Ojo LG, Badagry monarchs table flood, jobs, tourism demands at budget forum

Lagos State Government has underscored the need to invest in safe, inclusive, and well-regulated nightlife zones to harness the city’s growing reputation as a global nightlife hub.

The state’s Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Ope George, stated this in his presentation at the 2026 budget consultative forum, following Lagos’ recognition as the 14th best city in the world for nightlife and second in Africa by Time Out magazine.

The consultative forum is a process of engaging residents across the five IBILE divisions of the state—Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island, and Epe, which commenced on September 9, 2025, in the Ikeja Division and concluded on September 16 at the Badagry Division, held at the Aderemi Makanjuola Auditorium, Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo.

George noted that while the ranking reflects both global recognition and local approval, with 79 per cent of Lagos residents backing the city’s nightlife, sustaining the momentum requires strategic investment.

He, however, warned that Lagos faces growing competition from African cities like Cape Town and Marrakech, which are also strengthening their night economies.

He said that the state must move beyond recognition to build long-term growth through policies that prioritise safety, inclusivity, and regulation.

Chairman of Ojo Local Council, Muhibat Rufai-Adeyemi, while speaking at the Forum, appealed to the Lagos State government for urgent intervention in tackling critical infrastructural challenges threatening communities within the council.

Rufai-Adeyemi said that Ojo, being a vital economic and residential hub in the district, deserves increased attention in the areas of transportation and traffic management.

She highlighted two major projects requiring the state’s support to include emergency clearing and fortification of canal passages in the area, which she said had led to perennial flooding in Iragbota and adjoining communities.

In his remark, the Oniworo of Iworo-Awori Kingdom, Badagry, Oba Oladele Kosoko, urged the government to consider creating job opportunities through bush clearing, which he said had overtaken parts of the Mile 2 axis.

According to him, such an initiative could engage between 500 and 1,000 persons productively.

The monarch further appealed for the continuation of work on the abandoned primary healthcare centre in the area.

Also speaking, the Aholu Agano Toniyon I of Ajara Agamethen Kingdom, Badagry, tasked the state government to protect tourism investments in the division.

He emphasised the need to revisit and promote the true historical story of Badagry, which he noted goes beyond its identification with the transatlantic slave trade.