Lagos, Nigeria – November 21, 2024: The Lagos State Government, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, celebrated the 2024 Community Day at the Lagos Police College Parade Ground, Ikeja-GRA.
The event, themed “Stronger Together: Building a Resilient Community,” honoured outstanding Community Development Associations (CDAs) for their remarkable contributions to grassroots development.
Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, welcomed attendees to the celebration organized by the Lagos State Government through the Office of Rural Development.
He stated that the event underscored the vital role of Community Development Associations (CDAs) in driving the socio-economic growth of Lagos State.
Dr. Agbaje commended Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for his steadfast support of CDAs through initiatives such as the annual program, which recognizes outstanding communities with prizes including buses, grants, and consolation awards.
He highlighted the importance of this year’s theme, “Stronger Together: Building a Resilient Community,” noting its alignment with the Governor’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda and commitment to infrastructure and rural development.
The address outlined several key initiatives by the Sanwo-Olu administration, including:
Provision of over 57 transformers and 20 solar-powered streetlights to enhance small-scale industries and security.
Installation of 83 micro-water supply systems to improve access to safe drinking water in rural areas.
Ongoing road construction projects to improve connectivity and reduce travel times, including projects in Oto-Awori, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Ibeju Lekki, and Ilupeju, Ijede.
Dr. Agbaje lauded the efforts of over 5,000 CDAs for their self-help projects that foster unity and development. He also encouraged them to continue contributing to the vision of a Greater Lagos.
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, who represented Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, presented brand new buses to the top-performing CDAs:
1st Place: 1st Progress Estate CDA, Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA; 2nd Place: Harmony Estate CDA, Ifako-Ijaiye LG; 3rd Place: Alapako Community Estate CDA, Olorunda LCDA and Best Rural CDA: Hilltop CDA, Eredo LCDA.
Dr. Hamzat, while addressing the audience, emphasized the importance of community-driven initiatives.
“This annual event has become a cornerstone in advancing community development.”
“As a government, we recognize the immense contributions of our CDAs and urge them to remain united in fostering growth,” he stated.
For communities that displayed exceptional effort, consolation prizes of ₦500,000 each were presented by Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development.
The recipients were: Titilayo Adedoyin CDA, Ojodu LCDA; Iba Oloja CDA, Ibeju Lekki LG; Governor’s Road CDA, Igando-Ikotun LCDA; Ayetoro CDA, Coker-Aguda LCDA; Mariners CDA, Apapa LG; Oke-Agbo CDA, Imota LCDA; Diamond Estate CDA, Agbado Oke-Odo; Equitable Estate CDA, Ijede LCDA; Isheri North GRA CDA, Ikosi-Isheri LCDA and Surulere Quarters CDA, Iba LCDA.
The Chairman of the Lagos State Community Development Advisory Council, Alhaji Amusat Azeez Aremu, expressed gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu for the administration’s ongoing support and projects.
“Your Excellency, we appreciate your commitment and assure you that these projects will be well-maintained by the CDA Advisory Council.”
“We remain ready to support your administration in completing pending projects,” Aremu said.
Dr. Hamzat also reaffirmed the government’s dedication to grassroots development, noting that the awards should inspire other CDAs to intensify their efforts.
“To those who did not win today, do not see yourselves as losers. Together, we are building Lagos, one community at a time,” he concluded.
The event underscored the Lagos State Government’s resolve to empower communities and recognize their contributions toward building a Greater Lagos.
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