Lagos holds strategic breakfast round table on participatory governance

The Lagos State Government, through the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, has convened a one-day Breakfast Round table on Media, Governance and Civic themed ‘Where Headlines Begin.’

The organisers said it was a deliberate move to deepen participatory governance and strengthen strategic collaboration with the media.

The interactive session, which held recently at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, brought together editors, broadcasters, filmmakers, digital creators and senior government officials for an honest and solution-driven conversation.

Delivering his keynote address, Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen, special adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, reaffirmed that the administration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Obafemi Kadri Hamzat recognises the media as indispensable partners in governance.

He stressed that accurate reporting and constructive engagement remain critical to promoting transparency, strengthening public trust and advancing inclusive governance in Lagos State.

According to him, the round table was deliberately convened as a strategic platform to foster dialogue, improve information dissemination and reinforce a more responsive relationship between the government and citizens.

The Special Adviser highlighted key initiatives of the Office aimed at institutionalising participatory governance, including the Eko Cares Financial Assistance Programme, the Mother, Infant and Child Development (MICHD) Programme, the Lagos CitizensGate digital feedback platform, the CitizensGate Radio and Television Programme, Community Sensitisation Engagement and Structured Executive–Legislative collaboration platforms.

He noted that these initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to social inclusion, transparency and citizen-responsive governance, while urging media stakeholders to uphold authentic, fact-driven narratives that make public institutions more accessible and relatable to residents.

In her welcome address, Sholabomi Shasore, permanent secretary, Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, described the round table as an intentional effort to bring together those who make the “headlines” and policymakers in the same room for a candid and structured conversation.

She stated that the mandate of the Office was to close the distance between Government and the people through institutionalised engagement rather than episodic communication. According to her, the media is central to this mission, serving as the infrastructure through which Lagos understands itself.

The Permanent Secretary clarified that the government was not seeking cheerleaders, but informed and constructive voices. She encouraged participants to ask constructive questions, share feedback from their audiences and highlight areas where clearer communication is required, assuring that the government remains open to honest dialogue.

She further explained that the round table aligned with the Office’s broader strategy to explore how traditional media, film, drama and digital platforms can be leveraged to deepen civic education, voter awareness, volunteerism and sustainable engagement across the state.

Responding to questions raised by participants on issues including ethnicity concerns during election periods, road construction, drainage infrastructure, refuse disposal, area boys menace, housing development, investment in the creative sector and law enforcement across the state, Gbenga Omotoso, commissioner for Information and Strategy, reiterated that the Lagos State Government does not discriminate and remains committed to inclusive governance.

He emphasised that policies and programmes of the government were designed to ensure that all residents of Lagos, irrespective of background, were catered for adequately. Highlighting progress recorded across key sectors, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a smart, sustainable and inclusive Lagos, noting that achieving this vision requires civic responsibility, stakeholder collaboration and balanced reportage from the media.

Speaking in a similar vein, Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, chairman of the Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG), described Lagos as a brand, the greatest strength of which lies in shared ownership among its people. He stressed that development initiatives must be viewed as collective efforts rather than government-only projects, calling for a shift towards “our Lagos,” where citizens and government act in deliberate partnership.

Also lending his voice, Chris Ubosi, chief executive officer of Megalectrics Limited, described the round table as a significant step towards building an engaged Lagos anchored on transparency and credibility.

He urged continued investment in media capacity building and encouraged broadcasters and journalists to frame stories in ways that resonate across Lagos’ diverse communities.

The round table concluded with a renewed commitment to sustain open dialogue, strengthen mutual understanding and collaboratively shape narratives that reflect a fair, inclusive and forward-looking Lagos.