Nigeria’s ongoing conversation on local government autonomy and grassroots development will take centre stage on Thursday, 30 April, 2026, as top political leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders converge in Ikeja for a two-in-one programme comprising a high-level symposium and a book presentation.
The event, themed “From Autonomy to Impact: Repositioning Local Governments for Grassroots Development Under President Tinubu’s Reforms,” will be held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, is billed to serve as Father of the Day, while the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, will attend as Special Guest of Honour. The Chairman and Keynote Speaker is renowned legal luminary, Dr. Muiz Adeyemi Banire, SAN, OON.
The programme will also feature the public presentation of a new book on grassroots governance titled “People, Politics, and Power at the Local Level: Strategies for Effective Governance and Community Development,” authored by seasoned journalist, public servant, and publisher, Tunde Ogunmola.
Ogunmola, who is also the publisher of Naijanewsdirect, an online newspaper, is widely known for his earlier works: Icons of Mushin, Volumes 1 and 2, released in 2013 and 2021 respectively. His latest book explores the dynamics of local governance, political participation, and community development, drawing from both practical experience and analytical insights.
The event is organised by OBAT Connects Concepts, publishers of Naijanewsdirect, and is expected to attract a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including government officials, political actors, academics, and development practitioners.
Other dignitaries expected at the event include the Mother of the Day, former Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly and Executive Director, Corporate Services, South West Development Commission, Rt. Honourable Adefunmilayo Tejuoso; and the Guest of Honour, Distinguished Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon (GOS), member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC).
Also listed as Special Guest is the Lagos State Commissioner for Local Governments, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mr. Bolaji Kayode Robert.
The symposium will feature presentations from notable speakers, including a former President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and immediate past Chairman of Bariga Local Council Development Area, Hon. Barrister David Kolade Alabi; former Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA, Hon. Rasaq Olusola Ajala; and the Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD).
According to the organisers, the symposium aims to critically examine ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s local government system and explore actionable strategies for enhancing governance, service delivery, and grassroots development.
The event is also expected to provide a platform for robust dialogue on how local governments can transition from administrative autonomy to delivering tangible developmental impact in line with national reform priorities.
Stakeholders have described the programme as timely, given the renewed focus on strengthening local government administration as a critical driver of inclusive growth and sustainable development in Nigeria.
