By Meletus EZE
The Lagos State Government on Tuesday said it would continue to support Community Development Associations (CDAs) on self-help projects in their respective communities.
The Deputy-Governor of the state, Mrs Idiat Adebule, gave the commitment at the inauguration of grand patrons, patrons and matrons by the Community Development Committee (CDC) in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area.
TBI Africa reports that Adebule was represented by Mrs Anike Adekanye, Tutor-General, Education District 5 in the state.
She said the administration of Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode was irrevocably committed to the development of all communities in the state and had taken steps to demonstrate the commitment.
Adebule described CDAs as partners in progress, promising that the government would sustain the partnership to improve the lots of residents.
“This administration is committed to the development of all communities in the state and will continue to support CDAs on their development initiatives.
“Also, Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode will continue to provide the right leadership and sustainable infrastructural development in all parts of the state”, she said.
Adebule commended the Amuwo-Odofin CDC on their development interventions in the area, calling on residents to support the committee to do more.
She congratulated the grand-patrons, patrons, matrons and awardees, urging them to continue to impact on the people in the area .
Speaking, the Executive Chairman of the council, Mr Oluwaseyi Braimoh, also said CDAs were strategic to grassroot development, pledging the council’s commitment to support the development initiatives of CDC in the area.
He commended the state government for releasing funds to assist CDAs across the state execute projects in their respective communities.
Braimoh said the step would help in furthering the development of the state and impact on more lives.
“We thank the governor for the release of the funds which will no doubt bring more development to the state. However, there is need for monitoring of these projects to ensure they are well executed.
“On our part as a council, we will monitor these projects to ensure they are well done so as to encourage the governor to do more,” he said.
In his speech, the Chairman of the CDC, Pa Kola Ogunlusi, said the inauguration of the patrons and presentation of awards was recognising the place of leadership in the society.
He said the ceremony was also giving practical implementation to the Community Development Advisory Council which provided for the creation of patrons and matrons.
Ogunlusi said in addition to traditional rulers who were automatic grand patrons, the ceremony was just to fulfil constitutional provisions to install then as grand patrons.
He said the patrons and awardees were selected based on their contributions to the community.
“We also took significant note of past administrators of the local government since 1996 who did their best to serve the people”, he said.
He said with the installation of the patrons, the CDC hoped to achieve more progress in the area through their support and leverage.
Ogunlusi urged the patrons and awardees to continue to contribute their quota to the development of Amuwo-Odofin.
TBI Africa reports that three traditional rulers were among those inaugurated as grand patrons at the ceremony.
The council chairman, Braimoh, was also inaugurated as grand patron.
TBI Africa reports that no fewer than 50 residents of the council, who had contributed to the development of the area, were presented with awards.
