Under the leadership of Princess Samiat Bada and her dedicated team, Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA) recently hosted a Stakeholders Parley. This gathering brought together private individuals, business owners, and community leaders with a shared goal: to foster collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development within the LCDA.
During the Stakeholders Parley, participants engaged in open discussions, emphasizing community involvement and shared responsibility. They exchanged ideas on enhancing residents’ quality of life, promoting sustainable growth, and building robust public-private partnerships.
Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada, the Mayoress of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, articulated her administration’s unwavering commitment to sustainable economic transformation and community development. She highlighted the LCDA’s achievements across various domains, including infrastructure, healthcare, environment, social welfare, education, youth empowerment, and tourism.
Notably, Princess Bada announced a renewed focus on housing as a pivotal pillar for future projects. The LCDA aims to create safe, thriving communities by providing quality living spaces, enhancing infrastructure, and involving residents in housing planning and development.
Security, health safety, and a hazard-free environment remain top priorities for the LCDA. Princess Bada emphasized the importance of continued collaboration, transparency, and accountability. She expressed gratitude to her team, including the Executive, Legislative, and Management branches, as well as the private sector, for their unwavering support.
Looking ahead, Princess Samiat Bada shared her vision for the future, expressing hope for another term in office by 2025. Her commitment to sustainable growth, inclusive development, and affordable housing underscores Ikosi-Isheri LCDA’s role as “The Home of Sustainability.”
Hon. Rotimi Olowo, a former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, echoed the importance of collaboration and inclusive governance. He praised initiatives like town hall meetings and advocated for sustained community engagement beyond annual budget processes.
Olowo also highlighted the value of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in addressing housing challenges. By prioritizing affordable and durable accommodation, the LCDA can meet the basic needs of all residents and achieve economic sustainability.
In conclusion, Olowo emphasized the significance of collective efforts, echoing Princess Bada’s call to shape a future marked by prosperity, fairness, and sustainability for all residents of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA
Otunba Yetunde Arobieke, a former Commissioner in Lagos State, emphasized the importance of stakeholders’ engagement in bridging the gap between the local government and citizens in Ikosi-Isheri. She commended Princess Samiat Bada for initiating a dialogue with stakeholders, highlighting the need for citizens to communicate their needs and issues to the local government for effective solutions.
Arobieke stressed the significance of citizens moving closer to their local government to facilitate better communication and problem-solving. She addressed the misconception that nothing good can come from the government, emphasizing the need to dispel this mindset to prevent citizens from denying themselves essential services and benefits.
The former Commissioner encouraged citizens to engage with their local government, noting that local governments are adequately funded, particularly in Lagos State under the leadership of Governor Sanwo-Olu. She assured that local government resources are protected and utilized to address various challenges faced by citizens in their communities.
Hon. Femi Saheed, Member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Kosofe constituency 2, expressed his optimism about the Ikosi-Isheri LCDA engagement parley, describing it as a significant step towards fostering innovation and collaborative efforts between citizens and the government.
According to him, the community engagement aims to nurture a symbiotic relationship between citizens and the government, ensuring that the needs and desires of citizens are effectively understood and addressed through cooperation between the two parties.
He said the engagement is educational, enlightening, and has a profound impact on all citizens of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, paving the way for a brighter future for the community. He applauded the Mayoress for initiating such a wonderful initiative.
The Chairman of the Local Government Commission, in his remarks, acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the “actualizer” of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State, a feat achieved during his tenure as Governor.
He cautioned against reckless advocacy for autonomy, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of its implications on existing LCDAs. He questioned the fate of these councils, urging clarity on their future before pursuing autonomy.
The Chairman commended the Mayor and Mayoress, particularly Princess Samiat Bada, for organizing the stakeholders’ engagement, praising her for a job well done.
Gbenga Omotosho, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State, commended Ikosi-Isheri LCDA for focusing on more than just basic tasks like cleaning drainage and gutters. He emphasized that local governments have the potential to contribute significantly to the economy and manage their finances effectively. This shift in responsibility is attributed to President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which has increased funding for local governments. Princess Samiat Bada’s leadership in Ikosi-Isheri LCDA is praised for showcasing the untapped potential of local governments.
The Commissioner urged residents to support their local government by fulfilling their civic duties, such as paying taxes and keeping the environment clean. He highlighted the importance of environmental conservation in the face of global warming and the prevention of diseases and floods. The emphasis is placed on collective efforts to support local governments in their initiatives, with the hope of setting an example for others to follow.
Mayor Dele Oshinowo, the Executive Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, commended the Mayoress of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA for her laudable initiative in engaging with stakeholders in the community. He praised the efforts to foster collaboration and collective action towards sustainable economic transformation in the LCDA.
“It is essential for banks and private sector operators to support their host community, no matter what,” Mayor Oshinowo said. “By doing so, they will not only be giving back to the community but also creating a conducive environment for their businesses to grow and succeed.”
