The Ojodu Local Council Development Area Secretariat Hall buzzed with activity yesterday, 19th November, 2024 as Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende (RAK), Hon. Ajigbotafe Olabode and Mrs. Cecelia Bolaji Bada took center stage at the Social Protection Stakeholders’ Sensitisation and Advocacy Campaign, popularly known as the IBILE SP Campaign. This impactful initiative, spearheaded by the Social Protection Coordinating Department of the Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, seeks to enlighten Lagos residents about the numerous social and welfare programmes under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
Ojodu LCDA served as a strategic host for the Ikeja Division campaign, as the sensitisation campaign would span the five divisions of Lagos State—Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island, and Epe. Designed to enhance awareness and promote participation, the campaign highlights the government’s commitment to creating a robust social protection system aimed at empowering residents.
The event featured enlightening keynote speeches by top government officials as Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende (RAK), Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, emphasized the significance of youth-targeted programmes, stressing that the government remains steadfast in equipping young Lagosians with the tools they need to thrive while Hon. Ajigbotafe Olabode, Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, spotlighted initiatives tailored to entrepreneurs and job seekers, encouraging participants to seize these opportunities to boost their economic status and Mrs. Cecelia Bolaji Bada, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, championed programmes aimed at empowering women and alleviating poverty, calling for greater community engagement to maximize the benefits of these interventions.
Each speaker reinforced the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to building a Lagos that leaves no one behind, with a focus on inclusivity and sustainability.
Welcoming the initiative, Ojodu LCDA’s Vice Chairman, Hon. Bunmi Oluyadi, lauded the state government for prioritizing social protection and choosing Ojodu LCDA as a critical stop on the campaign trail. In his remarks, he pledged the council’s unwavering support in implementing these programmes and ensuring they reach the grassroots.
The sensitisation programme drew a broad spectrum of attendees, including traditional rulers, community leaders, market women, youth representatives, and civil servants. Participants were actively engaged, with many commending the Lagos State Government’s efforts in addressing socio-economic challenges through comprehensive welfare initiatives.
In addition to the speeches, the campaign featured exhibitions showcasing various programmes and products offered by government agencies. Attendees also benefited from free medical outreaches provided by healthcare agencies present at the venue, further demonstrating the campaign’s holistic approach to social welfare.
The IBILE SP Campaign, which continues across Lagos, is not just an awareness drive but a rallying call for citizens to actively participate in shaping their socio-economic futures. By focusing on education, employment, and empowerment, the campaign seeks to foster a more informed and resilient populace, ensuring that Lagos remains a model for sustainable urban development.
As the campaign progresses, it is clear that the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration is resolute in its vision of a greater Lagos, where opportunities for growth and prosperity are accessible to all.
