LG Polls: Imota NYCN Hosts Community Dialogue, Sets Civic Agenda | ClipTV Online

To foster political accountability and civic engagement ahead of the forthcoming Local Government elections, the Imota chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) held its maiden Community Development Dialogue on Thursday at ADMOS Hotel and Suites, Imota. Themed “Shaping the Future of Imota LCDA Together,” the event was organized in collaboration with HRM Oba (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajibade Agoro (Ranodu of Imota) and the Imota Ayayo Development Association.

In a unified conversation aimed at charting a path for sustainable development in Imota LCDA, this event brought together traditional rulers, healthcare professionals, educators, political aspirants, and other grassroots stakeholders.

A Platform for Civic Accountability

In his welcome address, Comrade Oriyomi Adebogun, NYCN Imota Coordinator, expressed gratitude to the Royal Father of the Day, Oba Ajibade Agoro, and all participants. He described the dialogue as a “historic initiative” designed to connect community members directly with political aspirants, allowing them to share their agendas and receive feedback from the electorate.

“This is more than a political event, it is a civic movement. Through this dialogue, we aim to develop a communique that will become a working document for the LCDA’s growth. This document will be reviewed annually to assess the performance of those elected into office,” he explained.

Adebogun emphasized that the Community Development Dialogue will now be held annually, with this inaugural edition tagged 1.0, to be followed by 2.0 next year, and so on. He encouraged community leaders and residents to make the most of the platform to ask questions, evaluate manifestos, and choose credible leaders.

He further stated that this effort is a strategic response to voter apathy, adding that regular engagements like this can restore public confidence in the democratic process.

Stakeholders Speak

The Medical Director of Imota General Hospital, Dr. Adenike Omosun, praised Hon. Babajimi Benson (JB) for his continued contributions to healthcare infrastructure in the community. She also commended the Ikorodu Division Peace Initiative for supporting the hospital.

Dr. Omosun highlighted the hospital’s capacity to cater to common ailments but lamented the lack of dental and physiotherapy equipment, appealing to aspirants and philanthropists for more support.

From the education sector, Mrs. Adekola Janet, Headteacher of Methodist Primary School, Imota, shared insights into the emotional and socio-economic challenges affecting pupils in the LCDA. She cited broken homes, poverty, inadequate learning materials, and housing issues as recurring problems.

“Children from broken homes often suffer emotional trauma and develop inferiority complexes,” she noted. “We urge future leaders to implement policies that directly address these issues.”

Mrs. Adekola also commended the NYCN for providing writing materials and school uniforms to pupils over the years, calling it a practical example of youth-led impact.

Dignitaries and Aspirants in Attendance

Former Lagos State House of Assembly member, Hon. Nurudeen Saka Sholaja, applauded the NYCN for initiating what he described as “a commendable and timely civic intervention.” He urged the youth to sustain the engagement even after the elections.

Also present were community figures such as Hon. Olumide Adeleke Shofowora (Ward B), Dr. Owoyele Abdulwasiu, Educator Bakare Olawale Muslim, Hon. Sanni Muftaudeen Adetoro, and Hon. Aberuagba Olusegun Sunday.

Chairmanship aspirants in attendance included: Rt. Hon. Gbotifa Olakunle Joseph, Hon. Sunday Benson, Dr. Adejo Olujimi, Comrade Odumosu Rafiu Ashaka, Comrade Akomolafe Lukman (AIM)

The dialogue concluded with a renewed sense of civic duty and a collective commitment to ensuring that future leaders of Imota LCDA remain connected to the needs of the people.

As the elections approach, residents are hopeful that this model of grassroots engagement will set a precedent for inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance in Ikorodu Division and beyond. Furthermore, the dialogue tends to disperse voters apathy and increase electorate desire to nominate the best candidate for the job, putting square pegs in square holes.