Lagos Agency partners Somolu CDC to boost data-driven development 

In a move aimed at strengthening grassroots planning and evidence-based governance, the Lagos State Bureau of Statistics (LBS) on Friday last week met with the leadership of the Somolu Community Development Committee (CDC) to harmonize efforts for accurate data collection across the local government area.

The meeting, which took place at the new Somolu local government Secretariat, brought together top officials from LBS and key community stakeholders to discuss strategies for gathering, analyzing, and utilizing reliable socio-economic data to deepen community development initiatives.

Speaking at the session, the LBS team leader, Mr. Olalekan Awosanya emphasized that the state government is committed to ensuring that developmental policies and projects are driven by verified data rather than assumptions.

“We are here on perception base 3 keys survey and the number one is on security matter,. We want to know the security situation in the community and in Lagos state at large.

 “And the second concept is consumer protection. We also want to know if the residents understand what consumer protection and their rights is all about especially when they’re been offered services and not leaving out transport situation”.

“We believe that every sustainable intervention must be backed by accurate statistics. This collaboration with Somolu CDC will help us identify the real needs of residents and monitor progress more effectively,” the official stated.

The Chairman of Somolu CDC; Alhaji Tella Tajudeen Inuolajin while welcoming the LBS delegation, described the partnership as a timely intervention that will boost the capacity of community leaders to plan and advocate for projects that directly impact residents.

“For years, Somolu has been at the forefront of community-driven development. With this synergy, we will be able to present precise figures that reflect the realities in our neighbourhoods, making it easier to attract government and private sector support,” he noted.

Observers at the event expressed optimism that the outcome of the exercise would not only enhance policy formulation at the state level but also empower Somolu to compete for more development opportunities.

The Lagos State Bureau of Statistics reiterated its readiness to replicate similar engagements with other CDCs across the state as part of a broader agenda to create a comprehensive data bank for Lagos communities.