Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has tasked the chairmen of the 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas (LCDAs) in the state to fulfill their mandates and provide tangible dividends of democracy at the grassroots.
Obasa gave the charge on Thursday during a summit with LG and LCDA chairmen, vice chairmen, council leaders, and majority leaders at the Lateef Jakande Auditorium, Lagos Assembly complex.
The Speaker cautioned the council bosses against neglecting their duties, linking dwindling voter turnout in elections to poor performance at the local level.
“Do not just spend eight years without achieving anything. Serve the people because your mandate is from them. No amount of money can sustain you after office if you fail to deliver,” he said.
Obasa reminded the chairmen of laws enacted by the Assembly to strengthen local government administration, including the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) Act and the creation of offices of auditor-general.
He further advised them to build functional council chambers, provide infrastructure for councillors, and embrace teamwork. According to him, councillors are partners in governance, not subordinates.
The Speaker encouraged practical initiatives such as poverty alleviation programmes, maternity centres, recreation parks, and sports facilities. He also urged council leaders to publicize their projects for greater visibility.
“You cannot control everything. Work with your team, listen to ideas, and maintain constant interaction with community leaders, artisans, traders, and youths. Local government is not for elitists; it’s for the people,” Obasa added.
He announced plans for seminars to improve the governance skills of councillors and chairmen, noting that Lagos West would be divided into four zones for this purpose.
Responding, Chairman of Conference 57 and Ibeju-Lekki LG boss, Sesan Olowa, pledged cooperation, assuring that council leaders would collaborate with stakeholders to deepen grassroots development.
