4,000 Youths, Arisans, others to Assemble in Lagos Over Inclusive Governance

 

By Kayode Olopade 

Not less than 4,000 Lagos residents are to assemble as part of ways to  institutionalise collaborative governance to have a State not only adorned with physical infrastructure, but deeply rooted in justice, equity, opportunity, and people-driven prosperity.

President, Greater Lagos Initiative (GLI) and Convener, Greater Lagos Summit, Prince Adeniyi Olutimehin disclosed this during a press briefing at Alausa, Ikeja.

According to the President, this year’s edition, Greater Lagos Summit 5.0 is themed: “People, Power, and Progress: Building an Inclusive Future Through Patriotism, Egalitarianism, Innovations, and People-Centric Development in Lagos State.” 

Participants expected at the Summit which is slated for October, include, Government ministries, departments, and agencies, traditional leaders and cultural custodians, Civil society organizations and advocacy groups, Youth-led movements, student unions, and social entrepreneurs.

Others include Market le11qqaders, artisans, and the informal sector, Academic scholars and policy researchers, influencers, and the creative community, Religious bodies and interfaith networks, representatives of persons with disabilities and underserved communities.

He explained that the Summit is more than an event, "it is a movement, a visionary dialogue, and a strategic recalibration of our collective future. 

"This year’s edition will also be used to drive the accomplishment of our aspiration to execute projects like ‘‘Creativity House, Talent Exhibition and Empowerment of Young Entrepreneurs.” 

Also, awards would be presented to eminent personalities, organisations and sponsors for their contribution towards the advancement of Lagos state

Olutimehin added, "It is not a mere poetic cadence, it is a clarion call for renewed patriotism, deepened egalitarian practices, and smart, innovation-led governance to align with the aspirations of our people.

"This occasion signifies not just another entry on our calendar but a landmark in our collective quest to amplify inclusive governance, deepen citizen engagement, and accelerate people-oriented development in Lagos State. 

"The Greater Lagos Summit was conceived out of an audacious desire to ignite citizen consciousness and institutionalise collaborative governance in the building of a Lagos not only adorned with physical infrastructure, but deeply rooted in justice, equity, opportunity, and people-driven prosperity.

"Over the past four editions, the Summit has unequivocally proven itself a crucible of transformative thought, policy recalibration, and civic energy. Each edition has etched a legacy of robust engagement and pragmatic outcomes.

"Across these summits, one truth has remained constant and compelling: no progress is enduring without the people and no government can achieve greatness in isolation.

"In furtherance of this civic and strategic imperative, the Summit has also: Established a safe and strategic forum where citizens have boldly, constructively, and respectfully pointed out governance lapses while prescribing realistic and transformative solutions.

"Undertaken relentless civic diagnostics, ensuring that policymakers are grounded in the true socio-economic realities that lie beneath layers of official data and bureaucratic assumptions.

"Instilled a sense of patriotic ownership of public assets, emphasizing that government projects are communal patrimonies which must be by the people."