Sanwo-Olu, ex-council chairmen canvass support for LGs

Lagos State Governor,  Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday, canvassed support for the strengthening of local governments in the state and other parts of Nigeria.

The governor spoke during the Annual Retreat/Award Ceremony organised by the Association of Ex-Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria in Ikeja, Lagos.

The event brought together several past chairmen of local governments in Nigeria.

It had the theme “Local Government Autonomy, Bringing Governance and Economic Development Close to The People: A Case Study of Lagos State.”

Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development in Lagos, Bolaji Robert, the governor emphasised that Lagos had over time ensured the independence of local governments to ensure grassroots development.

Sanwo-Olu stressed the crucial role that local governments play in the country’s democracy, saying, “As former local government chairmen, you have first-hand experience of the challenges associated with governing at the grassroots level. Your wealth of knowledge will undoubtedly enrich the discussion and inform our decision as we strive to strengthen our local governments and empower our communities.”

He said the theme of this retreat was relevant to his administration’s vision for grassroots development.

“We believe that local government autonomy is essential in bringing government and economic development closer to the good people of our dear state by devolving powers and resources to the third tier of government in Nigeria,” he said.

While speaking to journalists, the National President, ASELGON,Albert Asipa, emphasised the role of local governments, noting that the association chose Lagos for the event given the state’s demonstration of LG autonomy.

He said, “We want to review our performances in 2024; how far we have gone, and to chart a new course for 2025. The only state, when the Federal Government dragged 36 governors to the Supreme Court, the only governor that spoke was Babajide Sanwo-Olu. He explained that he had been sustaining LG autonomy for Lagos State. That’s why we chose the state as the venue.

“We are ready to support the President to monitor the activities, the projects and financial records of sitting LG chairmen in Nigeria.”

In his remarks, the chairman of the Organising Committee of the event, Kamal Bayewu, said, “In Lagos State, we have been enjoying autonomy and that is why you can see the benefits of autonomy in terms of grassroots development and growth of the economy and people getting to know their government.

“This is the more reason why we are asking our colleagues to come around, make Lagos a case study so that when they get back to their states, they can let the people know what Lagos is enjoying when it comes to LG autonomy.”