Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat has said that more collaboration between the State Government and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) will enhance the general performance and successful delivery of good governance to the people of Nigeria.
Dr. Hamzat, who stated this on Friday at the All Nigeria Rotary Convention, themed “Hope without Borders”, held at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, said the call for collaboration becomes imperative because the government lacks the entire resources needed for the social-economic needs of the citizenry.
The Deputy Governor noted that while the government is building up a new Nigeria, reality dictates that other non-government actors must make the necessary changes that support the drive of government. According to him, no government in the world possesses all the necessary capacity to fulfil the developmental needs of its people.
“In areas where government intervention is inadequate due to lack of sufficient resources, non-governmental organisations have always tried to fill the gap by contributing towards the development of such”, he said.
He added that despite the insufficient resources, the number of things competing for the attention of the government are numerous, and the needs of the citizenry far outweigh the time and resources available. “What we are left with is to prioritise. It means some things may not be done. The lacuna offers opportunities for groups like yours to intervene” he opined.
While urging the Non-Government Organisations to engage in dialogue that will ensure that society reaps the benefits of better coordinated and deliverable programmes, the Deputy Governor commended the Club for their services, noting that the Rotary is committed to global peace across every level of authority, including communities.
He added that for more than 110 years, Rotarians have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, saying “They always work to better our world, and stay committed up till today”.
The Deputy Governor listed various projects and initiatives embarked upon by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration which covers every sector such as educational development, health service delivery and infrastructure provisions, among others.
Earlier, Rotarian Ofeyinwa Rita Ejezie stated that the purpose of the Club is to serve, which can be seen through its different projects executed across the country.
She said. “We live by our motto which is service above self which is evident by the number of countless projects that we embarked upon in various communities across the country and of reference is our global polio eradication project, which is a signatory project of the Rotary Foundation”.
While commending the members of the Rotary Club, Ejezie appreciated them for all their contributions to the Rotary Foundation, adding “No doubt, work of service through Rotary has grown phenomenally in Nigeria”.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Convention, Senator Olanrewaju Solomon stated that the convention provides the opportunity for Rotarians who represent various walks of life to converge together and enrich the Rotary Journey.
He said, “This convention marks a significant milestone, bringing together Rotarians from four vibrant districts, District 9110, District 9125, District 9141 and District 9142”.
