BY JENNIFER EZIMAKOR
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday officially swore in the newly elected chairmen and vice-chairmen of the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state. He charged them to bring governance to the doorstep of every resident and not disappoint the electorate who entrusted them with their votes.
The governor gave the admonition during the swearing-in ceremony held at the Lagos State House, Ikeja. He emphasized that their election and subsequent swearing-in represent a deeper call to selfless service.
Governor Sanwo-Olu reminded the council officials that their mandate is to serve all members of their communities — not just those who voted for them. He expressed appreciation to the party leadership and various committees that played critical roles in ensuring a successful election for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to the governor, Lagosians expect visible improvements: better roads, functioning markets, upgraded schools, increased youth engagement, and more — all of which will be metrics of their performance. He urged the officials to surpass the achievements of their predecessors and ensure that “underserved communities feel your impact.”
“The buck now stops with you. Leadership must not be about personal gain. Lagos is counting on you to bring development to every street and community,” he declared.
Earlier in his welcome address, the State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mr. Bolaji Kayode Robert, congratulated the newly sworn-in council chairmen and vice-chairmen. He described them not only as flagbearers of the APC but as candidates of choice who emerged victorious in their respective localities, thanks to widespread grassroots support.
Robert highlighted the credibility of the election process, which he said was anchored on transparency and broad-based participation. He expressed profound gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his steadfast commitment to grassroots democracy.
He noted that the peaceful, credible, and transparent local government election was a result of the governor’s leadership and the mechanisms he put in place. He also paid tribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described as the father of modern democracy in Nigeria.
“Your victories at the polls are a testament to your grassroots appeal and the confidence the people have reposed in you. The credibility of your emergence, anchored on transparency and broad-based support, is what has culminated in the swearing-in exercise we are gathered here to witness today,” he said.