- Harmony Estate CDA clinches it for Ifako-Ijaiye
Four Community Development Associations (CDA) were on Thursday presented buses while others won cash rewards for their self help projects running into several millions of Naira.
Presenting the CDAs their gifts the Lagos State Governor Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the rewards was a token of appreciation and a commitment to improving on the lot of its citizens who are living in the over 5,000 CDAs in the state.
Sanwo-Olu who was represented by the Deputy Governor Dr Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat said the the government continue to prioritize the rural communities, adding that it is constructing rural roads, providing rural electrification through the provision of 57 transformers as well as solar street lights, as well as 83 micro water work schemes for the provision of potable water for rural dwellers.
He said the theme of this year’s event “Stronger together, building a resilient society” is not only timely, but significant as it underscores the determination of the Sanwo-Olu administration to build resilient communities in which all residents would continue to survive the economic challenges.
He said the commitment of the government to be people can also be felt in the sustenance of the 25% rebate on transport fare on all public transportation systems, the continuation of Onje Eko, which is going on in all the local governments and the 35% wage increment for all public workers and free maternal deliveries in all public hospitals across the state.
He added: “Be rest assured that this administration will continue to pursue the best interest of Lagosians and will continue programmes and policies aimed at improving their lot.”
The Special Adviser on Rural Development Dr Yekeen Agbaje, applauded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to ensuring that all parts of the state are touched by the programmes of the government.
He said yearly the governor also celebrates communities who went out of their way to provide conveniences and basic infrastructure for their people adding that the reason behind the awards is to encourage them to continue to work in the overall interest of their people.
He said over 5000 CDAs existing in the state are touched in the course of the year and those who are performing are graded by unbiased assessors and their prizes including the star prizes of vehicles would be presented by the state governor.
He announced the winners to include; Hilltop CDA at Eredo LCDA, which won the best rural community, while the First Runner Up for the Rural category was the Alapako CDA in Olorunda LCDA. Both won a bus for their respective efforts.
In the Best CDA category, Harmony Community CDA, in Ifako-Ijaiye won the First Runner Up, while a CDA in Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA was the overall winner, both going home with another set of buses.
Presenting the CDC/CDA leaders the keys, the Deputy Governor urged them to continue to do more in the interest of their people even as he urged those who did not win this year to do more as they could be lucky next year.
The community day, is an annual event which holds every November 21 to celebrate the community development associations who are supporting the government in making sure their people have the basic infrastructure without having to wait uthat saw the government celebrating the community leaders which are recognized ss the fourth tier of government in the state.