Abimbola Akosile
5 November 2009
Lagos — Various groups and organisations from all over Lagos Island East LCDA have joined Heads of Departments in the LCDA to demand increased citizens' participation in governance; at a community training and an interactive town hall forum in the Lagos Island East.
The groups include Community Development Associations (CDAs), Community Based Organisations (CBOs) and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) Justice, Development & Peace Commission (JDPC) Lagos, in collaboration with Coalition for Issues-Based Programmes and Good Governance (CIPOGG) Resident Association of Lagos Island East (RALIE), Lagos Island Coalition for Good Governance (LICGG), and Nigeria Network of NGOs (NNNGO).
With over 140 community representatives attending the event, it was agreed that regular quarterly community consultations and town hall meetings should be institutionalised to improve service delivery in Lagos Island East LCDA.
Observers recalled that, from early 2007, CIPOGG has taken huge strides in promoting a strong and sustained platform for civic education and civic participation as a tool for advancing good governance in Lagos State.
These include a comprehensive electoral survey of 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Lagos State and Town Hall meetings for 7 Lagos State gubernatorial candidates. It also Organised Civic Education Campaign in five LGAs of Lagos State on the constitutional Role of Local Government Areas in April 2008.
In her address, the chairperson of RALIE and CIPOGG, Ms. Yemisi Ransome-Kuti, said concerted efforts should be made by all stakeholders to ensure that Lagos Island returns to the good old days that it was noted for, where there were no abandoned buildings, no so-called 'area boys and girls', and no dirty drains.
According to her, "A master-plan for Lagos State is being drawn up by this administration where all the drains at Ajasa, Military Streets and the environs would be cleared. I also know that this government is making efforts to embark on major renovations that are efficient, cost-effective and useful to the communities where they are sited".
She added that as the CSO adviser to Lagos State Water Corporation (LSWC), residents of Lagos Island East should not hesitate to contact her whenever they have problems with the water sector, according to NNNGO media officer, Mr. Kunle Idowu.
Contributing, the Human Resources Officer, Mr. O. Olawale, who also represented the Council chairman, Mr. Mufutau Kadiku, at the occasion, said the LCDA has over time been cooperating with the State Government to carry out most of its laudable programmes.
"As part of the larger solution to the menace of the social miscreants in our midst, we are intensifying efforts to provide recreational outlets for our youth by partnering with a foremost communications provider to promote street soccer;
"You will also recall that Lagos State is the clear leader in the game of table tennis and lawn tennis. To this end, I want to reiterate the fact that Lagos Island East LCDA would continue to champion both the physical and mental development of our youth," Olawale said.
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