CITIZENS COMPASS—The Lagos State Government has hosted an awareness and sensitisation programme on newly enacted laws for residents of in Igbogbo-Baiyeku Local Council Development Area, Ikorodu Division in Lagos State,
The Government reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive governance and civic empowerment in the area.
The programme, organised through the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, held on Tuesday, January 20, 2025, and was designed to educate citizens on their legal rights, protections, and civic responsibilities, while strengthening participatory governance at the grassroots.
At the heart of the engagement was the call for informed citizenship as a cornerstone of good governance. Delivering the welcome address on behalf of the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Sholabomi Shasore, underscored the importance of public awareness of laws in fostering accountability, social order, and active civic participation. She noted that laws are most effective when citizens understand them and are empowered to engage constructively with government institutions.
Speaking for the Executive Chairman of Igbogbo Baiyeku LCDA, the Chief of Staff, Hon. Wasiu Olowu, commended the Lagos State Government for what he described as a timely and impactful initiative. He emphasized that the programme would significantly improve residents’ understanding of their civic duties and legal rights, while appealing for the sensitization exercise to be institutionalized and held at least twice yearly to sustain public enlightenment within the community.
Participants were further enriched through expert presentations from key state agencies. The Director of the Citizens’ Mediation Bureau (CMB), Ikorodu Division, Barr. Abosede Olaleye, educated attendees on alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and citizens’ rights, highlighting the Bureau’s free and accessible mediation services. She also informed residents of the CMB office location on Oreyo Road, beside the Stadium in Ikorodu. In a goodwill message, Mrs. Folashade Ashaye, representing the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), provided insights into consumer protection laws, the operation of the Consumer Court, and ongoing plans to establish LASCOPA offices across all local government areas to bring services closer to the people.
Adding a critical legal perspective, Mr. Kehinde David, Deputy Director of the Lagos State Law Reform Commission, delivered an expert presentation on laws regulating organ donation and related practices. He cited relevant legal provisions to demystify the subject and enhance public understanding, reinforcing the state’s commitment to ethical standards and public safety.
An interactive session encouraged community members to take advantage of town hall budget meetings and the Citizens’ Gate platform as tools for civic engagement, transparency, and complaint resolution. The session reinforced the role of citizens as active partners in governance rather than passive observers.
The programme commenced with opening prayers led by Pastor Samson and Imam Kamaldeen, symbolizing unity and collective purpose, and concluded with a vote of thanks by the Director (Legislative) of the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Mr. Azeez Subair.
The event recorded strong stakeholder participation, including the CDC Chairman of Igbogbo Baiyeku, Alhaji Rasak Ibiyeye; Alhaja Kaolat, representing the Iyaloja of Igbogbo Baiyeku; members of various Community Development Associations (CDAs), and other community leaders, further reflecting the broad-based support for civic education and community development initiatives.
