The Lagos State government reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in budget planning on Thursday, as it convened the Y2026 Budget Consultative Forum for the Ikorodu Division.

The event, held at the Ikorodu Town Hall, was hosted by the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget.

Olalekan Balogun, special adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on economic planning and budget, hosted the forum. He was represented by Olayinka Ojo, a permanent secretary in the ministry.

He said the forum, now in its seventh edition under the Sanwo-Olu administration, was designed to ensure that the voices of residents across the five divisions of Lagos were reflected in the state’s annual budget.

Mr Balogun described the consultative process as a hallmark of transparency, accountability, inclusion, and collective ownership, noting that it had helped sustain public trust and promote participatory governance in Lagos.

According to him, the proposed “Budget of Sustainability” builds on past achievements and supports the THEMES Plus Policy Agenda, with a focus on improved access to healthcare, quality education, enhanced social protection, and youth job creation.

He said the budget would also prioritise the completion and expansion of critical infrastructure, including roads, potable water, housing, efficient transport systems, and urban renewal—aimed at enhancing the state’s overall liveability.

Mr Balogun added that the forum also provided an avenue to update stakeholders on the performance of the current year’s budget and clarify resources available for the 2026 fiscal year.

He urged residents to continue fulfilling their civic responsibilities through regular tax payment to enable the government to provide essential infrastructure and services.

The traditional ruler of Ikorodu, Kabiru Shotobi (Ayangbure of Ikorodu), urged the Lagos government to complete the second phase of the Gberigbe Road, which leads to Agura.

The traditional ruler of Imota, Mudashiru Agoro (the Ranodu of Imota), appealed for the relocation and activation of the Mile 12 Market project, noting that the newly constructed facility had long been abandoned and was at risk of collapse.

He also urged the state government to construct a standard hospital in Imota and equip existing health facilities with adequate medical supplies and drugs.

Earlier, Busola Isikalu, the Iyaloja-General of Ikorodu (Head of women traders), called on the state government to build more markets to alleviate the suffering of traders.

Nurudeen Agbaje, special adviser to the Lagos State governor on rural development, said the forum had amplified the constituency’s requests, and Mr Sanwo-Olu remains committed to doing even more for Ikorodu.

(NAN)