Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday sworn in the 57 new presidents and vice-presidents of the state’s Local Government and Local Government Development Council.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony at Lagos House, Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu urged new council executives to always put residents first in everything they do, as they have been elected to serve the people.
Sanwo-Olu said the new council heads have a responsibility to make sure they don’t disappoint people in any way.
According to him, the only way for them to restore that trust is to do their best and ensure that the well-being and well-being of the population comes first in all their decisions.
“From your first day in office, I implore you to start thinking about what kind of legacy you would like to leave behind at the end of your term.
“As we all know, the public service is a position of trust that no one holds forever – we hold it for a while, and then we pass it on to others.
“Let me take this opportunity to stress the need for continuity and progress in governance. I urge you all to ensure that you build on the good legacy left by your predecessors.
“Also, make sure you exceed the legacies and expectations of the people who have elected you with great enthusiasm,” he said.
The governor said now is not the time to alienate some people due to political differences, but the time to give and make all citizens feel good governance.
He said local government presidents were taking office at a very difficult time in national life, due to the disruptive coronavirus pandemic, which has had dire consequences for jobs, livelihoods and economies.
According to him, residents will continue to demand and expect good governance; developing and implementing policies that will get them through and out of these difficult times.
“It is our responsibility and our burden as leaders that they have elected to live up to their expectations. So I tell you that they expect a lot from you.
“More than ever, achieving this goal requires cooperation between all levels and branches of government.
“You are expected to work in unity with other levels of government to bring the dividends of democracy to the people in all areas concerned.
“These are areas of interior road construction and maintenance, waste management, primary education, health, safety and wellness programs that touch people’s lives.
“Let me assure you of our commitment at the state government level. We will continue to provide you with the support you so badly need to fulfill your responsibilities, ”he said.
In his welcoming speech, Dr Wale Ahmed, Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, said the presidents’ victory at the polls was a testament to the solidity, strength, internal democracy and unity of APC.
Ahmed said now that they’ve won the coveted seats, the work should begin in earnest.
“Your re-election / election is another call to a season of service, dedication and selflessness to our people.
“Therefore, the task ahead is to maintain or even exceed the pace of performance of previous administrations in your respective constituencies,” he said.
The President, Igbogbo-Bayeiku LCDA, Mr. Sesan Daini, who spoke on behalf of the 114 newly sworn-in Presidents and Vice-Presidents, pledged that they will be part of the THEMES agenda of the State Government of Lagos.
“On behalf of all the newly sworn in presidents, we will not disappoint you and I promise you again that we will fit into the THEMES agenda of Mr. Governor.
“I want to assure the Governor that we will give you full support and cooperation. We will give advice to our advisers who will work with us.
“We are going to be a team that you will never regret supporting. I promise full support and loyalty, ”Daini said. (NAN)
