The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, was among top government officials who attended the Onboarding and Retreat Programme for Councillors in Lagos State, where Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu called on councillors to approach governance with courage, compassion, and a clear sense of purpose.
The retreat, organised by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, took place on Friday, January 16, 2026, at the Novotel Hotel, Lekki, bringing together councillors elected from the 377 wards across the 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.
In his keynote address, Governor Sanwo-Olu underscored the strategic importance of local government, describing it as the tier of governance where citizens most directly experience leadership and democratic values.
He urged councillors to define their tenure by the impact of their service rather than the length of their stay in office, stressing that their enduring legacy would be judged by the confidence they inspire, the equity they promote, and the tangible improvements delivered to their communities.
Represented at the event by the Special Adviser on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, the Governor noted that residents of Lagos State expect councillors to contribute meaningfully to building a responsive, inclusive, and accountable local government system that aligns with the administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S. Plus development agenda.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mr. Bolaji Kayode Robert, expressed appreciation to Governor Sanwo-Olu for approving the retreat, describing it as a clear demonstration of the administration’s resolve to strengthen grassroots governance and deepen democratic leadership across the state.
Robert congratulated the councillors on their successful elections, reminding them that their mandate was earned through the trust and expectations of their constituents, which must now be justified through purposeful legislation, visible leadership, and effective representation.
He encouraged participants to engage actively throughout the programme, noting that the retreat was designed to expose councillors to practical insights and leadership skills necessary for delivering measurable development outcomes at the grassroots.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman, House Committee on Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Honourable Sanni Okanlawon, represented by Honourable Steve Ogundipe, Chairman of the House Committee on Information and Strategy, congratulated the councillors and commended the Ministry for organising the retreat.
He noted that the initiative reflects the Lagos State Government’s commitment to nurturing effective leadership at the local level, expressing confidence that the sessions would enhance councillors’ legislative competence, broaden their understanding of governance, and reinforce accountability to the people.
In her vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, charged participants to translate the knowledge gained into ethical leadership, inclusive representation, and sustainable development within their respective councils, adding that the true value of the retreat would be seen in transparent and people-focused governance.
Delivering his goodwill message, the Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area and Chairman of Conference 57, Engr. Sesan Olowa, praised the Ministry for the initiative, noting that the retreat would promote unity, professionalism, and collaboration among councillors statewide, thereby strengthening local administration.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Councillors’ Forum, Honourable Olakunle Williams, expressed gratitude to the Governor and the Ministry for recognising the relevance of councillors in grassroots development, urging his colleagues to maximise the opportunity and ensure that their communities feel the direct impact of effective representation.
The retreat attracted several dignitaries, including the Chairman, House Committee on Procurement, Honourable Samuel Apata; Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje; Director-General, Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau, Mr. Razak Amodu; General Manager, Lagos State Residents Registration Agency, Mrs. Bilikis Adebiyi-Abiola; alongside resource persons and other distinguished participants.
Presentations at the programme focused on critical themes such as Local Administration in Nigeria, Guidelines for Local Government Operations, Public Sector Ethics, and Strategies for Preventing Corruption in Local Government Administration, all aimed at equipping councillors for effective, accountable, and people-oriented service delivery.
INN-HOUSE☆ 