LASG EXPLAINS RATIONALE FOR PERIODIC STAKEHOLDERS’ ENGAGEMENTS

The Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Civic Engagement, Hon. Kehinde Joseph has explained that the sensitization of Lagosians on government policies is to enable the citizens to assume ownership of projects sited in their communities.

Joseph warned that ignorance of the laws of the State is not an excuse and would not be tenable again considering the series of the enlightenment programmes being embarked upon by the State government.

The Governor’s aide made this known at a forum organised by the Office of Civic Engagement at Ikeja for the political class and community influencers on the protection of government projects within their domain.

He disclosed that the State government had earlier engaged civil society groups, Community Development Associations (CDAs), Community Development Committees (CDCs), market men and women and other social groups with the aim of involving the populace in governance while also soliciting for their continued support of the policies and programmes of the current administration in the State.

He said that the intention of the government is to extend the sensitization exercise to other organizations capable of influencing the populace about the programmes and policies of the State government.

According to him, the consultation embarked upon by the State government within the environment aided the success of the new innovation introduced in the sector.

Joseph called on the political class to support the efforts of the State Government by taking ownership of the lofty initiatives of the State Government like the Light Up Lagos project, Lagos Cleaner Initiative, (CLI) among others.

“As stakeholders in this administration, you owe it a duty not only to monitor ongoing projects in your locality but to ensure that such projects are executed without disturbance from any quarter”, he said.

He lamented that “What we have seen in recent times is willful destruction of some government properties: the Light Up Lagos poles, for instance, are being destroyed by vehicles on our highways, the cables are being stolen and unfortunately residents of these areas are not showing the expected level of civility by bringing all these to the attention of the State Government”.

While maintaining that the Governor has not deviated from his promise not to leave anyone behind in the scheme of things as promised from the inception of his administration, the Special Adviser pleaded with residents, particularly the political class, to remain committed to the course of governance in the State.

“It is the standing policy of this administration to provide world-class infrastructure befitting Lagos not only as a mega city but as a smart city, enhance security, improve the environment (cleanliness and beautification), provide better health facilities and make our schools more conducive to learning”, Joseph stated.