Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has extolled the zeal, passion and commitment of various Community Development Associations (CDAs) and Community Development Committees (CDCs) across the State, saying the groups have over the years exhibited a high level of selfless service to the government and their various communities.

Sanwo-Olu gave the commendation through the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Dr. Wale Ahmed at the inauguration of newly elected 23 members of the State Executive, Lagos State Community Development Advisory Council (LSCDAC) at the Eko Hotels & Suites on Friday.

He said the fact that members of the group organised themselves in such an orderly manner and took ownership of government projects in their various domains, without expecting any financial reward from the government in return, shows a high patriotic disposition that should be commended.

Addressing the newly sworn-in officers, Sanwo-Olu charged them to continue on the path of transparency, probity and accountability as already enshrined in the practice of the Council over the years.

He implored the new members to ensure that the activities and self-help projects of the CDAs are in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda of the present administration in order to achieve the State Government’s vision of a Greater Lagos.

The Governor added that the role of Community Development Associations is, primarily, to complement government’s developmental activities at the grassroots, saying “As a development partner, I enjoin you to focus in this direction and to achieve this, you must engage and communicate with every member of your community on how to complement government efforts in your communities”.

While thanking the outgoing Executives for serving meritoriously and contributing immensely to the peaceful coexistence across communities in the Centre of Excellence, the Governor reiterated that the present administration relies on them for quality governance because they remain an integral part of delivering dividends of democracy to all residents of the State.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Taiwo Salaam, earlier in his welcome address, appreciated CDA members and Executives for the success recorded during the election conducted.

He stated that the efforts of all CDAs and CDCs across the State has made the goal of bringing the government closer to the people possible, saying that Lagos today, boasts of over 3,900 vibrant CDAs.

On his part, Cardinal Omolaja Odumbaku, a member of Governor’s Advisory Council and Life Patron, Lagos State Community Development Advisory Council, LSCDAC, thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu for the honour bestowed on CDAs in the State by recognising and including them in the T.H.E.M.E.S. Agenda of the present administration.

He also commended the Commissioner, Dr. Wale Ahmed, for using the experience he has garnered over the years in grassroots politics to contribute immensely to the development of Lagos.

Speaking on behalf of the outgoing Executive, the Chairman of the LSCDAC, Alhaji Tajudeen Adeniyi Quadri thanked the State government for giving them the opportunity to serve and for its unflinching support to the CDAs.

He pleaded with the government to extend the same support to the newly elected Executives so that they can sustain the tempo of development at the grassroots and even surpass previous achievements.

The newly elected LSCDAC Chairman, Alhaji Azeez Amusat, in his acceptance speech, thanked the State government for the interactive platform created for CDAs to relate with government, just as he appreciated the Ministry for conducting a free and fair election which brought about his emergence as the new Chairman of LSCDAC.

He gave an assurance that the Council will heed to the advice of the State government and ensure his tenure exemplifies probity, accountability and transparency.