Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has urged residents to live in peace and unity regardless of their religious, cultural, or social backgrounds.
Sanwo-Olu gave the advice at the grand finale of the k2024 Community Day celebration, held at Police College, Ikeja, on Thursday.
The event with the theme: ‘Stronger Together: Building a Resilient Community’, was organised by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development.
The governor, who was represented by the Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, restated the state government’s commitment to building a stronger, more adaptable city, capable of thriving in the face of 21st Century challenges.
He appealed to the residents to remain vigilant against actions that could undermine investments, infrastructure, or heritage.
Sanwo-Olu also urged the people to continue supporting the shared vision for a peaceful and prosperous Lagos.
According to him, the annual event has become a cornerstone of the administration’s efforts to unite and celebrate the remarkable contributions of the community development bodies.
“It is also a time to reflect on how we can continue to foster peaceful co-existence, irrespective of our religious, cultural, or social backgrounds.
“It underscores our collective commitment to extending the dividends of democracy to every corner of Lagos State.
“It also aligns seamlessly with the Lagos Resilience Strategy, a shared vision to build a stronger, more adaptable city capable of thriving in the face of 21st-century challenges and beyond.
“Therefore, I urge all Lagosians, through the over 5,000 Community Development Associations represented, to continue supporting our shared vision for a peaceful and prosperous Lagos,” he said.
The governor highlighted some interventions undertaken by his administration, in order to mitigate the impact of global and local economic challenges on the people, which included ‘Eko Cares’.
He said that it was a programme designed to cushion the effects of economic reforms.
“There was a 25 per cent reduction in BRT fares, thereby, easing commuting costs for citizens.
“We also started the Ounje Eko Sunday market, which offers 25 per cent discounts on essential food items.
“The 35 per cent wage increase for civil Servants, boosting the income of government employees, and financial empowerment for women.
“Free delivery Services for expectant Mothers ensuring safe childbirth in government hospitals,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu disclosed the inauguration of the Non-Partisan Special Dispensation Advisory Council, comprising human rights activists, religious leaders, youth representatives, and opposition party members.
He said that the council would ensure inclusivity and fairness in government’s intervention programmes.
The governor commended community leaders and members for their dedication and contributions to building resilient communities in the state.
He encouraged everyone to continue undertaking self-help projects that complement government’s efforts in building communities.
Earlier in his welcome address, Dr Nurudeen Agbaje, the Special Adviser to Sanwo-Olu on Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs And Rural Development, said that the celebration recognised the valuable contributions of CDAs in executing self-help projects and promoting peace.
Agbaje said that Sanwo-Olu’s administration had demonstrated its commitment to community development through consistent support for CDAs.
According to him, the theme reflects governor’s passion at ensuring that residents receive adequate care and support, regardless of socio-economic status.
In his remarks, Alh. Azeez Amusat, the Chairman, Community Development Advisory Council, said that it was a day to showcase unity, strength in rapprochement with the government and its leadership, as a partnership that had endured.
Amusat said that it was an unblemished participatory democracy, especially in the last quarter of a century
“Our lots have increased in leaps and bounds, currently at almost 5,000 registered CDAs and still steadily growing,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the high point of the event was the parade by various Local Governments Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
NAN also reports that some CDAs were rewarded with Toyota buses for their contributions to the development of the state, through many self-help projects executed by them, and for promoting peace and security.
The award for the best rural community went to Progress Estate CDA, in Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA; 2nd position was Harmony Estate CDA in Ifako Ijaiye LCDA.
Others are Alapako CDA in Olorunda LCDA, in the third position, while the fourth position was Hilltop CDA in Eredo LCDA
