Sanwo-Olu urges former LG chairmen to champion grassroots development

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on former local government chairmen across Nigeria to leverage their experience to foster positive change and promote development at the grassroots, state, and national levels.

Sanwo-Olu made the appeal on Friday while hosting representatives of the Association of Ex-Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria, led by its President, Hon. Albert Ashipa, at the Lagos House in Marina.

The Governor emphasized the critical role of the association in strengthening democracy, particularly at the grassroots level. He pledged his administration’s commitment to supporting local government autonomy and collaborating with the association to deepen democratic practices and enhance governance.

Acknowledging the association’s 5,000 members drawn from Nigeria’s 774 local councils, Sanwo-Olu described them as vital stakeholders in governance. He urged them to provide guidance and support to current local government chairmen to ensure effective administration at the grassroots.

“The experience and skills you bring to the table are invaluable in supporting serving chairmen and advancing local government autonomy,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He also highlighted the significance of the association’s forthcoming National Retreat, themed “Local Government Autonomy: Bringing Governance to the People – A Case Study of Lagos.” According to the Governor, the theme underscores Lagos State’s leadership in promoting grassroots development and autonomy.

In his remarks, Hon. Ashipa lauded Governor Sanwo-Olu for setting a benchmark in governance, particularly in advancing local government autonomy and delivering critical infrastructure projects across Lagos State.

He commended the Governor’s proactive approach to grassroots development and noted that the association had named him the Best Governor in Nigeria in recognition of his performance.

“Your administration has made Lagos State a shining example of how local government autonomy should work. Your strides in delivering critical infrastructure and empowering local councils are commendable,” Ashipa said.

Ashipa also congratulated Governor Sanwo-Olu for his role in leading the All Progressives Congress (APC) to victory in the recent Ondo State governorship election, where he served as the Chairman of the party’s National Campaign Council and South-West Governors Forum.