By Raymond Tejudaiye, Lagos state
*Presents exotic cars to vice, councilors
All roads on Monday led to the Anago hall of the Apapa-Iganmu LCDA in Lagos, as the council marks another milestone with the swearing- in of the Secretary to the Local Government, Supervisory Councillors, Special Advisers and the chairman of the Revenue Committee by the LCDA executive chairman Hon. Jimoh Olawale Saliu.
The 2-in-one unique occasion,also witnessed the presentation of high class exotic cars to the Vice Chairman of the Council, chief (Mrs.) Fadekemi Otitonaiye and members of the legislative arm of the LCDA.
While speaking extempore at the ceremony, Hon. Jimoh Olawale Saliu charged the appointees to live up to expectations, warning that anyone who perform below 60 percent will be laid off.
He warned that act of bench warming or laying- by will not be tolerated by his administration.
His words, ” As you’re being sworn in today as supervisory councillors and special advisers, let me sound a note of warning that if your performance is below 60 percent, you will be exited.
If you’re not here to perform, see your days being numbered, don’t be a bench warmer. Within two weeks, we will assign portfolio to each of you, I want to see the blue print of what will come out of your assigned office “.
In his key note address, the LCDA helmsman emphasised that the privilege offered the appointees is not merely an appointment, but a sacred call to service.
Noting that the residents have placed their trust on them, Hon. Jimoh urged the appointees to the residents with dedication, integrity, transparency and results.
His words, “The people of Apapa-Iganmu have placed their trust in us, and we must repay that trust with dedication, integrity, transparency, and results.
“We must work tirelessly to actualize the Olugbani Agenda—our shared blueprint for progress. This agenda is designed to tackle precisely where the shoe pinches our people: from infrastructure deficits and healthcare challenges to youth empowerment, environmental sanitation, Improved education, revenue generation for sustainable development, and overall quality of life.
”Together, we will turn around Apapa-Iganmu for good—making it safer, cleaner, more prosperous, and more inclusive for every resident.”
While counselling them, he said, ” I urge you all—new appointees and team members alike—to hit the ground running. Collaborate, innovate, and deliver dividends of democracy that touch every household.
” Let our actions speak louder than words, and let our unity be our greatest strength.Finally, I wish every one of you the very best as you assume these roles.”
The council chairman also extended heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his unwavering support and for promptly approving and releasing the much-anticipated list of appointees.
Determined to ensure a broader representation and effective governance, he noted that the executive committee was expanded to 26 strong members, a team he said was built for greater impact, wider engagement, and deeper service delivery.
To those who did not make the list of appointees, Hon. Jimoh urged them not to be disheartened, while assuring that no talent will be wasted.
In his good will message, the Chairman Senate Committee on Marine Economy Senator Wasiu Sanni Eshilokun described the numbers of the newly sworn in appointees as unprecedented in the history of the LCDA.
He commended the LCDA chairman for his magnanimity for accommodating large numbers of the appointees, saying it is an indication that he is people centric.
Dignitaries at the colourful events include the Chairman Lagos State House of Assembly Committee On Health, Hon. Musbau Aina Lawal, member Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Hon. Tunde Balogun, former member of the House of Representative and permanent member Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) Hon. Wale Babatunde Jimoh, Apex Leader of APC, Apapa-Iganmu LCDA, Hon. Moruf Gbadamosi, Council of Chiefs and host of others.