Sanwo-Olu charges new Lagos LG, LCDA chairmen to deliver on promises

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged the newly elected Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of the state’s 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to fulfil their campaign promises and align their programmes with the state’s THEMES PLUS Development Agenda. He assured them of the state government’s continued support and guidance.

Speaking on Friday at the opening of the “Onboarding Retreat for Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen” in Ikeja, themed Driving Grassroots Development through Strategic Governance, the governor, represented by his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, stressed the urgent nature of their work and the high expectations of residents.

Sanwo-Olu noted that constituents would judge them by the visible and measurable impact of their actions. “From waste management, local road maintenance, and public health services to school administration, the challenges are real. You have made commitments to the people — now is the time to deliver,” he said.

Describing local government as the foundation of inclusive development, he emphasised that strong, trained, and accountable grassroots leadership benefits the entire state. He called for collaboration with traditional rulers, religious bodies, market leaders, youth groups, women’s associations, and community-based organisations, adding that “governance is not about power, it is about service, responsibility, and impact.”

The governor said the retreat, the first official assignment for the new council executives, was designed to equip them with tools, knowledge, and insights to perform effectively from the onset. He pledged recognition for excellence and warned there would be consequences for mediocrity.

In his goodwill message, Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Hon. Sanni Okanlawon, urged the council leaders to see leadership as a trust and to discharge their duties with dignity and open minds.

Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mr. Bolaji Robert, said the retreat aimed to provide the council executives with critical information on local government administration and public sector ethics. He described their emergence as a testament to the trust and confidence of Lagosians, noting the people’s high expectations for infrastructure and services.

On behalf of the new council leaders, Chairman of Conference 57, Hon. Sesan Olowa, commended the state government for the initiative and pledged commitment to building a strong, stable, and people-focused grassroots government. “We are battle-ready. Our role is critical to the survival of democracy and the #GreaterLagosProject,” he said.