Lagos Commissioner votes, urges stronger local governance culture

Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Hon. Dayo Bush Alebiosu, cast his vote at 11:25 a.m. on Saturday at the Okunola Aina/Ibironke Junction polling unit in Kosofe Local Government Area during the ongoing Local Government (LG) elections.

Speaking to journalists after exercising his civic duty, Alebiosu called for greater community involvement in local governance, likening council elections to significant cultural events.

“Pay attention to what happens in your community,” Alebiosu urged.

“The local council is the closest government to the people. Just as we look forward to our annual festivals, we should equally look forward to elections and the democratic process. It should be part of our civic culture,” he said.

The commissioner emphasized the critical role of local government officials in grassroots development, urging candidates and eventual winners to prioritize the welfare of their constituents.

“We cannot continue to expect the state and federal governments to do everything. Council officials have their own responsibilities to the grassroots,” he said.

He added, “Like I always say, Executive Chairman is not a title, it’s a responsibility. The same goes for elected councillors.”

Alebiosu’s remarks underscored the importance of active democratic participation and the pivotal role of local governments in fostering development.

The elections, covering chairmen and councillors across Lagos’ local government areas and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), continue with results expected to be announced later in the day.