CDAs tasked on grassroots development, empowerment

By Idris Olukoya Residents of Oke-Afa, Jakande Estate, Ejigbo and Osoru communities in Lagos have tasked their newly appointed executives on grassroots developments in the communities. The residents gave the charge during the inauguration of newly elected Executive Member at Ejigbo Council in Lagos, tagged: ‘My Role as a Community Leader in Advancing Development in the Community.’ The programme, which focused on leadership roles of the newly-appointed executives of the Community Development Associations (CDA), stressed on the various functions of community leaders in providing grassroots development and advancement of the society. Speaking with our reporter, one of the election coordinator, a representative of Ejigbo LCDA, Mr Ezikiel Adeyinka, stressed the need for the newly appointed CDA chairman, Alhaji M.A.T Olajide to be more involved in issues and activities happening in their communities, take their leadership responsibilities seriously and serve as intermediaries between councils and the people, when necessary. “They should know that the task ahead is not for jamboree but a serious one, as individuals living in these communities expect positive results in proffering grassroots development,” he added. He urged the newly executive members and the leadership of the CDA to speak up in the face of injustice. He added: “We can bring about peaceful change in our communities. We should see ourselves as leaders and change makers and always speak up when issue arises.” Adeyinka advised the communities not to wait for councils for their development, but rather take proactive steps towards their own betterment. While addressing the pressmen, Alhaji Olajide pledges community support and development at the grassroots. Olajide added that he would do all humanly possible to bring out community repositioning and transformation through his genuine leadership. "I will run all inclusive administration and will ensure that good policy is administered at the grassroots. "I promised to run open door policy and uphold the integrity of the CDA, " he said. Olajide mentioned some of the newly elected executive as; Alhaja Fausat Asiemo, 1st Vice Chairman, Mr Hafis O. Ayodele, 2nd Vice Chairman, Elder Christiana Odukoya, General Secretary, Evangelist A.O. Fagbemi, Treasurer, Mr Akanni Ade Jubril, Financial Secretary, Mrs M Edunjobi, Welfare, Mrs Idowu K.A, P.R.O among several others.