Governor Ambode approves recruitment of 5000 neighborhood watchers as Araromi ibeju CDA shines at 2016 Community Day Celebration

Izuchukwu Ahuchaogu

One incontrovertible fact is that the Lagos state government has carved a niche for itself in the development of the local government and local community in state.

Community Day Celebration is an annual event set aside by the United Nations in the second week of November to appreciate and encourage Community Development Associations (CDAs) in every Nation.

On this years community day celebration organised by the Lagos state Ministry of local government and community affairs, which was held at Police College Ground, GRA, Ikeja, on the 18^th of November 2016 with the theme: community policing: a panacea for securing our communities, with high the turnout of the community associations, the newly inaugurated neighborhood watch security, community based organizations transport union and market men and women. There is no gainsaying the fact that virtually every member of the 57 local council development areas are happy with the Governor Ambode’s progressive Administration.

 As part of measures to boost community security, the governor approved recruitment of at least 5,000 Neighbourhood Watchers to complement the existing security agencies operating in the state.  

Promotion of teachers, Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, LASUBEB, Dr Ganiyu Sopeyin, said 10,851 public primary school teachers of different grade levels sat for the promotion examination. He gave assurance that the state government to provide for the needs of basic education in order to ensure qualitative and quantitative education in a conducive atmosphere.

A cross section of members of Isolo LCDA matching at the parade

 The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Abdullateef Abdulhakeem, disclosed the recruitment of the Neighbourhood Watchers at the grand finale of the Community Day celebration, According to him, the security personnel will earn a minimum salary of N25, 000 monthly.
2016 community day was filled with activities to celebrate the community who has done tremendously well in helping the government in developing their various communities, among other activities were parade of all the community members, the community development association, neighborhood watch security outfit and community based organizations transport union, market men and women who were matching with their various community banners to fully represent their community in grand style.

The kings and kabiesi’s of the various communities where not left behind as they appeared in their regalia and glamour to grace the yearly occasion with their various communities, and all were recognized with their different titles and names.

Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Muslim Folami appealed to Community Development Associations, CDAs and residents to take the issue of security in their various communities seriously so as to put an end to all sorts of criminalities, insecurity and other violent acts.
He said the perpetrators of such heinous crimes were not ghosts but lived, wined and dined within the communities, adding that government would continue to support various community development initiatives.

Sustainable growth and development starts from local communities through active participation of Community Development Association (CDAs), the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, he said.
He reiterated that the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has embarked on Local Government reforms to make LGAS and LCDAS more effective and deliver better service to their respective communities.

Also In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community and Communications, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, thanked the governor for his goodwill and wisdom in looking at the development of the communities in Lagos.

He challenged community leaders to be alive to their responsibilities, which included civic enlightenment. Monitoring and upkeep of provided facilities, good environmental sanitation and payment of their dues to government at all levels.


Members of the neighborhood watch. 

The highpoint of the event was the presentation of prizes to the best 10 community Development associations (CDAS), as Araromi ibeju CDA radiates in winning the 18 seater  bus which was the price tag for the 1^st position for the best community development association.

Viable estate Igando, Ikotun LCDA made the 2nd runner up with the price of a 16 seater bus and Ige Estate Agbado , Okeoodo , went home with the 3rd runner  up price  of 14 seater bus. Other communities that worn prices were;

4^th Native CDA, Amawo Odofin , winning 700,000, 5^th Pipeline Estate CDA, Agbado, Okeodo N600,000, 6^th position Graceland Estate CDA, Egbe Idimu winning N500,000, 7^th position, Aparkode CDA ,Ifako Ijaye LGA winning N450,000.