Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to participatory governance, pledging closer collaboration with media stakeholders to strengthen transparency, civic engagement, and inclusive development.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr Afolabi Tajudeen, while delivering the keynote address at a one-day breakfast roundtable themed “Where Headlines Begin,” said that the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his deputy, Obafemi Kadri Hamzat, viewed the media as indispensable partners in governance.

He, however, highlighted initiatives to institutionalise participatory governance, including the Eko Cares Financial Assistance Programme, the Mother, Infant and Child Development (MICHD) Programme, the Lagos CitizensGate digital feedback platform, the CitizensGate Radio and Television Programme, community sensitisation engagements, and structured executive–legislative collaboration platforms.

“These programmes reflect the government’s commitment to social inclusion and citizen-responsive governance,” Tajudeen said, urging the media practitioners to uphold fact-driven narratives that make public institutions more accessible to residents.

In her welcome address, Permanent Secretary of the office, Sholabomi Shasore, described the roundtable as an intentional effort to bring policymakers and media professionals— “who make the headlines”—into the same room for candid discussion.

“The government is not seeking cheerleaders but informed and constructive voices,” she said, encouraging participants to raise critical questions, share audience feedback, and engage in honest dialogue.

She added that the session aligns with broader efforts to leverage media, film, drama, and digital platforms to deepen civic education, voter awareness, and volunteerism across the state.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, while responding to questions on ethnicity concerns during elections, road construction, drainage, waste management, area boys, housing, creative sector investment, and law enforcement, stressed that the government does not discriminate, saying that policies and programmes are designed to serve all residents, reflecting Lagos’ goal to become a smart, sustainable, and inclusive city.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Nigeria Reputation Management Group, Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, described Lagos as a brand strengthened by shared ownership among its people.

He urged stakeholders to see development initiatives as collective efforts.

Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer of Megalectrics Limited, Chris Ubosi, hailed the roundtable as a step towards an engaged society built on transparency and credibility.

He, therefore, called for sustained investment in media capacity and encouraged journalists to craft stories that resonate across the state’s diverse communities.