Lagos Deepens Media Partnership to Strengthen Participatory Governance
The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to institutionalise participatory governance with the convening of a strategic Breakfast Roundtable with media stakeholders, reaffirming its commitment to transparency, civic engagement and inclusive development.
The one-day forum, organised by the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement and themed “Where Headlines Begin,” was held at Eko Hotel and Suites. It brought together print media professionals, broadcasters, filmmakers, digital creators and senior government officials for a candid, solution-driven dialogue on media, governance and civic storytelling.
Delivering the keynote address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen, said the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Kadri Hamzat recognises the media as an indispensable partner 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 roundtable was deliberately convened as a strategic platform to foster dialogue, enhance information flow and build a more responsive relationship between government and citizens.
Dr Tajudeen highlighted key initiatives of the Office aimed at institutionalising participatory governance, including the Eko Cares Financial Assistance Programme, the Mother, Infant and Child Development Programme, the Lagos CitizensGate digital feedback platform, the CitizensGate Radio and Television Programme, community sensitisation engagements and structured executive–legislative collaboration platforms.
He noted that these initiatives reflect the administration’s resolve to promote social inclusion and citizen-responsive governance, while urging media practitioners to uphold authentic, fact-driven narratives that make public institutions more accessible to residents.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary in the Office, Engr Sholabomi Shasore, described the roundtable as an intentional convergence of policymakers and those who shape public discourse.
She said the Office’s mandate is to close the gap between government and the people through institutionalised engagement rather than episodic communication, adding that the media remains central to that mission as the infrastructure through which Lagos understands itself.
She clarified that the government is not seeking cheerleaders but informed and constructive voices, encouraging participants to ask probing questions, share feedback and highlight areas requiring clearer communication.
She assured that the administration remains open to honest dialogue and continuous improvement.
Responding to questions on ethnicity concerns during election periods, road construction, drainage infrastructure, refuse management, housing development, investment in the creative sector and law enforcement, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotosho, reiterated that the Lagos State Government does not discriminate and remains committed to inclusive governance.
He emphasised that government policies and programmes are designed to cater for all residents, irrespective of background, and reaffirmed the administration’s resolve to build a smart, sustainable and inclusive Lagos. Achieving this vision, he said, requires civic responsibility, stakeholder collaboration and balanced reportage.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigeria Reputation Management Group, Mr Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, described Lagos as a brand whose greatest strength lies in shared ownership among its people, urging citizens to view development initiatives as collective efforts rather than government-only projects.
Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer of Megalectrics Limited, Mr Chris Ubosi, described the forum as a significant step towards strengthening transparency and credibility in governance.
He called for sustained investment in media capacity building and encouraged journalists to frame stories that resonate across Lagos’ diverse communities.
The roundtable ended with a renewed commitment by government and media stakeholders to sustain open dialogue, deepen mutual understanding and collaboratively shape narratives that project a fair, inclusive and forward-looking Lagos.
