By Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Rural Development
The 2024 Community Day Celebrations in Lagos State marked on the 21st of November 2024 at the Parade Ground of the Lagos Police College in Ikeja was more than an annual event; it was a testimony to the enduring partnership between the Lagos State Government and its grassroots communities.
The reactions of the community excos and members in attendance—beaming with enthusiasm and resilience—reinforced the impact of our collective efforts to transform rural areas into thriving semi-urban communities.
Under the visionary leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the state has been steadfast in its implementation of the THEMES PLUS agenda—a strategy designed to unlock the immense potential of Lagos by focusing on critical sectors such as transportation, health, education, infrastructure, and economic growth.
The inclusion of rural development in this agenda underscores our commitment to ensuring that no part of Lagos is left behind in our journey toward inclusive prosperity.
This year’s Community Day Celebrations showcased an array of initiatives aimed at empowering Community Development Associations (CDAs).
The presentation of brand-new buses and cash prizes to deserving communities symbolized more than government generosity; it reflected our belief in the transformative power of community self-help projects.
These tools are catalysts for triggering growth and development within CDAs, enabling them to contribute actively to the state’s progress while fostering local ownership and innovation.
As a government, we recognize that the journey to urbanization begins with foundational investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities within rural areas.
By supporting communities with resources, the Lagos State Government is equipping them to address their unique challenges and chart their own paths toward growth.
The THEMES PLUS agenda serves as the cornerstone of this transformation.
Each pillar of this agenda contributes to the larger vision of Lagos as a megacity with semi-urban rural areas:
As detailed by His Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, who represented Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu at the celebration, he highlighted numerous areas where the government has achieved transformative progress.
Among these is Transportation and Traffic Management, which ensures that rural communities are connected to urban hubs, thereby fostering commerce and enhancing social mobility.
Health and Environment address critical public health needs while promoting sustainability.
Education and Technology bridge the knowledge gap, equipping rural youth with skills for the future.
Security and Governance ensure that all communities feel safe and represented.
Through deliberate policies and sustained collaboration, Lagos is on track to achieve its ambitious goal of making rural areas semi-urban, a transition that promises improved quality of life and increased economic opportunities for millions of residents.
The reactions of community members during the celebrations were both humbling and motivating.
Their enthusiasm signaled trust in the government’s vision, while their resilience reminded us of the importance of endurance in the face of challenges.
Together, these qualities form the bedrock of a new Lagos—one where every resident, irrespective of location, can thrive.
The success of the 2024 Community Day Celebrations is a clarion call to sustain the momentum.
As we continue on this transformative journey, I urge all stakeholders—community leaders, residents, private sector partners, and civil society—to join hands with the government in driving sustainable development.
Together, we can achieve a Lagos where every community is a beacon of growth, innovation, and progress.
Indeed, the THEMES PLUS agenda is the key to unlocking Lagos State’s greatest potentials.
With Governor Sanwo-Olu’s visionary leadership and the unyielding spirit of our communities, the dream of a semi-urbanized rural Lagos is not just a possibility—it is fast becoming a reality.
INN-HOUSE☆ 