Lawmaker reaffirms commitment to accountability, participatory governance
CHIGOZIE AMADI
Mr Samuel Oluwafemi Apata, the lawmaker representing Somolu Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly, has assured his constituents of his continued commitment to accountability, transparency, and participatory governance.
Speaking at the 10th Annual Constituency Stakeholders’ Meeting on Thursday in Lagos, Apata emphasised the importance of ongoing engagement between elected representatives and the people they serve.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2025 meeting has the theme: “Governance in Action: The Gains of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Apata said, “is a unique opportunity for us to render an account of our stewardship, strengthen community ties, and collaboratively address pressing issues affecting the growth and progress of our constituency.”
He further highlighted that the meeting was held simultaneously across all 40 constituencies in the state, noting that the initiative was designed to deepen democratic engagement and public accountability.
“At last year’s meeting, we addressed the critical issue of food security and proposed practical solutions.
“This year, we continue in our tradition of ensuring governance is felt by all,” he said.
Apata proudly highlighted the House’s legislative milestones, stressing the impact of laws passed to improve lives across Lagos.
“To date, the Lagos State House of Assembly has passed over 467 resolutions, a strong indication of our active involvement in shaping governance,” he said.
He said key areas of legislative success included establishment of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority(LASTMA), and laws regulating public transport, improving road infrastructure and traffic management.
The lawmaker said legislators also succeeded in the passage of the Lagos State Environmental Management Law supporting the Cleaner Lagos Initiative, encouraging public-private partnerships in waste management.
He also mentioned the implementation of the Lagos State Home Ownership Law, promoting urban renewal and access to affordable housing.
“On healthcare, expansion of access to quality healthcare through the Lagos State Health Scheme and also establishment of two tertiary institutions—the Lagos State University of Education (Ijanikin) and Lagos State University of Technology (Ikorodu).
“A third, the proposed University of Medicine and Health Sciences, is at the report stage in the House and will undergo a public hearing next week,” he said.
According to Apata, these reforms are part of a broader efforts to foster inclusive development and build a resilient society.
He noted the creation of agencies such as Lagos State Residents Registration Agency, enhancing citizens’ participation and the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps in strengthening community policing and ensuring safer neighborhoods.
Apata further emphasised that these developments were not isolated, but reflected the coordinated effort between the executive and legislature, and which aligned closely with the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“This theme is timely,” Apata said, “as it underscores the real-world impact of the Renewed Hope Initiative of President Tinubu, which has led to a national transformation, reinvigorating the Nigerian spirit and redefining our collective future,” he said .
“From his first day in office, President Tinubu”, he said, embarked on an ambitious path of reform, modernisation, and innovation, reflected in key achievements across multiple sectors.
“On infrastructure development, new roads, modernised ports, and upgraded public infrastructure are strengthening Nigeria’s position as a commercial and innovation hub.”
On food security, Apata said that the administration had made strategic investments in mechanised agriculture, expanded farmers’ access to financing, and opened new market opportunities.
He said that these efforts were empowering rural communities and positioning Nigeria as a potential agricultural powerhouse.
He also highlighted the impact of initiatives championed by the First Lady, which had provided essential support to women, children, and the elderly.
One of the most promising reforms, he noted, was the launch of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND)—an interest-free loan scheme for tertiary students.
“This landmark initiative bridges financial gaps and expands access to higher education.
“It covers tuition and living expenses, allowing more Nigerian youths to pursue academic dreams without financial stress,” he said.
Apata concluded by reaffirming his commitment to serving the people of Somolu with transparency, purpose, and vision.
“Governance is not a slogan—it is action. It is in the roads we build, the schools we equip, the security we provide, and the lives we touch.
” I assure you that we will continue to push for policies that bring positive change to our community and the entire state,” he said.
Also speaking, Chief Olawale Mogaji, one of the All Progressives Congress Party chieftains in Bariga, congratulated Apata, who represents Bariga in the Lagos State House of Assembly, for his active engagement at today’s stakeholders’ meeting.
He noted that the meeting provided an important opportunity for elders and members of the constituency to stay informed about the assembly’s activities and to offer feedback on their expectations from their representative.
Mogaji, a former Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Service Commission, noted that stakeholder engagement remained a defining characteristic of the Lagos Assembly—setting it apart from many other legislative bodies across the country.
