Lagos Deputy Governor Reaffirms Commitment to Grassroots Development, Security, Cultural Preservation and Sustained Engagement with Community Leaders

Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial election, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive governance, grassroots development and continuous engagement with traditional institutions across Lagos State.

Hamzat gave the assurance during an interactive meeting with approximately 700 Baales and chiefs drawn from various communities across the old Ikeja Division of Lagos State, where he highlighted the strategic role of traditional institutions in promoting peace, community development, grassroots mobilisation and effective governance.

The meeting, which formed part of his familiarisation engagements ahead of the unveiling of his manifesto and the commencement of the 2027 governorship campaign, provided an opportunity for traditional rulers and community representatives to present their concerns, expectations and developmental priorities directly to the APC governorship candidate.

The gathering attracted traditional leaders from Somolu, Bariga, Oworonshoki, Oshodi-Isolo, Ikeja, Ojodu, Kosofe, Agboyi-Ketu, Ejigbo, Igando-Ikotun, Mushin, Opebi, Agege, Onigbongbo, Egbeda, Egbe-Idimu, Agbado-Oke Odo, Ayobo-Ipaja, Alimosho, Odi-Olowo, Ojokoro, Ifako-Ijaiye and other communities across the division.

Hamzat arrived at the venue at approximately 1:40 p.m., accompanied by his running mate, Princess Damilola Sonayon James; Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi; former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro; Bode Oyedele; Hon. Ganiyu Solomon and other prominent party leaders.

The programme commenced with prayers led by representatives of the three major religious traditions in Lagos State, reflecting the state’s commitment to religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

In his opening remarks, the Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, encouraged party members to strengthen their grassroots engagement and work collectively towards the 2027 general elections. He emphasised the importance of canvassers in promoting political participation and communicating the party’s programmes to residents.

Ojelabi also highlighted some of the interventions of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly the cash transfer programme, citing figures indicating that Lagos State received N237 billion out of a reported N600 billion disbursed nationwide.

TRADITIONAL LEADERS PRESENT DEVELOPMENTAL EXPECTATIONS

During the interactive session, several traditional leaders and community representatives presented issues requiring attention from the prospective administration.

The first speaker, Adekola Okikiola, called for improved workers’ salaries to cushion the effects of prevailing economic challenges. He also expressed the willingness of traditional leaders to participate in the forthcoming electoral process.

A representative from Ifako-Ijaiye assured the gathering that concerns relating to Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in the area had been addressed.

Similarly, the Baale of Ojodu and Ikeja Division Coordinator, Tajudeen Fakoyode, expressed confidence in the readiness of traditional leaders to participate in the electoral process. He encouraged Baales and chiefs to demonstrate their preparedness by displaying their PVCs and requested a campaign bus to support grassroots mobilisation across their communities.

In his contribution, Bode Fatoye commended the outgoing administration’s performance and urged Hamzat to prioritise the interests of Lagos indigenes in political appointments. He equally appealed for improved welfare packages for traditional institutions and the construction of palaces for Obas across the state.

The woman leader at the gathering also commended Hamzat and encouraged party members to remain committed to their responsibilities, assuring the traditional leaders that their concerns would receive attention. She reinforced her remarks with the slogan, “E lo fi okan bale.”

HAMZAT HIGHLIGHTS SECURITY, ECONOMIC PROSPERITY AND CULTURAL PRESERVATION

Responding to the various submissions, Hamzat expressed appreciation to the traditional leaders and community representatives for their contributions, describing the engagement as an important opportunity to understand the expectations of grassroots communities.

He particularly acknowledged the contribution of the woman leader, describing her as an astute politician who understands the realities of contemporary politics.

The APC governorship candidate reiterated his commitment to sustaining peace and unity across Lagos State, identifying security as one of the major priorities that must receive continuous attention because of the state’s cosmopolitan nature and growing population.

According to him, protecting lives and property remains essential to creating an environment where residents, businesses and communities can thrive.

Hamzat also spoke about the need to strengthen Lagos State’s economic prosperity, noting that the state possesses enormous resources and opportunities capable of supporting shared prosperity when properly harnessed and managed.

He called for unity among residents, recalling an incident which, according to him, had the potential to create divisions with consequences that could affect generations yet unborn.

He therefore stressed the importance of preventing divisions, promoting peaceful coexistence and building a society where opportunities and prosperity could be enjoyed by everyone, irrespective of background.

On cultural development, Hamzat emphasised the importance of preserving Yoruba language, culture and traditions, describing the language as an important cultural heritage with relevance beyond Nigeria.

He reaffirmed his commitment to protecting Lagos State’s cultural identity and strengthening the traditional institution, while expressing optimism about the state’s future.

OBANIKORO URGES CONTINUED COMMITMENT

Earlier, Adebayo Kehinde of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs tendered an unreserved apology on behalf of Hamzat over his delayed arrival at the meeting.

The Director-General of the campaign, Musiliu Obanikoro, delivered the vote of thanks, urging party members and traditional leaders across the Ikeja Federation to remain steadfast and committed to the party’s activities.

He also assured the gathering that the concerns and recommendations presented during the interactive session would receive the attention of the party.

The meeting ended at exactly 2:40 p.m., marking another engagement between the APC governorship candidate and grassroots traditional institutions ahead of the 2027 Lagos State governorship election.

The interaction provided an avenue for community leaders to articulate their expectations on workers’ welfare, traditional institutions, infrastructure, security, political representation and cultural preservation.

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