President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged state governors to prioritize development in their local government areas, emphasizing their crucial role in driving progress at the grassroots level. During a meeting with members of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) at his residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, on January 1, Tinubu encouraged stronger collaboration between federal and state governments to address pressing challenges. “You own the land, and the responsibility lies in your hands. Focus on developing the local governments. Nobody wants to take them from you, but collaboration is essential,” Tinubu stated. The President highlighted that leadership at the subnational level is central to achieving food security, economic stability, and accelerated national growth. He reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing local government autonomy, a cornerstone for sustainable grassroots development, while dismissing rumors of disagreements with the governors over this issue. “We won’t fight amongst ourselves. I am here to drive change, and you control your local governments. By fulfilling grassroots expectations effectively, we can restore hope,” Tinubu affirmed, adding that cooperation between all levels of government will ensure Nigeria’s progress. Tinubu also called on governors to prioritize agricultural productivity, noting that it holds the key to stabilizing the economy and improving the nation’s currency value. “We must work harder, grow more, and ensure the improvement of our currency. Nigeria will achieve prosperity through consistent effort,” he said. Commending the governors for ongoing progress in their states, Tinubu expressed pride in their developmental strides, stating, “There’s no state we cannot visit and feel proud of. Better allocations are available now—let me handle the criticism while you enjoy the benefits. Together, we’ll build a nation we can all take pride in.” Reflecting on his leadership journey over the past 19 months, Tinubu expressed confidence in the resilience of the nation and the capacity of his administration to lead Nigeria to greater heights. He also announced his planned visit to Enugu State on January 4 as part of his tour across the country. In response, NGF Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, reassured the President of the governors’ unwavering support, particularly in enhancing local security efforts. He also highlighted the impact of increased economic restructuring, noting, “In less than two years, I’ve accomplished more projects than I did in four years of my first term, thanks to improved funding. While inflation persists, we’re making progress.” READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
Uyo – Senate President Godswill Akpabio has revealed that the 10th National Assembly (NASS) wholeheartedly endorsed the establishment of regional development commissions under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. This initiative aims to drive empowerment and growth to grassroots communities across Nigeria. Speaking during his 2024 Empowerment/Constituency Briefing on Monday at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium, Akpabio, who represents Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District (Akwa Ibom Northwest) in Akwa Ibom State, highlighted the importance of regional commissions in addressing developmental needs. He called on the South-South and South-East regions to continue supporting Tinubu’s administration, emphasizing the president’s dedication to improving these areas. Akpabio particularly praised his senatorial district for their overwhelming support, noting that out of 160,000 votes for President Tinubu, over 119,000 came from his district. In his remarks, Akpabio stated: “Today is not about speeches but about expressing gratitude to the people of Akwa Ibom, especially the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District. Thank you for your wisdom, vision, and re-electing me into the 10th Senate. “Votes from my senatorial district for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu exceeded the combined votes from five states in the South-East. The South-East must rise to prove its worth. The president has shown love for the South-East by signing the South-East Development Commission into law.” Akpabio outlined the broader vision behind the development commissions, explaining that NASS prioritized grassroots empowerment to ensure equitable development across Nigeria. He revealed the current status of various commissions: He also noted that key ministries were allocated not based on regional voting patterns but on specific developmental needs. For example, the Ministry of Works was assigned to tackle ecological and infrastructure challenges in the South-East and South-South regions, while Akwa Ibom was granted the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Gas), recognizing its vast gas reserves. Akpabio praised Tinubu’s decision to support the South-South region by enabling it to produce the Senate President, emphasizing the role of leadership in fostering regional development. Empowerment Initiatives: During the event, Akpabio distributed various empowerment items across the ten local government areas in his senatorial district. These items included: This initiative underscores Akpabio’s commitment to grassroots development and providing practical tools to enhance livelihoods in his constituency. READ ASLO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially confirmed that the upcoming 2025 local government elections will be conducted in both the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across the state. This clarification came from the APC Lagos State Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, who addressed circulating reports claiming the elections would be limited to only the 20 LGAs. In a statement issued on Sunday, Ojelabi emphasized the necessity of putting an end to what he called “unnecessary and distracting speculations.” He stated: “We want to make it clear that the 2025 local government elections will be held in all 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs across Lagos State. The LCDAs have proven to be instrumental in driving grassroots development and fostering infrastructural growth in the state.” He highlighted various contributions made by the LCDAs, such as the construction of roads, markets, drainage systems, housing, schools, and primary healthcare facilities. He also noted their involvement in essential collaborative efforts with the state government, including waste disposal, security, and drain clearing. Ojelabi reiterated the APC’s stance on the relevance of the LCDAs, affirming their role in the socio-economic and political development of Lagos. He urged Lagosians to remain peaceful and united, focusing on maintaining the state’s leadership position in the country. Meanwhile, during a separate event, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, addressed the APC assembly in Surulere. While he mentioned that elections would take place in only 20 LGAs, Gbajabiamila hinted at a new arrangement for the LCDAs, to be unveiled by the APC leadership. He also announced the party’s decision to unify all APC members under one leadership structure, banning factional regroupings such as the Mandate and Justice Forum groups. This, he explained, was part of the efforts by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to strengthen party unity and alleviate public hardship. With the APC’s confirmation, it is now evident that Lagos State will hold comprehensive council elections across both LGAs and LCDAs in 2025, furthering the state’s grassroots development agenda. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
