Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday officially inaugurated the newly elected Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the 57 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.
He urged the newly sworn-in leaders to adopt inclusive governance and prioritise the well-being of residents across all communities.
During the inauguration ceremony held at the Lagos House Sports Ground in Ikeja, the Governor called on the local government leaders—elected on July 12 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC)—to embrace courage, openness, and full accountability in their service to the grassroots.
Describing their emergence as a mandate to serve with humility and dedication, Sanwo-Olu emphasized that their positions were not for self-promotion, but a call to action that should be grounded in selfless leadership and genuine commitment to community development.
Highlighting the strategic role of the 57 councils, the Governor noted that the strength of Lagos is rooted in the effectiveness, resilience, and responsiveness of its local administrations.
He charged the Chairmen to lead with integrity, compassion, and a clear sense of purpose, warning them not to let ambition override their duty to serve.
“You have not just received votes; you’ve been handed the aspirations of our people,” Sanwo-Olu said. “They expect practical results—well-maintained roads, secure neighborhoods, reliable healthcare, quality education, clean markets, active youth development programs, and strong community safety. These are essentials, not aspirations. And you will be assessed by the results of your actions, not by the beauty of your speeches.”
He continued: “Every part of Lagos must feel the touch of development. Make the THEMES+ agenda of this administration a reality in your councils. Convert our goals in Transportation, Health, Education, Environment, Security, and Social Inclusion into concrete outcomes. Reach the riverine areas. Support underserved communities. Leave no one behind. Your governance must be inclusive and equitable.”
Sanwo-Olu assured the new council leaders of the state government’s continued support but stressed that they would be held to high standards.
“Your success is tied to our collective success. We are behind you, but we will demand performance. Poor delivery will not be tolerated. Any breach of public trust will be met with accountability. Lagosians expect excellence—and that is what you must give.”
The Governor underscored Lagos State’s consistency in upholding local government autonomy, particularly with the recent affirmation of fiscal and administrative independence by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
He encouraged the newly inaugurated council executives to exercise this autonomy responsibly.
“We are in a transformative phase for local government administration,” he noted. “You now have direct control of your council’s finances. That means you are directly responsible for how it is spent. No scapegoats, no deflections—the responsibility lies with you.
“Manage this autonomy with integrity. Let transparency guide every decision. This is not about political entitlement; it is about public service. Leadership should reflect the public good—not private interest,” the Governor counselled.
In his remarks, the Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Hon. Bolaji Kayode Robert, applauded the credibility of the local council elections and affirmed that the victory of the chairmen signified genuine acceptance by the electorate.
According to the Commissioner, the inauguration marks a critical step in strengthening governance structures at the grassroots, where direct service delivery is most essential.
He commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his steadfast dedication to democratic values and for facilitating a transparent, peaceful, and credible electoral process.
Responding on behalf of the newly sworn-in council bosses, Hon. Sesan Olowa, Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, expressed gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu and the people of Lagos for the opportunity to serve.
He promised that the council leadership across all 57 LGAs and LCDAs would uphold the APC’s values and remain focused on delivering meaningful development to all wards and communities.
“We are committed to deepening the legacy of the All Progressives Congress. We will ensure every community benefits from this administration through responsible and efficient governance,” Olowa assured.
The ceremony witnessed the presence of the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; members of the Lagos State Executive Council; the Governance Advisory Council (GAC); traditional rulers, religious leaders, political stakeholders; families of the new council officials; and members of the public.
INN-HOUSE☆ 