The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring credible and transparent elections within Community Development Associations (CDAs) and Community Development Committees (CDCs) as preparations intensify for fresh executive elections later this year.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum, the Special Adviser on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, urged participants to use the interactive session to strengthen election modalities and to uphold integrity above financial influence in the electoral process. He stressed that genuine commitment must drive participation, noting that community development thrives when leadership is founded on service rather than material inducements.
Dr. Agbaje assured that the State Government remains responsive to community requests on essential needs such as water, infrastructure, and other social amenities. He also called for greater involvement of young people in CDAs and CDCs, describing them as critical to the future of grassroots development. In his words, communities must be encouraged to join and actively participate in CDAs and CDCs, while shortcuts that undermine credibility should be avoided.
On her part, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, highlighted the importance of the meeting, explaining that it was convened to dispel misconceptions surrounding the CDA Constitution and election guidelines. She noted that the constitution remains the principal guide for ensuring smooth, fair, and credible processes before, during, and after elections. According to her, the interactive session across the state’s five divisions will also give participants the opportunity to seek clarification and better understand their responsibilities within their communities.
The Chairman of Bariga LCDA, Honourable Bulala Omope Adedeji, commended the State Government for mainstreaming CDAs and CDCs into its policies, pledging that her administration in Bariga will continue to support the associations by prioritising their activities in alignment with state directives.
The forum concluded with a vibrant interactive session where questions were addressed, and clarifications provided, reinforcing the government’s resolve to uphold fairness, inclusiveness, and credibility in CDA and CDC elections across Lagos State. A key highlight of the event was a presentation by community leader Mr. Rotimi Owolawi, who delivered a paper on the CDA Constitution under the theme: “Overview of the CDA Constitution: Purpose, Importance, Scope and Understanding the Rudiments – Actions and Inactions.”
Also present at the forum were the Vice-Chairman of Bariga LCDA, Prince Babatunde Adeside; Council Leader, Honourable Wasiu Adeleke; Councillors; Council Manager, Mrs. Balogun Abiodun; facilitators, and other distinguished guests.
Reported by: Stone Reporters News
📩 info@stonereportersnews.com | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNews
Add comment
Comments