Hamzat Hails LG Autonomy, Says Strong Grassroots Governance Key to Nigeria’s Development
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Hamzat, has expressed optimism that Nigeria will achieve the desired growth and development if local governments are allowed to perform their constitutional roles and functions effectively.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting full financial autonomy to local governments, noting that the increased allocations have translated into legacy projects being implemented across the country for the benefit of people at the grassroots.
Dr. Hamzat made the remarks in a message delivered at the 2026 Annual Public Lecture and Awards organised by The Gazelle News, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.
Represented by the Director General of the Bola Tinubu/Kadri Hamzat Campaign Organisation, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, the Deputy Governor said local government is about building trust and improving the quality of life of the people through public private partnerships that foster development, transparency and accountability.
Dr. Hamzat, who chaired the event, however noted that challenges limiting the efficiency and capacity of local governments to deliver on their mandates include poor policy implementation, corruption and inconsistent government policies, which undermine continuity and sustainable development.
Speaking on behalf of the Deputy Governor, Senator Obanikoro commended The Gazelle News for its effective coverage of grassroots issues, saying the platform has strengthened public private partnerships and created a model worthy of emulation by other states. He added that the forum provides an avenue for meaningful dialogue on issues of national importance.
The Special Guest of Honour, Senator Oluranti Adebule, said The Gazelle News has made significant contributions to the dissemination of accurate information from the grassroots to the wider society.
According to her, the event was a celebration of years of hard work in deepening Nigeria’s democracy, as she reaffirmed her support for the platform’s efforts in promoting development at the local government level.
Delivering the keynote lecture, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Hon. Sunday Dare, said the reforms being implemented by the Tinubu administration represent one of the most consequential governance reforms in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
He said Nigeria’s greatest opportunity lies not only in Abuja or the state capitals but in its wards and villages, where governance must be felt and prosperity must begin.
Dare spoke on the theme, “Driving Grassroots Governance Through Public Private Partnership: The Gains, the Pains and the Prospects.”
Earlier, the Publisher of The Gazelle News, Mr. Musbau Rasaq, expressed delight at the impressive turnout, stating that the public lecture was organised to encourage robust discourse on accelerating grassroots development through public private partnerships.
The veteran journalist pointed out that government alone cannot meet the diverse needs of citizens, stressing that timely support from the private sector would help ease the burden on government.
Awards were presented 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 Nollywood actor, Antar Babatunde Laniyan.
The panel session 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.
