The Lagos State Government met with media stakeholders at a one-day strategic breakfast roundtable on transparency, inclusive governance, responsible reporting, and stronger civic engagement.
Discussions focused on improving dialogue between government and citizens, strengthening public trust through accurate reporting, and addressing concerns about ethnicity in elections, infrastructure development, waste management, housing, law enforcement, and investment in the creative sector.
The session, themed “Where Headlines Begin,” was convened by the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement to deepen participatory governance and enhance collaboration with the press.
In his keynote address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen, described the media as a critical partner in governance under the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Obafemi Kadri Hamzat.
He stressed that factual reporting and constructive engagement remain essential to transparency and inclusive development.
He explained that the roundtable was structured to improve information flow, create a responsive feedback system, and institutionalise citizen participation.
He highlighted initiatives of the Office, including the Eko Cares Financial Assistance Programme, the Mother, Infant and Child Development (MICHD) Programme, the Lagos CitizensGate digital feedback platform, CitizensGate Radio and Television Programme, community sensitisation drives, and executive–legislative collaboration frameworks.
According to him, these Programmes demonstrate the government’s commitment to citizen-responsive policies and social inclusion, urging media professionals to prioritise fact-based narratives that make public institutions more accessible.
In her welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Office, Mrs Sholabomi Shasore, said the engagement was designed to create a structured and candid interface between policymakers and media practitioners.
She emphasised that the government seeks informed critique rather than praise, encouraging participants to raise concerns and suggest areas requiring clearer communication.
She added that the initiative aligns with broader efforts to leverage traditional media, film, drama, and digital platforms to strengthen civic education, voter awareness, and sustained public participation.
Responding to questions, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotosho, reaffirmed that government policies are designed to serve all residents regardless of background.
“Building a smart, sustainable and inclusive Lagos requires civic responsibility and balanced reportage. Hence the need for the media chat,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigeria Reputation Management Group, Mr. Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, described Lagos as a collective brand that depends on shared ownership, while the Chief Executive Officer of Megalectrics Limited, Mr. Chris Ubosi, called for sustained investment in media capacity development and community-focused storytelling.
Editors, broadcasters, filmmakers, digital content creators, and senior government officials were in attendance.
Participants also examined how balanced reporting and effective civic storytelling can promote accountability and social inclusion.
The roundtable concluded with a renewed commitment from both government officials and media stakeholders to sustain engagement and collaboratively shape narratives that reflect a fair, inclusive, and forward-looking Lagos.