In a spirited call for progress, kakalistiq.com reports that the Lagos State Government has vowed to accelerate growth and development for the residents of Epe Division and the wider Lagos city. Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat emphasized the importance of inclusive democratic governance during the Budget Consultative Forum held at the Epe Jubilee Chalet.
“We are poised as a government to support individuals in achieving greatness together in the state. We assure you of good governance and more dividends of democracy in the near future,” stated Dr. Hamzat. Addressing the audience via Zoom, he assured that all requests made by royal fathers and residents would be considered, highlighting the administration’s commitment to the well-being of every Lagosian.
The forum, attended by traditional rulers, market men and women, artisans, youths, government functionaries, and educationists, aimed to gather input for the 2025 budget. Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Temitope Ope George, outlined the forum’s purpose: “The state government is doing everything possible to see that all residents have the minds of hope and trust in the communal development.” He also provided updates on the implementation status of the 2024 budget projects and programs.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Olalekan Hafeez Balogun, underscored the forum’s significance: “This august gathering is in preparation for the Year 2025 Budget hosted by the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget. This forum has always charged itself to reach out to the five divisions in Lagos State so that inputs of all stakeholders are taken into consideration in the State’s Budget preparation process to further ensure transparency, accountability, inclusion, effective representation, and acceptability of the Budget.”
Balogun, reflecting on his connection to Epe, added, “As an indigene of the Epetedo area of Lagos Island and a resident of Apapa, today’s edition being the first for this year is very special and personal to me. Our commitment to the well-being of citizens and residents of Lagos, as well as the growth of our state, is resolute and unwavering. We shall remain dedicated to the successful completion of ongoing projects and the implementation of pivotal ones that will make our infrastructure robust and resilient, thereby creating economic opportunities for all residents.”
Reaffirming the government’s dedication to cultural vibrancy and intellectual prowess, Balogun concluded, “Our philosophy remains that for democracy to maintain its essence, citizens’ engagement with the Government must be encouraged and indeed deliberately courted. This is evident in our State’s slogan of ‘Ajumose,’ which means ‘joint effort.’ It has been this guiding principle that led to the movement of one State consultative forum to three Senatorial districts and now coming down to each of the five IBILE divisions of our great State.”
HRM Oba Owolabi Saheed Mompson, the Abowa of Agbowa Ikosi, Ikosi-Ejirin LCDA, praised the government’s responsiveness but highlighted areas needing attention: “It shows that the present government is very proactive and responsive to the yearnings and cries of the people. Though the state government is trying its best to maintain peace and order, much needs to be done in areas such as security, food safety, electricity, road management, and maintenance.”
Local youth leaders, including Comrade Mahruf Odunare (Member, Lagos State Youth Parliament, Epe Constituency I), Comrade Giwa Olasupo and Comrade Shittu Mustapha, applauded the initiatives under Governor Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Hamzat, recognizing their efforts in transforming Epe Division.
The Budget Consultative Forum showcased the government’s commitment to inclusive growth, fostering a collaborative spirit among Lagosians to shape a prosperous future.
