By: Manoah Kikekon
BADAGRY, Lagos – In a move towards participatory governance, the Badagry Local Government Area convened a diverse assembly of stakeholders to directly shape its 2026 budget, setting a new standard for grassroots democracy in Lagos State.
The pivotal 2026 Budget Stakeholders Meeting, held under the theme "Budget of Inclusion and Development," took place on Tuesday October 7th 2025 at the Local Government Secretariat.
The event brought together a cross-section of the community, including royal fathers, market leaders, youth representatives, and officials from the Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budgeting, underscoring a collective commitment to transparent and people-driven development.
Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government in his keynote address reaffirmed his administration's core promise of inclusive governance.
"From the very beginning, we made a deliberate promise to make governance inclusive, transparent, and truly people-driven," Hon. Hunpe declared. He emphasized that the gathering was a practical expression of that vow, ensuring "every resident, from Ajido to Topo, from Idale to Badagry town... has a voice in how government resources are allocated."
To solidify this bottom-up approach, Chairman Hunpe revealed a strategic initiative where the Council sponsored all ten ward Councillors to return to their constituencies for direct engagement. This effort was designed to harvest grassroots priorities and ideas, ensuring the 2026 budget reflects the actual needs of every community in Badagry, leaving no ward behind.
While focusing on the future, the Chairman highlighted key ongoing projects to demonstrate the administration's commitment to tangible development. These include the remodeling of the Pota Primary Health Centre in Ward E, the construction of three strategic roads, and the beautification of Joseph Dosu Road. Crucially, he addressed the vital tourism sector, noting "deliberate efforts to harmonize all tourism practitioners" under the Confederation of Badagry Tourism Practitioners to unlock the area's vast economic potential.
Jonathan Minasu Ogun, Director of Statistics in the Lagos Ministry of Economic Planning and Budgeting. He defined the budget as the "process of translating government programmes into series of activities for annual expenditures." He lauded the forum as the essential platform where the voices of the people are heard, translating their needs into actionable government plans.
Oluwagbemiga Kuponi, Head of the Budgeting Department for Badagry Local Government, overseeing the participatory session. Representatives from the ten wards, women in politics, artisans, Community Development Associations (CDAs), the Arewa community, and the Igbo community formally presented their requests and priorities for consideration in the 2026 budget.