Lagos empowers 15,000 women, celebrates community development

The Lagos State Government has financially empowered over 15,000 women across the state’s Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). Each beneficiary received ₦50,000 to support their businesses, according to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Governor Sanwo-Olu disclosed this on Thursday during the 2024 Community Day Celebration held at the Police College, Ikeja, with the theme “Stronger Together: Building a Resilient Community.” The event was organized by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development.

In his speech, delivered by Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Sanwo-Olu charged Community Development Associations (CDAs) to maintain peace and unity to ensure the progress of Lagos State.

“As we celebrate today, I urge all Lagosians, through the over 5,000 Community Development Associations represented here, to continue supporting our shared vision for a peaceful and prosperous Lagos. Let us remain vigilant and united against any actions that could undermine our investments, infrastructure, or heritage,” he said.

The governor also emphasized his administration’s commitment to addressing residents’ needs and ensuring inclusivity in governance.

Sanwo-Olu highlighted his administration’s efforts to build a resilient Lagos capable of withstanding economic and social challenges.

“In the last five years, we have prioritized strengthening the capacity of individuals, communities, businesses, and institutions to adapt and grow despite economic and social stresses.

“Through innovative policies and targeted intervention programs, we are mitigating the impact of global and local economic challenges on Lagosians,” he said.

Some of these interventions include:

The EKO CARES program to cushion economic reforms.

A 25% reduction in BRT fares to ease commuting costs.

A 35% wage increase for civil servants.

The inauguration of the Non-Partisan Special Dispensation Advisory Council to ensure fairness in intervention programs.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekini, lauded the commitment of the CDAs, describing them as critical stakeholders in Lagos State’s socio-economic development.

He noted that the administration has facilitated vital projects such as rural electrification, road construction, and water schemes to enhance community development.

“The celebration is an opportunity to appreciate CDAs for their contributions through self-help projects, peace promotion, and security.

“We will reward them with grants-in-aid and prizes, including star prizes for the top five CDAs in self-help development,” Yekini said.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of prizes to outstanding CDAs. Progress Estate CDA, Ayobo-Ipaja, emerged as the overall winner, followed by Harmony Estate CDA, Ifako-Ijaiye, in second place, and Alapako CDA in third. The Best Performing Community Development Area award went to Hilltop CDA in Eredo Local Government.