Strengthen the Legislature for the Future, Speaker Obasa Urges Lawmakers
Strengthen the Legislature for the Future, Speaker Obasa Urges Lawmakers
Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, and Deputy Speaker Mojisola Lasbat Meranda (both middle) flanked by Majority Leader Noheem Adams and Deputy Majority Leader Adedamola Richard Kasunmu during a 3-day budget retreat for members and staff of the House held in Abeokuta on Sunday.
Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has called on lawmakers to strengthen the legislative arm of government in preparation for the future. He made this statement during the opening of a three-day budget retreat in Abeokuta, Ogun State, for lawmakers and staff of the House. The retreat, themed *"Optimising the Legislature's Power of the Purse for Effective Service Delivery in Lagos State,"* aimed to enhance the legislators' understanding and execution of their financial oversight responsibilities.
In his address, Speaker Obasa emphasized the importance of leaving a lasting legacy through diligent legislative work. He encouraged members of the House to be committed to governance, responsibility, and accountability, noting that the legislative duties they perform now will impact the future of the state.
"What we do now is not just for ourselves; it is for the entire system. We must ensure that our work as legislators strengthens the structure of governance," Obasa said.
He further charged the lawmakers to be more proactive in their oversight functions, particularly in ensuring compliance with budgetary allocations. "We review the budget as presented by the executive. Once we approve it, the executive is bound by law to comply. It is our duty to ensure they do so," he added.
Obasa also stressed the importance of transparency and accountability, instructing that all committee reports be presented on the floor of the House for proper action.
He urged lawmakers to avoid self-interest in their legislative duties, warning that prioritizing personal gain over public service would lead to failure. "If you focus on self-benefit, you will lose the respect and trust of the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) we oversee. We must do our jobs with integrity to earn that respect," he stated.
The Speaker called on the legislators to continue their dedication to improving the laws of Lagos State and enhancing their oversight responsibilities, which are crucial to the state's development. He added, "Let’s stay committed and ensure we create a strong path for those coming behind us."
In his opening remarks, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, Clerk and Head of Service of the Lagos State House of Assembly, praised the Speaker for the initiative and described the retreat as a valuable opportunity for participants to gain insights into the state’s budget. He encouraged lawmakers and staff to engage fully and absorb new ideas for the benefit of the state.
The retreat will focus on strategies for optimizing the legislature’s control over the budget, with the goal of improving service delivery and ensuring that public resources are utilized effectively.
Eromosele Ebhomele
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly
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