Lagos State Governor, Dr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has charged councillors across the state’s 377 wards to discharge their oversight responsibilities with purpose, empathy and accountability, urging them to prioritise people-centred legislation and effective grassroots representation.
The Governor gave the charge on Friday, January 16, 2026, while delivering the keynote address at the onboarding and retreat programme organised for councillors in Lagos State, held at Novotel Hotel, Lekki.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Special Adviser on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, described local government as the tier of government closest to the people, where citizens form their strongest impressions of governance, leadership and democracy.
He urged councillors to measure their tenure not by years spent in office, but by lives positively impacted, noting that their legacy would ultimately be defined by the trust they build, the fairness they uphold and the communities they strengthen.
The Governor stressed that Lagos residents are counting on councillors to help build a responsive, inclusive and development-driven local government system that aligns with the T.H.E.M.E.S. Plus Agenda of his administration and the aspirations of the people.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mr Bolaji Robert, thanked the Governor for approving the comprehensive onboarding and retreat programme, describing it as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to strengthening grassroots governance and deepening democratic values.
Robert congratulated the councillors on their successful emergence, reminding them that their election reflected the confidence and expectations of their constituents, which must be justified through effective legislation, visible leadership and responsive representation.
He urged participants to approach the sessions with focus and discipline, noting that seasoned resource persons had been engaged to sharpen their legislative capacity, strengthen leadership skills and equip them to deliver tangible dividends of democracy.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman, House Committee on Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Hon. Sanni Okanlawon, represented by the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Hon. Steve Ogundipe, congratulated newly elected councillors across the state’s 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
He commended the Ministry for organising the retreat, noting that it reflected the state government’s resolve to promote effective leadership and strengthen governance at the grassroots.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Kikelomo Bolarinwa, urged councillors to apply the knowledge gained during the programme to promote sustainable development, inclusive representation and ethical leadership in their councils.
The Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, Engr. Sesan Olowa, commended the Ministry for the initiative, noting that it would promote professionalism, cohesion and a united Councillors’ Forum capable of strengthening local governance across the state.
Similarly, the Chairman, Councillors’ Forum, Hon. Olakunle Williams, thanked the Governor and the Ministry for the programme, describing it as proof that the role of councillors in grassroots governance is valued. He urged participants to ensure their councils feel the impact of effective representation.
The retreat featured presentations on local administration in Nigeria, guidelines on local government administration, public sector ethics and strategies for preventing corruption in local governance.
Others who attended the event included the Chairman, House Committee on Procurement, Hon. Samuel Apata; Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Dr Nurudeen Agbaje; Director-General, Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau, Mr Razak Amodu; and General Manager, Lagos State Residents Registration Agency, Mrs Bilikis Adebiyi-Abiola, and other stakeholders
