Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, on Friday said that more collaboration between the state government and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) will enhance the general performance and successful delivery of good governance to the people of Nigeria.
The deputy governor expressed this stance while speaking at the All Nigeria Rotary Convention, themed: “Hope without Borders,” held at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. He emphasized that the call for collaboration became imperative because the government lacked the entire resources needed for the socio-economic needs of the citizenry.
He noted that the needs of the citizenry far outweigh the time and resources available. Despite insufficient resources, the deputy governor declared that numerous things were competing for the attention of the government.
He further observed that while the government was building up a new Nigeria, reality dictates that other non-governmental actors must make the necessary changes to support the government’s drive. According to him, no government in the world possesses all the necessary capacity to fulfill the developmental needs of its people.
“Hence, in areas where government intervention is inadequate due to a lack of sufficient resources, non-governmental organizations have always tried to fill the gap by contributing towards the development of such areas,” Hamzat said.
“What we are left with is to prioritize. It means some things may not be done. The lacuna offers opportunities for groups like yours to intervene,” he said.
The deputy governor urged Non-Governmental Organizations to engage in dialogues that would ensure that society reaps the benefits of better-coordinated and deliverable programs.
He commended the Rotary Club for its services, noting that the Club was committed to global peace, starting from the various communities. He added that for more than 110 years, Rotarians had used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects.
“From literacy and peace to water and health, they always work to better our world and stay committed up till today,” the deputy governor said.
ALSO READ: Children’s Day: NGOs offer free healthcare services to Lagos community kids
Speaking further, Dr. Hamzat listed various projects and initiatives embarked upon by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, covering educational development, health service delivery, infrastructure provisions, among others.
Rotarian Ofeyinwa Rita Ejezie, in her opening remarks, stated that the purpose of the Club was to serve, which can be seen through its different projects done across the country.
“We live by our motto, which is service above self. This we do by the number of countless projects that we have embarked upon in various communities across the country. Of reference is our global Polio Eradication Project, which is a signatory project of the Rotary Foundation,” she said.
She commended members of the Club for all their contributions to the Rotary Foundation, adding, “No doubt, the work of service through Rotary has grown phenomenally in Nigeria.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the convention, Senator Olanrewaju Solomon, stated that the convention provided the opportunity for Rotarians who represented various walks of life to converge and enrich the Rotary journey.
He said the convention marked a significant milestone, bringing together Rotarians from four vibrant districts, including District 9110, District 9125, District 9141, and District 9142.”