The Lagos State Office of Rural Development hosted the 2024 Lagos Community Day Celebration on November 21, 2024, at the Parade Ground of the Lagos Police College, Ikeja.
This grand occasion with the theme “Stronger Together: Building a Resilient Community” brought together representatives from over 5,000 communities across Lagos State, showcasing the government’s commitment to grassroots development.
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat represented the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, at the event.
In his keynote address, Dr. Hamzat emphasized the administration’s focus on fostering rural transformation in alignment with the THEMES PLUS agenda, which seeks to uplift rural areas to semi-urban standards through sustainable development initiatives.
Highlighting the event were the awards presented to outstanding Community Development Associations (CDAs).
Four brand-new buses were awarded to the top-performing CDAs for their remarkable execution of self-help projects within their regions. Additionally, other CDAs received cash prizes of ₦500,000 each, further incentivizing community-driven progress.
The presentation of the buses was led by Dr. Hamzat, while the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje presented the cash prizes.
According to Dr. Agbaje, Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration, through its THEMES PLUS agenda, continues to prioritize grassroots empowerment, ensuring that rural communities remain active partners in Lagos State’s transformation journey.
“The 2024 Lagos Community Day symbolizes a fusion of cultural pride and developmental strides, setting a benchmark for future collaborations between the government and rural communities,” he said.
The event was graced by key government officials, including: Barr. ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Secretary to the State Government; Mr. Bode Agoro, Lagos State Head of Service; Hon. Bolaji Kayode Roberts, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Alhaji Azeez Amusat, Chairman, Lagos State Community Development Advisory Council (LSCDAC); Mr. Babatunde Durojaiye, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government and Rural Development.
Traditional rulers added a touch of cultural pride, with notable attendees such as: High Chief Lateef Aderibigbe Ajose, Opeluwa Onido of Lagos, representing the Oba of Lagos; HRM Oba Mudashiru Ajibade Bakare Agoro, the Ranodu of Imota; Oba Hammed Adeyemi Aremu Orelope-Laka, Elegbeda of Egbeda amongst others.
The celebration highlighted the richness of Lagos’s rural communities, reflecting the administration’s dedication to preserving the state’s cultural heritage while driving development.
The event also served as a platform to underscore the significant role of community-based initiatives in achieving sustainable development.
INN-HOUSE☆ 