat achieved during his tenure as Governor.
He cautioned against reckless advocacy for autonomy, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of its implications on existing LCDAs. He questioned the fate of these councils, urging clarity on their future before pursuing autonomy.
The Chairman commended the both Chairmen, particularly Princess Samiat Bada, for organizing the stakeholders’ engagement, praising her for a job well done.
Gbenga Omotosho, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State, commended Ikosi-Isheri LCDA for focusing on more than just basic tasks like cleaning drainage and gutters. He emphasized that local governments have the potential to contribute significantly to the economy and manage their finances effectively. This shift in responsibility is attributed to President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which has increased funding for local governments. Princess Samiat Bada’s leadership in Ikosi-Isheri LCDA is praised for showcasing the untapped potential of local governments.
The Commissioner urged residents to support their Local Government by fulfilling their civic duties, such as paying taxes and keeping the environment clean. He highlighted the importance of environmental conservation in the face of global warming and the prevention of diseases and floods. The emphasis is placed on collective efforts to support local governments in their initiatives, with the hope of setting an example for others to follow.
The Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Mr. Dele Oshinowo, commended the Chairman of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA for her laudable initiative in engaging with stakeholders in the community. He praised the efforts to foster collaboration and collective action towards sustainable economic transformation in the LCDA.
“It is essential for banks and private sector operators to support their host community, no matter what,” Oshinowo said. “By doing so, they will not only be giving back to the community but also creating a conducive environment for their businesses to grow and succeed.”