… Mayoress Unveils Housing Initiative to Build Safe, Sustainable Communities

Ikosi-Isheri LCDA under the leadership of Princess Samiat Bada and her team hosted a Stakeholders Parley, which brought together private individuals, business owners, community leaders, which is to foster collaboration and innovation, identifying growth opportunities and promoting sustainable development in the LCDA.

The Stakeholders Parley provided a platform for open discussion, encouraging community engagement and shared responsibility. Attendees shared ideas and insights on how to enhance residents’ quality of life, promote sustainable development, and build strong public-private partnerships.

Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada, Mayoress of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA outlined her administration’s commitment to sustainable economic transformation and community development.

Emphasizing the importance of collaboration and collective action, She highlighted the LCDA’s achievements in various areas, including roads and infrastructure, healthcare and environment, social welfare, education, youth empowerment, and tourism.

She also announced a new focus on housing as a key pillar of future projects, aimed at creating safe, sustainable, and thriving communities.

The housing initiative is built on three pillars: Affordable Housing Initiatives, Infrastructure Development, and Community Engagement. This comprehensive approach will provide quality living spaces, enhance infrastructure, and involve residents in the planning and development of new housing projects.

Princess Bada reiterated the LCDA’s commitment to providing security, infrastructure, health safety, and a hazard-free environment to support businesses and foster a prosperous community. She emphasized the importance of continued collaboration, transparency, and accountability, and thanked stakeholders for their support.

She urged stakeholders to work together with them to shape a future of prosperity, sustainability, and fairness for all. The Mayoress emphasized the need to invest sustainably, foster inclusive growth, improve social responsibility, build strong communities, and ensure affordable housing.

Princess Samiat Bada expressed gratitude to her team (Executive, Legislative, Management) and the private sector for their support. She highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects in the community, specifically mentioning the Ikosi-Isheri health center.

She emphasized the need for funds and equipment to continue their work effectively. She called for support from the private sector and taxpayers, stressing the importance of their contributions. Princess Samiat Bada also mentioned her plans for the future, expressing her hope for another term into the office in 2025.

Hon. Rotimi Olowo, a former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, emphasized the importance of collaboration and inclusive Government in achieving economic sustainability and holistic development in Lagos.

Olowo highlighted the need for collaboration between various stakeholders, including the Government, residents, and local government chairmen, to address the needs of the people. He praised initiatives like town hall meetings, which gather input from constituents for development projects, and advocated for sustained engagement with the community beyond annual budget processes.

The former assembly member also discussed the value of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in addressing housing challenges in Lagos, particularly in areas with limited space. He emphasized the need for affordable and durable accommodation for all residents, not just luxury developments, to meet the basic needs of housing, shelter, and food.

Olowo commended Princess Samiat Bada for coming up with this initiative to engage her people, saying it is a step in the right direction towards achieving economic sustainability and holistic development in the LCDA. He proposed the use of PPPs to address housing challenges and ensure that the needs of all residents are met effectively.

In conclusion, Olowo stressed the importance of collaboration, inclusive government, and sustained engagement with the community to achieve economic sustainability and holistic development in Lagos.

Otunba Yetunde Arobieke, a former Commissioner in Lagos State, emphasized the importance of stakeholders’ engagement in bridging the gap between the local government and citizens in Ikosi-Isheri. She commended Princess Samiat Bada, for initiating a dialogue with stakeholders, highlighting the need for citizens to communicate their needs and issues to the local government for effective solutions.

Arobieke stressed the significance of citizens moving closer to their local government to facilitate better communication and problem-solving. She addressed the misconception that nothing good can come from the government, emphasizing the need to dispel this mindset to prevent citizens from denying themselves essential services and benefits.

The former Commissioner encouraged citizens to engage with their local government, noting that local governments are adequately funded, stating in Lagos State under the leadership of Governor Sanwo-Olu. She assured that local government resources are protected and utilized to address various challenges faced by citizens in their communities.

Hon. Femi Saheed, Member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Kosofe constituency 2, expressed his optimism about the Ikosi-Isheri LCDA engagement parley, describing it as a significant step towards fostering innovation and collaborative efforts between citizens and the Government.

According to him, the community engagement aims to nurture a symbiotic relationship between citizens and the Government, ensuring that the needs and desires of citizens are effectively understood and addressed through cooperation between the two parties.

He said the Engagement is educational, enlightening, and have a profound impact on all citizens of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, paving the way for a brighter future for the community, and I applaud Mayoress for coming up with a wonderful initiative like this.

The Chairman of the Local Government Commission, in his remarks, acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the “actualizer” of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State, a feat achieved during his tenure as Governor.

He cautioned against reckless advocacy for autonomy, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of its implications on existing LCDAs. He questioned the fate of these councils, urging clarity on their future before pursuing autonomy.

The Chairman commended the Mayor and Mayoress, particularly Princess Samiat Bada, for organizing the stakeholders’ engagement, praising her for a job well done.

Gbenga Omotosho, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State, commended Ikosi-Isheri LCDA for focusing on more than just basic tasks like cleaning drainage and gutters. He emphasized that local governments have the potential to contribute significantly to the economy and manage their finances effectively. This shift in responsibility is attributed to President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which has increased funding for local governments. Princess Samiat Bada’s leadership in Ikosi-Isheri LCDA is praised for showcasing the untapped potential of local governments.

The Commissioner urged residents to support their Local Government by fulfilling their civic duties, such as paying taxes and keeping the environment clean. He highlighted the importance of environmental conservation in the face of global warming and the prevention of diseases and floods. The emphasis is placed on collective efforts to support local governments in their initiatives, with the hope of setting an example for others to follow.

Mayor Dele Oshinowo, the Executive Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, commend the Mayoress of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA for her laudable initiative in engaging with stakeholders in the community. He praised the efforts to foster collaboration and collective action towards sustainable economic transformation in the LCDA.

“It is essential for banks and private sector operators to support their host community, no matter what,” Mayor Oshinowo said. “By doing so, they will not only be giving back to the community but also creating a conducive environment for their businesses to grow and succeed.”