Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA holds 2027 budget consultative forum, pledges inclusive governance

Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA holds 2027 budget consultative forum, pledges inclusive governance

By Kazeem Akande

The Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State on Thursday held its 2027 Budget Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum with a pledge to ensure transparency, accountability and inclusive governance.

The Newmen reports that the forum, with the theme: “Inclusive Governance for Economic Growth in Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA”, was chaired by the Executive Chairman of the council, Dr Lukmon Agbaje.

In his address, Agbaje said the forum was organised to deliberate on the developmental needs of communities and ensure that the 2027 budget reflects the aspirations of residents.

He said his administration remained committed to sustainable development across the LCDA.

The chairman said Nigeria’s economy continues to experience changes that affect government revenue, cost of living and implementation of public projects, requiring prudent financial management and strategic resource allocation.

“Nigeria’s economy continues to experience changes that affect government revenue, the cost of living, and the implementation of public projects.

“These challenges require prudent financial management, strategic resource allocation, and innovative approaches to governance,” he said.

The LCDA chairman said while crude oil remains an important source of government revenue and federal allocation, there is need to diversify through natural gas, solid minerals, agriculture and manufacturing to create additional revenue and employment opportunities.

He added that the performance of the 2026 budget, putting recurrent expenditure performance at 28.31 per cent, capital expenditure at 61.04 per cent, and total budget performance at 89.35 per cent.

According to him, key economic indicators such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), inflation and exchange rate must be considered in preparing the 2027 budget, as they affect prices of imported equipment, construction materials and essential supplies.

He thanked stakeholders, including traditional rulers, community leaders, religious leaders, Community Development Associations (CDAs), traders, artisans, women and youth groups and persons with disabilities for their participation.

In their presentations, stakeholders outlined priority projects for inclusion in the 2027 budget, subject to the council’s budgetary capacity and state approval where necessary.

The Community Development Committee (CDC) led by its Chairman, Elder Joseph Olokede, requested the construction of Gbadamosi-Opesa linking Command Road to decongest heavy traffic on Ipaja-Command Road.

Also the Arewa Community, in a proposal presented by its representative, Mr Muhammed Dagash, requested six key interventions.

The requests include completion of the uncompleted Arewa Central Mosque located in the Arewa Kingdom of Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA, provision of an emergency ambulance or multipurpose community bus to convey sick, injured and deceased persons, and appointment of an Arewa community representative as Senior Special Assistant (SSA) or Special Assistant (SA).

Other requests are youth empowerment and economic development through vocational, technical and digital skills training, small-business grants and apprenticeship opportunities, targeted support for small-scale traders and artisans, and welfare assistance for vulnerable households including widows, orphans, persons with disabilities and low-income households.

Dagash said the proposals would promote social inclusion, peaceful coexistence and improved living conditions in the LCDA.

Similarly, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ayobo-Ipaja Local Branch, commended the chairman for youth inclusion, open-door policy and consistent engagement of youths in LCDA programmes.

In its submission signed by its Coordinator, Miss Azeezat Fagbohun, the council requested establishment of a dedicated youth office to handle youth affairs.

Other requests include creation of more job opportunities and empowerment programmes, inclusion of NYCN in stipend schemes, provision of an Aluta jet to support youth activities, allocation of funds for youth development programmes, and provision of vocational, digital and entrepreneurial training.

The NYCN said the requests were aimed at strengthening youth development and community growth.

The chairman however,assured stakeholders that all submissions would be considered within the spectrum of the council’s budgetary capacity. (NAN)