The Lagos State Government has installed 18 new traditional rulers in the last nine months,Dr Wale Ahmed, the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs said.
He spoke at the 2021 ministerial press conference to commemorate the second year in office of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu,where he said that of the 18 traditional rulers, five were first class, while 13 others were second class monarchs
He said:”Between June 2020 and March 2021, the ministry, through the Chieftaincy Department, has successfully installed 18 obas (traditional rulers).Of these 18 Obas; five are first class and 13 are second class Obas.It is important to note here that these installations were conducted peacefully because of the mediation that resulted in harmonious resolutions in all the ruling houses”.
According to him,the ministry had also leveraged on the meticulous efforts of the Standing Tribunal of Inquiry to ensure that chieftaincy matters were resolved.
He said the chieftaincy matters were resolved in a way and manner that have efficiently reduced acrimony in various communities.
He said the welfare and capacity building of obas and chiefs had remained priority of the administration, adding that the ministry had ensured that the priority of the governor was actualised.
”This has also ensured continued improvement in government-traditional rulers’ relationship, such that traditional institutions are working in tandem with the state government to ensure that dividends of governance reach the grassroots,” he said.
The commissioner said further that the government was mediating in 12 boundary disputes among communities across the state.
He said that the ministry had ensured communal peace at the grassroots, especially in communities that had boundary issues.
Ahmed said that this was done through prompt and periodic arbitration and adjudication, thereby averting situation that might result into breakdown of law and order.
”This has ensured peaceful communal existence and zero-level of communal clashes.The resultant effect is the ease of doing business and continued economic growth as Lagos residents undergo and undertake their daily businesses without fear of chaos or communal clashes.
”This has been effective because the ministry has in the past one year leverage on the good relationship the state government has with the traditional leaders and community leaders,” he said.
The commissioner said the ministry was presently adjudging 12 boundary disputes in the state, adding that two of these issues had been resolved, while the rest were ongoing.
He said the Lagos State government says it has paid N269, 697,458.75 to families of deceased staff of Local Governments and State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) as insurance packages.
“In the year under review, the Ministry ensured the release of claims to one hundred and sixty (160) beneficiaries of deceased employees of SUBEB and LGAs/LCDAs, amounting to N269,697,458.75 by LASACO Assurance PLC,” he said.
He disclosed that a total of 154 marital documents were released to LGAs/LCDAs, with 21 Special License Approvals, two Church License Approvals and two Renewal of Approvals.
He added that through the Local Government Administration Department, the Ministry was able to initiate and coordinate the flag-off of the 377 statewide project by the administration of Sanwo-Olu.
According to him, the project covered 257 roads, 86 buildings, 23 electrification, nine boreholes and two jetties to link communities across the state, thereby making communities accessible and as a result, engendered socio-economic activities at the grassroots.
He further said through Local Government Administration Department, the Ministry witnessed the inauguration of a 21-man Market Advisory Council by Sanwo-Olu, saying that the inauguration was borne out of the governor’s desire to make Lagos State a 21st Century Economy and to strategically position the markets in a way that it profits the State and sets it ready for the economic growth it would witness in the years ahead.
Ahmed disclosed that the ministry would be expanding her rural development efforts to other communities with the construction of Oba Oyediran Road in Badagry; Ramon Owoyemi Street in Egbeda; construction of community hall in Ikorodu, construction of dilapidated community hall in Toga- Badagry; construction, equipping and furnishing of Information Viewing and Community Centre in Otunla Community, Ibeju-Lekki.
He revealed that the Ministry would be sensitising LGAs/LCDAs on Local Government elections; training elected political Office Holders of LGs/LCDAs; commencing periodic tour of LGAs/LCDAs and presenting insurance claims to beneficiaries of deceased employees of SUBEB and LGAs/LCDAs.
In addition, he revealed that the Ministry would be investigating petitions received from the public concerning activities of LGAs/LCDAs, commencing technical tour of LGAs/LCDAs, conducting seminars for market stakeholders and upgrading markets across the State by providing toilet facilities and borehole and; Organising “Oloja Day” Carnival.
“Also, in the next 365 days, the ministry will be training 1,140 vegetable farmers across the state on modern techniques in vegetable production. Twenty vegetable farmers will be selected from each of the 57 LGs/LCDAs.
“In the third quarter of year 2021, the State Government through the Ministry will be providing agricultural support to farmers across the 57 LGs/LCDAs in form of inputs across value-chain to augment agricultural produce for farmers. This is to assist farmers stabilise and attain sustainability to cushion the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic.” Ahmed disclosed.
He said the ministry would engage in investigative visits, site inspections, sensitisation and that enlargement efforts would also be constantly undertaken to ensure that peace in the communities were maintained, subsisting issues resolved, thereby ensuring “Lagos remains the city of our dream.”
