Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Hamzat, has stressed that empowering local governments to fully discharge their constitutional responsibilities remains critical to Nigeria’s sustainable growth and national development.
The Deputy Governor also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting financial autonomy to local governments, saying the increased allocations to the third tier of government have enabled the execution of impactful projects that are improving the lives of people at the grassroots.
Dr. Hamzat stated this in a message delivered at the 2026 Annual Public Lecture and Awardsorganised by The Gazelle News at the Radisson Blu Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.
Represented by the Director General of the Bola Tinubu/Kadri Hamzat Campaign Organisation, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Hamzat said effective grassroots governance depends on trust, accountability and collaboration between the public and private sectors to accelerate development and improve service delivery.
He, however, identified poor policy implementation, corruption and inconsistent government policies as major obstacles preventing local governments from operating at their full capacity.
Speaking on behalf of the Deputy Governor, Senator Obanikoro commended The Gazelle News for consistently projecting grassroots governance and creating a platform for meaningful engagement on issues affecting local communities. He said the organisation’s commitment to promoting public private partnerships has contributed to strengthening governance at the local level.
Delivering the keynote lecture, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Hon. Sunday Dare, described the ongoing reforms of the Tinubu administration as one of the most significant governance initiatives since the return to democratic rule.
According to him, the nation’s future prosperity will be determined not only by decisions taken in Abuja or state capitals but by the quality of governance experienced in communities, wards and villages across the country.
Dare spoke on the theme, “Driving Grassroots Governance Through Public Private Partnership: The Gains, the Pains and the Prospects.”
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, Senator Oluranti Adebule, applauded The Gazelle Newsfor its commitment to promoting credible journalism and amplifying issues affecting grassroots communities.
She said the organisation has played an important role in deepening democratic participation through accurate and responsible reporting, while pledging her continued support for initiatives that advance local government development.
Earlier, Publisher of The Gazelle News, Mr. Musbau Rasaq, said the annual lecture was conceived to stimulate informed conversations on strengthening grassroots governance through strategic collaboration between government and the private sector.
He noted that sustainable development cannot be achieved by government alone, stressing that stronger partnerships with private organisations remain essential to meeting the growing needs of citizens.
The event also featured the presentation of awards to Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed; Senator Ganiyu Solomon; member of the Governance Advisory Council, Pa Reuben Olorunfunmi Basorun; Chief Waliu Olajide Ojuko; His Majesty, Prof. Adeyemi Obalanlege; Babajide Kolade Otitoju; and veteran Nollywood actor, Antar Babatunde Laniyan.
A panel discussion moderated at the event featured the Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda; public policy strategist, Dr. Abdullah Adeyanju Binuyo; and the Executive Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government Area, Dr. Lanre Oyegbola Sodipo, who examined practical pathways to strengthening governance and service delivery at the grassroots.
