The Lagos State Government has assured of the best election in 2027, free of rancor, witch hunt and bullying.
Giving this assurance at the recent Breakfast Roundtable on Media, Governance and Civic Storytelling themed “Where Headlines Begin”, the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotosho and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen, while answering questions from participants, assured of the safety of non-Yoruba residents before, during and after the elections.
The interactive session, 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.
At the event, Omotosho and Tajudeen also reaffirmed that the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and Dr Obafemi Kadri Hamzat recognises the media as indispensable partners in governance.
Dr Tajudeen 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, improve information dissemination and reinforce a more responsive relationship between the government and citizens.
Tajudeen highlighted key initiatives of the Office aimed at institutionalising participatory governance, to 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.
Responding to questions 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, 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 policies and programmes of the government are designed to ensure that all residents of Lagos, irrespective of background, are catered for adequately.
Highlighting progress recorded across key sectors, Omotosho reaffirmed 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.
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Engr. Sholabomi Shasore, in her welcome address, described the roundtable 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 is 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.
Shasore clarified that the government is 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.
Chairman of the Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG), Mr Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, described Lagos as a brand whose greatest strength 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.
The Chief Executive Officer of Megalectrics Limited, Mr Chris Ubosi, in his contribution, described the roundtable 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 roundtable 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.
