Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has called on newly inaugurated Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to translate their campaign pledges into tangible action, assuring them of the state government’s continuous support and strategic guidance.
The Governor gave the charge on Friday during the opening session of the Onboarding Retreat for Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen, themed “Driving Grassroots Development through Strategic Governance”, organised by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja.
Represented by his Deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Sanwo-Olu urged the council bosses to align their developmental priorities with the State’s THEMES PLUS agenda, ensuring that governance delivers inclusive benefits to all communities.
According to him, his administration is determined to build a Lagos where residents, regardless of location, have access to quality education, functional healthcare, modern infrastructure, and safe environments.
“Dear Chairmen and Vice Chairmen, the task before you is urgent, and public expectations are high. From waste management and local road repairs to public health and school administration, the challenges are real. Your people will judge you, not by your campaign speeches, but by the visible impact of your work. You have made commitments—now is the time to deliver,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
The Governor emphasised that effective local government leadership is the bedrock of inclusive development. Strong, accountable grassroots governance, he said, ultimately strengthens the entire state.
He advised them to build trust through collaboration with traditional rulers, religious bodies, market leaders, youth organisations, women’s groups, and other community stakeholders, stressing that leadership is about service and measurable impact, not mere authority.
Sanwo-Olu described the retreat as a vital first assignment for the new council executives, designed to provide them with the tools, knowledge, and insights required to perform from the first day in office.
He warned that while excellence will be rewarded, mediocrity will not be overlooked.
Paying tribute to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Governor acknowledged the former Lagos leader’s foundational role in fostering strong and autonomous local governance, which continues to shape positive outcomes in the state.
In his goodwill remarks, Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Hon. Sanni Okanlawon, urged the new council leaders to see leadership as a trust, not a title.
He emphasised that their success will be measured by the upliftment of grassroots communities.
Welcoming participants, Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mr. Bolaji Robert, said the retreat was strategically designed to equip the council executives with essential knowledge on local government administration, operational guidelines, and public sector ethics.
He noted that their emergence reflects not only political popularity but also the trust and confidence reposed in them by Lagos residents.
“As you embark on your four-year journey, the expectations are clear—deliver essential infrastructure, people-focused services, and the dividends of democracy that will transform socio-economic lives,” Robert charged.
Speaking on behalf of the new council leaders, Chairman of Conference 57, Hon. Sesan Olowa, lauded the state government for organising the retreat, describing it as a capacity-building platform to prepare them for the tasks ahead.
He pledged the readiness of all council heads to run stable, people-centred administrations that will deliver real progress at the grassroots.
“We are fully prepared for the work ahead. As the closest tier of government to the people, our role is critical to sustaining democracy and advancing the #GreaterLagosProject,” Olowa affirmed.
INN-HOUSE☆ 