In a powerful display of grassroots connection and civic empowerment, the Lagos State Government recently brought its Political and Social Inclusion Sensitisation and Engagement Programme to the residents of Aiyetobi Community in Agbado, under the Oke-Odo LCDA, Ipaja.
EpeInsights learnt that the initiative, led by the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, is part of an ongoing drive to bridge the gap between government and citizens, especially those at the community level by promoting inclusive governance and encouraging civic participation.
Representing the Special Adviser to the Governor, Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen, the Director of the Citizens Engagement Department, Dr. Babatunde Omotayo, described the event as a deliberate step toward making governance more accessible.
He emphasized that democracy thrives when citizens are not just passive recipients of public services but are actively involved in shaping the decisions that affect them.
“Citizens are not just beneficiaries of public policy they are co-creators. We need your voices, your feedback and your solutions to build a more inclusive Lagos,” Dr. Omotayo said, urging participants to take ownership of their civic roles.
The event sparked meaningful conversations and real-time connections. For residents like Mrs. Akinboyewa Bolarinwa, it was more than a sensitisation it was a chance to learn about opportunities that had previously felt out of reach.
“This kind of initiative helps people like me understand what the government is doing. It helps us avoid avoidable hardships, especially during tough times,” she said.
Mrs. Ayobola Bakare echoed similar sentiments. “This programme has opened my eyes. I now know how to get involved and benefit from government schemes. Before today, I just didn’t have the right information,” she shared.
For Mr. Taiwo Oladimeji, a POS operator living with a spinal cord disability, the event was life-changing. “I’ve never heard of any financial assistance programme until today. Now, I have hope. This means so much to me, and I’m grateful,” he said with emotion.
Beyond the conversations, the programme also delivered immediate impact: representatives from the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASSRA) and the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) were on ground to conduct on-the-spot registrations giving attendees a chance to sign up for critical social services right there and then.
With programmes like this, the Lagos State Government continues to demonstrate a hands-on approach to inclusive governance—proving that real change starts from the grassroots.
