The chairman of the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, Johnson Akinpelu, on Monday, performed the foundation-laying ceremony for a new legislative building to strengthen the operational capacity of the council’s legislative arm.

Speaking at the ceremony at the council secretariat, Mr Akinpelu described the project as a major milestone in his administration’s drive to build a more efficient, responsive, and people-oriented local government system.

Mr Akinpelu noted that members of the arm had for years operated under inadequate office accommodation and limited facilities, making the construction of a befitting legislative complex both necessary and timely.

“The project goes beyond construction of a physical structure, stressing that it represents a deliberate effort to strengthen democratic institutions, promote accountability, and enhance good governance within the council.

“The legislature remains one of the critical pillars of democracy. Through lawmaking, oversight, and representation, our councillors play a vital role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance,” he said.

Mr Akinpelu explained that upon completion, the new building will provide modern office spaces and facilities for councillors and legislative officers, significantly improving legislative service delivery to residents of Alimosho.

The chairman further disclosed that the project formed part of a broader infrastructural upgrade within the local government secretariat.

He added that relocating political office holders to the new facility would free up additional office spaces for administrative personnel and help address longstanding accommodation challenges.

Describing the project, Mr Akinpelu said the infrastructure would serve both present and future generations.

“As we lay this foundation today, let it symbolise more than bricks and mortar. Let it represent our shared commitment to democracy, institutional growth, accountability, and service to humanity,” he stated.

Mr Akinpelu also expressed appreciation to residents for their continued support and trust in his administration, assuring them of sustained efforts toward delivering impactful projects and programmes across the local government.

He charged the contractors and consultants handling the project with maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, quality, and accountability throughout the construction phase.

Mr Akinpelu reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure, strengthening healthcare and education, enhancing security, empowering youths and women, and ensuring that the dividends of democracy reached every ward and community in Alimosho.

In addition to the project launch, he issued a stern warning against indiscriminate waste disposal, urging residents to refrain from dumping refuse in unauthorised locations.

The chairman also supported recent punitive measures introduced against environmental offenders, emphasising the need to sustain a clean and healthy environment.

In their goodwill messages, the chairmen of Ayobo Ipaja and Mosan Okunla local council development areas, Luqman Agbaje and Adunni Akindele, respectively, alongside other stakeholders, commended Mr Akinpelu for initiating what they described as a landmark project.

They noted that the new legislative building would significantly enhance the arm’s effectiveness by providing a more conducive environment for lawmakers to discharge their constitutional responsibilities in the service of the people.

The leader of the house, Semiu Rasheed, said the ceremony marked another significant step in the council’s efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and improve governance at the grassroots level.

The event was attended by government officials, traditional rulers, political stakeholders, members of the press, and residents of the local government area.

Also in attendance were other members of the legislative arm and members of the management team, Nosiru Ogunronbi Babatunde-Onishasha of Shasha, and other notable stakeholders.

(NAN)