In a renewed call for stronger community–government collaboration, Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Rural Development, has urged leaders of Community Development Associations (CDAs) and Community Development Committees (CDCs) across the Ikeja Division to work more closely with the state government to accelerate development at the grassroots.
Dr. Agbaje delivered the charge on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at the Stakeholders’ Interactive Meeting (Ikeja Division) held at Magrettas Events Hall, Ekoro Road, Abule-Egba, Lagos.
The well-attended forum was hosted by the Agbado/Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) through its Agric, Rural and Social Development Department, and drew community leaders, security representatives, and senior council officials from across the division.
The Special Adviser stressed that effective governance depends on mutual engagement.
“Government can only respond swiftly when communities pay attention to policies and programmes,” he said, urging CDA and CDC executives to “keep their ears to the ground” and maintain regular communication with state and local authorities.
He specifically called on community leaders to mobilize residents for the ongoing voter registration exercise, describing it as a vital step in amplifying grassroots voices.
“Our collective influence in governance begins with participation in the electoral process,” Dr. Agbaje emphasised.
Addressing the issue of neighborhood safety, Dr. Agbaje highlighted the need for stronger synergy between local communities and security agencies, including the police, neighbourhood watch groups, and other law-enforcement outfits. Such cooperation, he noted, is essential to curbing crime and sustaining peace across Lagos communities.
Dr. Agbaje further reminded participants that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has created direct channels for engagement.
Through the Office of Rural Development, communities can submit requests and report pressing needs ranging from infrastructure to social services for prompt government action.
The session also featured interactive discussions where CDA and CDC leaders raised concerns about road maintenance, waste management, and youth empowerment.
Council officials responded with assurances of continued support and collaborative problem-solving.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Agbaje applauded Hon. Abiodun Jimoh Ishola, Executive Chairman of Agbado/Oke-Odo LCDA, for providing the platform for open dialogue. “Meetings like this are proof that government is listening,” he said.
INN-HOUSE☆ 