Ojo Local Government and Lagos State Government Host Stakeholders’ Engagement on CDA Constitution in Badagry Division
On Thursday, September 11, 2025.
In a collaborative effort to deepen grassroots governance, Ojo Local Government, in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, convened a strategic interactive meeting with community stakeholders across Badagry Division. The theme of the engagement was: “Understanding the Lagos Community Development Association (CDA) Constitution for Effective Governance in Lagos.”
In her keynote address, the Executive Chairman of Ojo Local Government, Hon. Princess Muhibat Titilola Rufai, expressed profound appreciation to the organizers for facilitating such a timely dialogue. She emphasized the pivotal role of Community Development Associations (CDAs) in driving local progress.
“CDAs are our first line of engagement – they are the catalysts of progress and indispensable partners in governance. A well-understood and implemented constitution defines roles, streamlines operations, and sets the rules for effective community engagement,” she said.
She encouraged stakeholders to become active participants in strengthening governance at the grassroots level and described the meeting as the beginning of a new era of constitutionalism and excellence within CDAs.
Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs. Bolarinwa Kikelomo, and the Special Adviser on Rural Development, Dr. Yekini Nurudeen Agbaje, the Director of the Community Development Department, Mrs. Adeniyi Oluwatoyin, noted that this was the Ministry’s first visit to the division level (IBILE structure). She explained that the move was aimed at bringing government closer to the people, especially elderly community leaders, and to foster inclusivity by encouraging the involvement of youth, women, and persons with disabilities in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ Agenda.
Chairman of the Community Development Advisory Council (CDAC), Mr. Owolabi, stressed the importance of strict adherence to the CDA constitution. He advised that all CDAs must be registered with both the local and state governments to access government benefits. He also highlighted the need for
CDAs to conduct elections in line with constitutional provisions and urged those yet to open bank accounts to do so for proper financial management.
“Conflicts should be resolved internally as much as possible, or appropriately reported to the Local Government or State authorities,” he added.
Dignitaries present at the meeting included:
Hon. Princess Muhibat Titilola, Rufai, Executive Chairman, Ojo Local Government, Mrs. Bolarinwa Kikelomo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development (represented) Dr. Yekini Nurudeen Agbaje, Special Adviser on Rural Development (represented) Mrs. Adeniyi Oluwatoyin, Director, Community Development Department, Mr. Owolabi, Chairman, Community Development Advisory Council, Elder Ebenezer Hunponu,First Vice Chairman, CDAC, Chairmen of Community Development Committees (CDCs) from all Local Government Areas under Badagry Division
This stakeholder engagement underscores the Lagos State Government’s continued commitment to fostering inclusive, transparent, and effective grassroots governance across all divisions of the state.
Issued by:
Public Affairs/Complaints Unit
Ojo Local Government