The 30th session of the Executive Committee meeting of the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLGA) has ended in Lagos, Nigeria.
The UCLA is an amalgam of duly constituted leaders of African local governments with a pledge to overcome barriers inherited from colonization and work towards the continental unification of member local governments.
In his welcome address to August presence of the 45 active members elected by the General Assembly with 9 persons drawn from each of the five sub-regions of Africa and other guests, the ALGON National President welcomed participants on behalf of the over 774 Local Governments in Nigeria, the people of Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole. Said he "Lagos as a city that resonates with diversity, energy, and innovation, embodies the kind of dynamism of Africa's urban landscapes and reflects the potential of its entire cities to drive growth and development which the gathering is identified with".
He went further to remark that the United Cities of Local Governments of Africa is a beacon of collaboration and cooperation, and its efforts to promote sustainable urban development across the African continent have been truly commendable.
Hon. Kolade maintained that the crucial role that local and regional governments play in advancing the prosperity and well-being of our citizens cannot be underestimated hence the import of convening the meeting with optimum support of all our respective cities who are the architects of Africa's urban future.
He said that the Meetings are a testament to the collective commitment to working together, sharing knowledge, and finding innovative solutions to the challenges that the cities face, as they also offer a unique platform to foster collaboration, strengthen our networks, and build partnerships that can drive progress.
ALGON National President extended his gratitude to His Excellency Mr. Babajide Sanwolu the host Governor, the Government and good people of Lagos State, the United Cities of Local Governments of Africa, and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) for their dedication and hard work in making the event possible and a huge success. He specifically mentioned the UCLGA (Africa) President Mrs. Fatimetou Abel Malick, the Secretary-General Mr. Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi and others.
Highlights of the meeting were the adoption of the UCLGA Africa 2024 work plan and its Budget component alongside the discussion of its high-level Conference of Parties tagged (COP 28), the annual summit of UNFCCC's decision-making body (United Nations 2023, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Dignitaries who attended the meeting include former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Seun Osiyemi, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Bolaji Dada, and Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Hon. Bolaji Kayode Robert.
Others were Deputy National President of ALGON Hon. Aminu Muazu Maifata, Chairman Board of Trustees of ALGON, Chief Odunayo Ategbero, Mallam Muhammed Bubu the YELO President, Hon. Mohammed Bappa ALGON National Treasurer, Barr. Mrs. Evan Enekwe the Ag. Director General ALGON, and others.