Ikosi-Isheri council boss Princess Bada pioneers economic growth through stakeholder collaboration

To further make Ikosi-Isheri more economically vibrant the Executive Chairman of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada, recently hosted a Stakeholders Parley, bringing together private individuals, business owners, and community leaders to foster collaboration and innovation. The event aimed to identify growth opportunities and promote sustainable development within the LCDA.

The platform allowed for open discussions, encouraging community engagement and shared responsibility. Participants shared ideas on enhancing residents’ quality of life, sustainable development, and strengthening public-private partnerships.

The Yeye Shewa of Ilara Kingdom highlighted her administration’s commitment to sustainable economic transformation and community development. She underscored the importance of collaboration and collective action, showcasing the LCDA’s achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, social welfare, education, youth empowerment, and tourism. The Mayoress also introduced a new focus on housing, aiming to create safe, sustainable, and thriving communities through affordable housing initiatives, infrastructure development, and community engagement.

Princess Bada reiterated the LCDA’s commitment to providing security, infrastructure, health safety, and a hazard-free environment to support businesses and foster a prosperous community. She emphasized continued collaboration, transparency, and accountability, thanking stakeholders for their support and urging them to work together toward a future of prosperity, sustainability, and fairness.

She thanked her team and the private sector for their support, highlighting ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Ikosi-Isheri health center. Princess Bada called for more funds and equipment, stressing the importance of private sector and taxpayer contributions. She also shared her aspirations for another term in office in 2025.

A former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Rotimi Olowo Emmanuel, stressed the significance of collaboration and inclusive governance in achieving economic sustainability and holistic development in Lagos. He praised initiatives like town hall meetings for gathering input from constituents and advocated for sustained community engagement beyond the annual budget processes. Olowo also discussed the value of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in addressing housing challenges, emphasizing the need for affordable and durable accommodation for all residents.

However, Otunba Yetunde Arobieke, a former Commissioner in Lagos State in her submission emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement in bridging the gap between local government and citizens. She praised Princess Bada for initiating dialogue with stakeholders, highlighting the need for citizens to communicate their needs to the local government. Arobieke encouraged citizens to engage with their local government, noting the adequate funding provided under Governor Sanwo-Olu’s leadership and assuring that resources are protected and utilized to address community challenges.

Hon. Femi Saheed, a Member of the Lagos State House of Assembly who was also present at the parley expressed optimism about the Ikosi-Isheri LCDA engagement parley, describing it as a significant step towards fostering innovation and collaboration between citizens and the government. He highlighted the educational and enlightening impact of the engagement, paving the way for a brighter future for the community.

The Chairman of the Local Government Commission, Hon. Kamar Baiyewu acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the “actualizer” of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State. He cautioned against reckless advocacy for autonomy without considering its implications on existing LCDAs and praised Princess Bada for organizing the stakeholders’ engagement.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State, Gbenga Omotosho, commended Ikosi-Isheri LCDA for focusing on economic contributions beyond basic tasks. He emphasized the potential of local governments to manage their finances effectively and highlighted the increased funding for local governments under President Tinubu’s administration. Omotosho urged residents to support their local government by fulfilling civic duties like paying taxes and maintaining a clean environment.

Mayor Dele Oshinowo of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA in his remarks praised Princess Bada’s initiative, emphasizing the significance of banks and private sector operators supporting their host community. He highlighted that such support creates a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.