By Florence Onuegbu
The Lagos State Government has urged local government secretaries across the South-West to prioritise grassroots development and effective governance.
The Secretary to the Lagos State Government (SSG), Mrs Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, gave the charge on Wednesday in Lagos.
She spoke while receiving members of the South-West Forum of Secretaries to the Local Governments during a courtesy visit.
Salu-Hundeyin described local government secretaries as critical stakeholders responsible for connecting policies with citizens.
She said meaningful development required active participation of communities in implementing government programmes and policies.
“You cannot have actual development without carrying the grassroots along,” the SSG said.
She added that communities were the people who experienced the impact of governance directly.
“The essence of governance is development and better living for our people,” she said.
Salu-Hundeyin stressed that local government administrators had important roles in delivering government initiatives effectively.
She noted that secretaries at state and local levels coordinated activities and ensured positive outcomes for citizens.
According to her, the office of the secretary remains one of the most important positions in governance.
She said the role bridged the gap between policy formulation and practical implementation.
“Without the secretaries at the grassroots, it would be difficult for government to understand people’s needs,” she said.
The SSG described secretaries as “the eyes of government at the grassroots”.
She explained that they provided feedback needed to improve governance and service delivery.
Salu-Hundeyin commended the South-West Forum for encouraging collaboration among local government administrators.
She expressed confidence that the initiative would promote stronger regional development efforts.
Earlier, the Chairman of the forum, Mr Kunle Olambiwonnu, said the group was committed to grassroots transformation.
Olambiwonnu said the forum aligned its activities with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) framework.
He explained that the move was aimed at accelerating socio-economic development across the South-West.
The chairman said the forum would contribute to building a prosperous and progressive region.
He noted that local government secretaries occupied strategic positions in governance.
According to him, they are well placed to ensure development projects produce measurable benefits.
Olambiwonnu also announced plans for a South-West Conference of Secretaries to Local Governments.
He said the conference would be held in Lagos to formally unveil the forum, adding that the platform would promote professional growth, policy engagement and regional cooperation.
Olambiwonnu thanked the Lagos State Government for its support and pledged continued commitment.
He promised that the forum would promote good governance and sustainable grassroots development. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo