Every year, in line with the United Nations Initiative, the Lagos State Government designates a day for the celebration of the Community Day to recognize the achievements of the various Community Development Associations, (CDAs), in the State.
As stipulated in the Community Development Global Guidelines, Community Development Associations are set up to hatch ideas on economic and social growth for the entire community. The concept advocates the use of local knowledge and resources and canvasses for a more sustainable approach to development.
This perhaps is why the Lagos state government hinges its development drive on community centered initiatives with a view to ensuring even and accelerated development in all parts of the State.
The idea of the CDAs is also but not limited to local people embarking on projects on self-help basis in a community with the government providing the necessary assistance monetarily, technically and administratively.
If properly keyed into, communities could easily access education, technology, health care, security among others.
At the year 2023 Community Day held at Police College, Ikeja, last Thursday, the state Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu promised to provide health palliatives to Lagos State residents to cushion the effects of high prices of drugs due to the economic challenges in the country.
According to the Governor, “We are not going to leave you in various communities, we will continue to provide amenities for all of you in rural areas. We are not going to stay at the Ikoyi and Island axes. We are going to reach out to all the nooks and crannies of the state.
“Today, we are here to appreciate you and thank you for your efforts aimed at developing the grassroots. As you know, we have slashed the transport fare. We have provided palliatives of foodstuff. We are going to do more. But the cost of drugs is also rising. As a responsive and responsible government, we will also provide palliatives on medicines,” The Governor promised.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr Nurudeen Agbaje, appreciated Local Council Development Areas in the state for their support through self-help projects, which according to him has complemented government efforts at delivering dividends of democracy to the state.
Also, at the event, the Chairman Lagos State Community Development Advisory Council, Alhaji Azeez Amusat, said the number of CDAs in Lagos State has increased to 4,416.
Amusat, who called for the review of the CDAs constitution in the state, appealed to the Governor to construct a Community House as State secretariat for all CDAs activities in the State.
Eighteen-seat buses were later presented to the first, second and third CDAs Greenland Estate CDA in Eti Osa East LCDA, Royal Estate CDA in Egbe Idimu LCDA and Elepe Royal Estate in Ikorodu Council Area, while Araromi CDA in Ibeji Lekki LCDA picked the best rural community award.
Consolation prices of five hundred thousand naira each was also given to the fifth to tenth CDAs.
Beyond the razzmatazz of the annual celebration, the government must continue to promote necessary collaborative efforts and strategies for effective community-oriented development initiatives. With this, the celebration will not just be an annual ritual, but a very impactful commemoration!