The Executive Chairman of Apapa Local Government, Hon. Idowu Adejumoke Senbanjo, has charged residents to be committed and responsive to governance.
Senbanjo made this charge during an inaugural Ramadan Lecture held in collaboration with the Apapa League of Imams with the theme “The Role of the Community in Governance”.
The event, held at the council secretariat, brought together members of the community, religious leaders, party leaders, technocrats and government officials to discuss the vital role that communities play in governance processes. It served as a platform for dialogue and reflection during the holy month of Ramadan.
Hon. Senbanjo in her keynote address, emphasized the importance of community participation in governance. She highlighted the need for synergy between those in government and the governed who form members of the communities in addressing societal challenges and promoting development.
The council boss urged the people to be responsive and committed to governance by protecting public properties, abide by rules and policies and payment of taxes.
She also admonished the gathering to shun all forms of social vices and allow the sanctity of the holy month dovetail into other months for a sane society.
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat who was a special guest of honour at the event, represented by Hon Lekan Abdulazeez Balogun, Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Economic Planning and Budget called on all to avail themselve the Ramadan period to pray for the country at large.
Balogun disclosed that Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu is aware of the current economic hardship and challenges faced by the people hence he has put out some measures to mitigate the effect.
He explained further that Mr. Governor rolled out so many initiatives to give temporary relief to the people during this period among which are the provision of “Ounje Eko” which is a 25 percent discount on some major staple foods across all local governments in the state and has commence on the 17th of March; constituted a committee to identify 350 vulnerable families across the state for a proposed feeding plan; 25 percent discount on BRT, rail transport & government ferries across the state.
He urged all muslim faithful to continue in morals and values even after the Ramdan period is over.
The guest speaker, an Islamic scholar and lecturer at Lagos State University, Dr Saheed Timehin explored various topics related to community engagement, empowerment, and effective delivery of public services.
He emphasized the role of the individuals in the community as sacrosant to the progress and development of that community, while he stressing the principle of collective responsibility which enable us to do the needful at all times, and he buttressed the need for a change of character and attitude towards development.
Dr. Timehin counselled that residents should endeavour to obey and support government policies at all times.
The lecture was largely attended by traditional leaders within the local goverment, All Progressive Congress party chieftains from the state and environs, members of the Pakistan community, religious leaders, community leaders, dignitaries from all walks of life.
The programme was adjudged a success by participants who appreciated the council chairman for making provision of food packs to break the fast.
