AGUNBIADE HOLDS STAKEHOLDERS MEETING ON COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IN FINDING SOLUTIONS TO ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES. | Shakiru Seidu. ...Assures Constituents of presenting their needs before the appropriate quarters.

It is unequivocally true that the ears that listen to a departure should get the feedback. This played out at the prestigious TSSDC Hall, Owutu, Agric, Ikorodu, on Wednesday, September 11, 2019, where the Majority Leader at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. SOB Agunbiade convened members  of his Constituents in Ikorodu Constituency 1, in a bid to rub minds together and give feedback.

At the Stakeholders meeting, MegaXpression Community News, witnessed the presence of His Royal  Majesties, Oba (Engr) Kabir Adewale Shotobi, Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba (Engr) Bashir Aremu Sotonwa, Sekumade of Ipakodo, former Commissioner for Information, Otunba (Sir) Ayodele Elesho, Chairman, Ikorodu West LCDA, Hon. Mrs Jumoke Ademeyin, Alhaji P.T Rotinwa, Primate Charles Odugbesi, Hon Adekunle Ogunbela, Sheikh Sherrifudeen Ademoritan, Pastor Abiodun Iyiola, Alhaji Olakintan, leagues of Baale's, APC members among others.

The events was kick started with an opening prayer by his Eminence Sheikh Sherrifudeen Ademoritan, followed suit was the welcome address by Ikorodu West LCDA Chairman, Hon. Chief Mrs Jumoke Ademeyin.

In his keynote adress, the Chief Host, Hon. S.O.B Agunbiade, after recognising and paying homage to Royal Heads, welcomed and appreciated everybody for their unflinching supports and interest in the affairs of the State House of Assembly. He introduced the theme: "Environmental Challenges: Community Engagement to Facilitate lasting resolutions."

Agunbiade said, "we engage our constituents annually to deliberate on issues affecting the general well-being; to rub minds on issues of concern and greater progress of our State and indeed to educate citizens on Government policies and activities as well as take your complaints and suggestions back to the Executive arm of Government for necessary action.

"As a foremost State Legislature that takes the welfare of its people as paramount and diligent in its primary responsibilities, it recently deliberated extensively as its Plenary Session on Tuesday, 23rd July, 2019 on the increasing and threatening environmental issues in the State including flooding, drainage related matters and the need to proffer necessary solutions.

"Despite efforts being put in place to sensitise residents on the need to protect the environment, some still prefer to violate the Environmental Law and involve in actions capable of frustrating government's efforts and huge investment in the sector.

"While assuring you that the 9th assembly would continue to do everything possible within its capacity to bring governance closer to the people in order to facilitate participatory governance, the progress of our State is a collective responsibility. We urge you to continue to support the Government by performing your civic responsibilities." Agunbiade said

His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr) Kabir Shotobi in his eloquent remarks said the most important thing about the Environmental Challenges is that the government should engage all the agencies in charge of disposing refuse due to their corruption in their work.

 

The Monarch who was ably represented by the Agbaakin of Ikorodu Kingdom and former Commissioner for Information, Otunba (Sir) Ayodele Elesho, urged the people to stop the act of pouring and throwing of refuses heap in the gutter. He also bemoans the bad roads in Ikorodu Division and pleaded with the Ikorodu representative in the House of Assembly to do something about it urgently. 

HRM Oba (Engr) Bashir Sotonwa (The Sekumade of Ipakodo), His Eminence Sheikh Sherrifudeen Ademoritan Olooworibi and Iyaloja of Ikorodu, in the same vein urged the people of Ikorodu constituency 1 to be law abiding citizens and keep Ikorodu clean.

During an interactive session, the gathering agreed to adhere to the laid-down rules and regulations of the government and also bring to justice those who failed to comply. They also pleaded with the House of Assembly representatives to ensure that all bad roads in Ikorodu Division are reconstructed.

The Chief Host, Hon SOB Agunbiade fluently responded to the people, saying, the government is working tirelessly in making sure that Ikorodu Division roads are in good condition. "With the information, suggestions, and contributions gathered here today, It would be used by the government in policy formulation and execution," he said.

"Sanwo-Olu government is just about six months in office, and I would like you all to exercise patience and work hand-in-hand with the government policy geared towards the betterment of moving Ikorodu Division forward.

"I thank you for encouraging us so far and responding to our calls. I'm certain that with the outcome of today's meeting, it would enhance our collaborative efforts towards making Lagos the State of our dream and Centre of Excellence that it is." SOB added.

SHAKIRU SEIDU,
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief,
MegaXpression Community Magazine