By Rasaq Adebayo
The newly sworn-in Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mr. Bolaji Kayode Robert and the Special Adviser on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Agbaje have promised to make efforts towards the development of all communities across the State.
They reiterated that every Lagosian will enjoy the the dividends of democracy irrespective of their communities in line with the THEMES-Plus Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Robert, the immediate past Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Local Government and Community Affairs, made the promise at the Conference Room of the Ministry during a maiden meeting with the management staff of the Ministry.
According to him, the Governor has directed them to hit the ground running to ensure that every part of the State is livable, “especially as we concentrate efforts towards making Lagos a 21st Century Economy.”
Robert, also a former Chairman, Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area, said the Ministry which is saddled with the responsibilities of initiating, formulating, executing, monitoring, evaluating policies relating to Local Government Administration in all the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas is a Mini-Lagos.
He noted that the Ministry is responsible for Chieftaincy Affairs including relations with Council of Obas and Chiefs, Community Development, and others.
Similarly, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Agbaje on his part, explained that restoring the Office of Rural Development back to the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Rural Development is a pointer to the fact that the Governor is so much interested in development of the grassroot communities across the state
He, therefore, called on the community leaders, Community Development Associations (CDAs) and other stakeholders to key into the programmes of the administration of the Governor geared towards the fulfilment of the collective aspiration of Lagosians who seek economically viable communities across the State.
Earlier, in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa had expressed her readiness and unalloyed support of all the members of staff in the Ministry for the Commissioner and the Special Adviser in achieving all the tasks and set goals in line with the mandate of the Ministry, for the successful implementation of the THEMES-Plus agenda of the Governor.
