Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has praised the Association of Ex-Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (ASELGON) for its commitment to enhancing local government administration and empowering communities to foster sustainable development throughout the nation.
Governor Sanwo-Olu made these remarks at the 2024 ASELGON annual retreat and awards ceremony held in Ikeja, where he received the accolade for Best Governor in Support of Local Government Autonomy.
Represented by his Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bolaji Robert, the governor emphasized the significance of the retreat’s theme, “Local Government Autonomy: Bringing Government and Economic Development Close to the People – A Case Study of Lagos State,” in alignment with his administration’s focus on grassroots development.
He stated, “We are convinced that local government autonomy is vital for connecting government services and economic progress with the citizens of our beloved state. By empowering the third tier of government in Nigeria through the delegation of power and resources, we can harness the potential of our local governments and pave the way for sustainable development.”
Sanwo-Olu highlighted Lagos State as a prime example of the benefits that arise from empowering local governments to spearhead their own development.
“From our innovative approaches to traffic management and waste management to our investments in education and healthcare, aligned with the THEMES PLUS Agenda of our government, Lagos State has showcased the positive effects that efficient local governance can have on the lives of its residents,” he remarked.
The governor encouraged the delegates to draw lessons from Lagos State and other successful instances of local government autonomy by sharing their experiences and knowledge.
