Why Kosofe Residents Must Show Up at Today’s Stakeholders’ Meeting
By Daniji Emmanuel
Today, residents of Kosofe Constituencies I and II have a unique opportunity to step into the heart of governance, the 10th Constituency Stakeholders’ Meeting. Scheduled across all 40 constituencies in Lagos State, this forum represents a proven platform for voicing community needs, strengthening accountability, and influencing public policy.
What’s at Stake for Kosofe?
Kosofe, a sprawling local government area that includes neighborhoods like Ketu, Ojota, Agboyi-Ketu, and Ogudu, is home to over a million Lagosians. Rapid urbanization has brought infrastructure strains, mounting traffic pressure (notably on Ogudu and Mile 12 corridors), flooding in low-lying areas like Agboyi, and surging demand for youth empowerment and health services. These persistent challenges underscore the need for meaningful engagement between constituents and their representatives.
During past stakeholder meetings across Lagos, assemblies have served as avenues for residents to push for priority projects – ranging from road upgrades and waste management interventions to youth training schemes and educational support. In Kosofe, residents and leaders alike are urging broad inclusion, calling on the Lawmaker to extend invitations beyond political elites to Community Development Associations (CDAs), market women, students, artisans and professionals.
Why Your Attendance Matters
You Shape the Agenda
These meetings are not perfunctory, they’re opportunities to directly enumerate your most pressing needs. Whether it’s demand for better drainage, traffic solutions, vocational programs, or school infrastructure, your voice can elevate your priorities into official resolutions.
Strengthens Democratic Engagement
Multi-stakeholder platforms like this embody principles of participatory governance, echoing commitments enshrined in SDG 17 that call for inclusive, voluntary collaboration between citizens and government.
Holds Elected Officials Accountable
Regular biennial forums like today’s are mechanisms lawmakers use to report back on achievements and future plans. Attending ensures you can assess progress and demand follow-through on promises.
Builds Community Solidarity
When CDAs, youth groups, market associations, and professionals gather, they amplify collective voices. It builds shared solidarity, key to advancing common interests and discouraging fragmentation in local governance.
Reinforces the Lagos Reform Momentum
Lagos’ transformation in recent years, through infrastructure expansion, improved tax systems, enhanced security, and urban reform, is anchored in grassroots input and political collaboration.
What to Do
Locate Your Venue: A full list of local venues across the 40 constituencies has been issued. Find your location and plan to be there at 10:00 a.m.
Prepare Your Input: Have your concerns at hand, whether infrastructure deficits, youth unemployment, healthcare needs, or environmental issues.
Arrive Early: Early arrival improves your chances of meaningful participation and ensures your voice is heard.
Connect & Collaborate: Use the forum to network with community leaders, CDA officials, and like-minded residents for follow-up action after the meeting.
Bottom Line: Today’s stakeholders’ meeting isn’t just another event; it’s a critical moment for residents to step up and reclaim the future of Kosofe. When citizens participate actively, democracy works best and real progress is built.
