By Ogeyi Blessing
The maiden Nigeria Grassroots Governance Summit and Awards, held on the 30th of October, 2024, in Lagos Nigeria, brought together key industry leaders, governance experts, and traditional rulers to examine how grassroots governance can be a catalyst for sustainable development and national resilience. Themed “Sustainable Grassroots Governance: The Panacea for a Resilient Democracy and Progressive Economy,” the event delved into the power of local leadership to foster unity, inclusivity, and economic growth.
Keynote speaker HRM Oba Prof. Saka Adeola Adisa Matemilola, PhD, the Olowu of Owu, offered valuable insights into the role of kingship in Nigeria’s evolving local government structure. He highlighted how traditional rulers can bridge cultural and administrative gaps, enriching modern governance with longstanding customs that prioritize community welfare.
A thought-provoking panel on diversity, gender equity, and inclusion emphasized the urgent need to address accessibility issues for people living with disabilities and to close gender gaps within local governance. Attendees agreed that a commitment to inclusivity is essential for equitable development, particularly at the grassroots level, where the impact is most direct.
In her goodwill message, Ify Onyegbule, Director of Imo Broadcasting Corporation, encouraged new local government officials to forge strong relationships with media outlets. “Publicity around governance is essential for community engagement, and it comes at a price,” Onyegbule stated. She emphasized that local officials should leverage media to communicate their initiatives effectively, particularly in areas such as healthcare, education, sanitation, and infrastructure—services vital to community well-being.
Recognition of high-performing leaders was a key highlight, with Coker Aguda Local Council Development Area’s chairman named Best Performing Chairman and Agboyi-Ketu LCDA celebrated for pioneering housing initiatives—a rarity among Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.
The summit reinforced Sustainable Development Goal 11, advocating for sustainable cities and communities by charging local officials to be more responsive and transparent. By fostering these connections, the Nigeria Grassroots Governance Summit established a platform for transformative ideas and partnerships aimed at strengthening grassroots governance as a core driver of national progress.
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This is long overdue about governance and media. With tomorrow being International day to end Impunity for Crimes against Journalist, the government can not hide or torture media yet want to be seen as a fair government, so they need to end it.