By Olakunle Oke
Lagos State Government has embarked on a three-day legislative sensitisation programme aimed at educating residents about their civic rights and responsibilities, with a focus on recently enacted laws. The initiative, organised by the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement (OPL&CE), took place across the three senatorial districts of the state.
The programme highlighted three new laws: the Human Organ Harvesting and Tissue Transplant Law 2024, the Victims Assistance and Witness Protection Law 2024, and the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency Law 2024.
The sessions were held at Igbogbo-Bayeku Local Council Development Area in Ikorodu (Lagos East), Red Cross Hall, Yaba (Lagos Central), and Isolo Local Council Development Area (Lagos West).
Delivering her welcome address at the Isolo session, Engr. Sholabomi Shasore, Permanent Secretary of OPL&CE, said the programme was designed to ensure residents understand the provisions and implications of new laws. She added that the office regularly visits communities to engage citizens, provide updates on government activities, and gather feedback to guide future policy decisions.
The Executive Chairman of Isolo LCDA, Hon. Adebayo Olasoju, represented by Hon. Abiola Ayinde Marshal, lauded the initiative as a platform that bridges the gap between government and residents. He highlighted local developmental programmes, including healthcare support for the elderly, back-to-school initiatives, road construction, and financial assistance.
Speakers at the event included Barr. Gbemisola Cole Abdul-Azeez of the Citizens’ Mediation Bureau, who explained free mediation services for civil disputes, and Mrs. Folashade Ashaye of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), who educated residents on consumer rights and complaint resolution processes. Mr. Kehinde David of the Law Reform Commission outlined key provisions, offences, and penalties under the newly enacted laws.
The programme concluded with an interactive session where residents raised concerns about electricity supply, road infrastructure, flooding, consumer protection in land transactions, and financial assistance. The Permanent Secretary assured participants that their feedback would be forwarded to the relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies for action.