The organisers of the Greater Lagos Summit (GLS) on Thursday announced the fifth edition of the civic engagement platform aimed at strengthening inclusive governance and deepening citizens’ participation.

The president of the Greater Lagos Initiative, Olusola Adeniji, said at a news conference in Ikeja that the summit would remain a people-oriented forum.

The conference was organised by the Greater Lagos Initiative in partnership with the Majesty Development and Support Initiative.

Mr Adeniji said that the fifth edition of the summit would have the theme “People, Power and Progress: Building an Inclusive Future Through Patriotism, Egalitarianism, Innovations, and People-Centric Development in Lagos State.’’

Mr Adeniji said that the annual summit would take place in October.

He said, “The platform has, over the years, evolved into a vital space for policy dialogue and transformative engagement between the government and the people. The Greater Lagos Summit resulted from a desire to ignite citizens’ consciousness and institutionalise collaborative governance.’’

Mr Adeniji said that the forum was aimed at building a greater Lagos, where residents would have the opportunity to advance economically, financially and socially.

He noted, “It is about building a Lagos not just defined by physical infrastructure but one rooted in justice, equity, opportunity and prosperity for all.’’

He said that the previous editions of the summit significantly influenced policies in the state.

Mr Adeniji said that through the editions, Lagos residents had been encouraged to take ownership of public assets, challenge governance gaps constructively, and propose homegrown solutions to pressing issues.

“This is a space where citizens can boldly but respectfully point out governance lapses backed with practical solutions. It is where civic intelligence meets policy intent,” he said.

Mr Adeniji said that the fifth edition of the summit would interrogate emerging urban pressures, youth disaffection, digital divides, and other civic challenges.

He said that it would also promote the T.H.E.M.E.S. Plus Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, ensuring that residents would see themselves as both beneficiaries and builders of the state.

He added, “Key thematic discussions at the summit will include traffic management and transportation, health and education reforms, technology and innovation, environmental sustainability, and civic accountability. This year’s edition will not only consolidate the gains of previous summits but will also serve as a civic renaissance where innovation converges with empathy, and progress is authored by the people themselves. The Greater Lagos Summit 5.0 is expected to attract broad participation from policymakers, civil society, community leaders, youth groups, development partners and members of the public.’’

(NAN)