The Greater Lagos Initiative, has brought together stakeholders to advocate the Government-Citizen Synergy, in overcoming economic and social challenges in Lagos State.
This initiative was set on tackling long standing issues and setting examples for community-led development.
The summit, with the theme:”Building Resilience, Survival and Recovery: The Government-Citizen Synergy in Overcoming Economic and social challenges in Lagos State,” took place at the LASUBEB Hall, Maryland, Lagos.
President, Greater Lagos Initiative, Prince Adeniyi Olutimehin, said that the synergy between government and citizens has been the game-changer.
According to him, as citizens, we must not only dwell on what we gain from the government, we must also contribute in this agenda to encourage progress.
“All of us are watchdogs, we need to tell them what they have to do to get it right. Citizens must think out of the box and by working together, we will be able to identify and address the root causes of our challenges,”
“This synergy has not only improved our infrastructure and services but has also restored hope and confidence among our citizens. We’re committed to sustaining this partnership and ensuring its benefits reach every corner of our state,” he said.
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Chairman, Orile-Agege LCDA, Johnson Babatunde, said that it is important there is a synergy because as the government is there to provide, it’s the duty of the citizens to embrace and manage the projects being provided.
According to him, on the part of the government, they should be responsible and responsive to the yearnings of the people. And to the citizen, they must also take up their own responsibility by paying their taxes, by ensuring that all government property within their domains are kept in good condition. He said; “my advice to the residents is to go ahead and support the government of the day. They must not sit alone. It is the responsibility of all, both the gov both the governments and the government. There should be a synergy,”
“When government is doing all it could to provide basic infrastructure development, and the city here are sitting aloof, there’ll be damages, there’ll be destruction. This is a welcome development from the Greater Lagos Initiative for bringing this together, for making us understand the needs for participatory government, that all hands must be on deck,” he added.
Vice Chancellor, Caleb University, Imota, Professor Nosa Owens-Ibie said citizens and students have a lot of work to do because the government cannot meet all needs. He added that for the better future of the students and government, they must see themselves to be part of the positive compatriots and must have the mindset be an asset of the Nation.