Lagos: The Lagos State Government has urged local government secretaries across the South-West to prioritize 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 programs and policies.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Salu-Hundeyin emphasized that communities were the individuals who experienced the impact of governance directly. “The essence of governance is development and better living for our people,” she stated. Salu-Hundeyin underscored 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. She highlighted that the office of the secretary remains one of the most important positions in governance, bridging the gap between policy formulation and practical implementation.
Salu-Hundeyin remarked that without the involvement of secretaries at the grassroots, it would be challenging for the government to understand people’s needs. She described secretaries as “the eyes of government at the grassroots,” explaining that they provided crucial feedback needed to improve governance and service delivery. Salu-Hundeyin commended the South-West Forum for fostering 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, stated that the group was committed to grassroots transformation. Olambiwonnu mentioned that the forum aligned its activities with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) framework to accelerate socio-economic development across the South-West. He noted that local government secretaries occupied strategic positions in governance, ensuring development projects produced measurable benefits. Olambiwonnu also announced plans for a South-West Conference of Secretaries to Local Governments in Lagos, aimed at formally unveiling the forum and promoting professional growth, policy engagement, and regional cooperation. He thanked the Lagos State Government for its support and pledged the forum’s continued commitment to good governance and sustainable grassroots development.