Olajide Adediran, also known as Jandor, Lead Visioner of the Lagos4Lagos Movement, has applauded federal lawmakers for sponsoring a bill seeking recognition of the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State.
Adediran, the 2023 Lagos State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), gave the commendation in a statement by his spokesman, Gbenga Ogunleye, on Wednesday.
The politician, who defected from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) earlier in March, praised Reps. James Faleke, Jimi Benson and Enitan Badru for their bold legislative action.
“We applaud this giant initiative. Recognising the 37 LCDAs is long overdue and will deepen grassroots governance, improve service delivery, and ensure Lagos residents fully benefit from decentralisation.
“The move aligns with the aspirations of Lagosians, who have long yearned for full autonomy and federal recognition of their LCDAs,” Adediran said.
He described the legislative effort as a major milestone in the push for a more functional and efficient local government system in Lagos State.
According to him, by sponsoring this amendment, Faleke, Benson and Badru have shown true representation, prioritising the interests of Lagos.
He urged stakeholders, including lawmakers, political leaders and residents, to support the bill’s passage for the greater good of the state.
Adediran, also known as Jandor, emphasised that upgrading the LCDAs would promote equitable development, enhance infrastructure and strengthen governance at the grassroots level.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bill, which seeks to upgrade the 37 LCDAs to full-fledged local government areas, scaled its second reading in the House of Representatives on Wednesday.
If passed, the legislation will increase Lagos State’s local government areas from 20 to 57, bringing Nigeria’s total from 774 to 811.
Among 42 constitutional amendment bills passed on Wednesday, this bill was jointly sponsored by Faleke (Ikeja), Benson (Ikorodu), Badru (Lagos Island I) and 19 other lawmakers.
The 37 LCDAs were created in 2003 by President Bola Tinubu during his tenure as governor of Lagos State.
