Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has urged local government and local council development area (LCDA) chairmen to focus more on providing social amenities and healthcare services that directly benefit people at the grassroots.

Obasa made the call on Thursday at the LG/LCDA Leadership Summit held at the Lateef Jakande Auditorium, Lagos State House of Assembly Complex.

He stressed the importance of children’s welfare and the healthcare system, charging council chairmen to establish amusement parks, educational services, and recreational programmes that would enhance the well-being and psychological development of children.

“Build sports development centres, Amusement Parks for the youths. Create more opportunities for the children in the area of sports,” Obasa urged.

The Speaker also cautioned council chairmen against divisive politics, emphasising inclusiveness and cooperation with lawmakers at all levels.“The fact that someone did not support you today does not mean he won’t be useful to you tomorrow. You must bring everybody together irrespective of their positions. Work hand in hand with your representatives at the State and National Assemblies, otherwise, you will encounter challenges. Before it’s too late, change your gear,” he advised.

Highlighting gaps in council administration, Obasa disclosed plans to organise a capacity-building seminar for councillors to strengthen the effectiveness of local governments.

“If you don’t have knowledge of something, there’s no way you can manage it. Local government will organise seminars for councillors, not for incitement, but to help them understand their constitutional roles in local governance,” he explained.

On accountability, the Speaker urged council bosses to strictly adhere to the provisions of the law, particularly in financial expenditure, and to ensure all stakeholders are carried along.

“Some chairmen have not met with their councillors even a month after inauguration. By now, you should have held meetings with community leaders, councillors, and other stakeholders in your local government,” he warned.

Responding, the Chairman of Conference 57, Hon. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, commended Speaker Obasa for convening the interactive session with council chairmen, their deputies, leaders and majority leaders.

Olowa assured the Speaker of a harmonious working relationship between Conference 57 and the Lagos Assembly, noting that the model outlined at the summit would be carefully reviewed and implemented across councils.

“In a democracy, every level of government is important for checks and balances. Council chairmen cannot do it alone; they must work with vice-chairmen and councillors. This is very instructive for us and crucial for the stability of our administration,” Olowa said.

He added that Conference 57 would continue to build on the legacies of past leaders while setting up structures to address community challenges, including inter-group relations and grassroots development.