By Ayomide Otitoju
The Personal Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Constituency Affairs, Khadijat Omotayo Kareem, has reiterated the President’s unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s growth and development. She made this known during a Town Hall Meeting with critical stakeholders in Lagos State on Monday.
The event, held at the Lagos State Television premises, was part of Kareem’s ongoing engagements across constituencies nationwide. According to her, the meetings aim to deliberate on challenges facing constituencies and relay feedback to the President for effective solutions.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to addressing challenges facing Nigeria and Lagos State in particular. He promised to support projects that will enhance the quality of life for Lagosians as well as meet the needs of our constituencies,” Kareem said.
She emphasized the President’s understanding of the importance of infrastructure development, particularly in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub. Kareem assured attendees of Tinubu’s resolve to complete all ongoing federal projects in Lagos.
“The President is not resting because he wants to bring renewed hope to Nigerians,” she added.
Stakeholders Highlight Lagos-Specific Challenges
At the meeting, stakeholders voiced concerns and provided recommendations to improve governance and development across Lagos and the South-West region.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Lagos Chapter, Funmi Sesi, stressed the need for Lagos State to be granted special status due to its economic significance and the influx of Nigerians from other regions.
“Lagos State is home to Nigerians from all parts of the country, placing financial strain on the state to provide public infrastructure,” Sesi said.
She urged the federal government to implement a massive housing scheme in the South-West, build specialized hospitals, hand over abandoned federal properties in Lagos to the state government, invest in agriculture, and improve the state’s transportation system.
Economic Policies and Youth Engagement
The President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Lagos Chapter, Gbenga Ekundayo, raised concerns about certain government policies that, he said, had reduced the purchasing power of Nigerians. He appealed to President Tinubu to review the pace of policy implementation.
“The President should expedite action on the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme and work to win the youth over through sports. He should also address the extravagant lifestyles of political appointees, which send the wrong signal to Nigerians,” Ekundayo said.
Traders Seek Access to Loans
Bisola Azeez, representing the Iyaloja-General of Lagos, Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, highlighted the challenges traders face in accessing government loans.
“The real people who need loans to boost their working capital cannot access them due to stringent requirements. The federal government should create more accessible channels for traders to obtain loans,” Azeez urged.
Security and State Police
Rasaq Olokooba, founder of the Coalition of Oodua Self-Determination Group, called for urgent action on the establishment of state police to address security challenges, particularly in farming communities.
“Our farmers can no longer access their farms due to insecurity. The security of Yoruba land is critical. Lagos also deserves special status due to its population and economic role,” Olokooba said.
Call for Politicians to Remain in Constituencies
Other stakeholders expressed concerns about political appointees abandoning their constituencies after assuming office. They urged the President to mandate politicians to live within their constituencies to ensure effective representation and accountability.
The Town Hall Meeting underscored the pressing need for collaboration between the government and citizens to address Nigeria’s developmental challenges. Kareem assured attendees that all feedback would be communicated to the President for prompt action.
