By Bero Damilola
The need for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to promote effective grassroots governance took centre stage at the GazelleNews Annual Public Lecture and Awards 2026, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.
The event, themed “Driving Grassroots Governance with Public-Private Partnership: The Gains, The Pains, The Prospects,” brought together government officials, policymakers, media practitioners, business leaders and communication professionals to discuss sustainable solutions to governance challenges at the grassroots level.
In his opening remarks, the Publisher of GazelleNews, Dr. Musbau Razak, said the annual lecture was established to stimulate national discussions on critical issues affecting governance and development. He explained that this year’s edition focused on strengthening Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) as a means of improving grassroots governance and national development.
Representing the Chairman of the occasion, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro described grassroots governance as the level of government closest to the people, where citizens expect quality education, healthcare, security, good roads and other essential social services.
He noted that Public-Private Partnerships provide opportunities for investment, innovation and shared responsibility in delivering sustainable development. He, however, identified poor policy implementation, corruption and political interference as major challenges affecting effective grassroots governance.
Obanikoro maintained that despite these challenges, the future of grassroots governance remains promising through increased transparency, community engagement, digital technology, sustained dialogue and greater autonomy for local governments.
Delivering the keynote address, Chief Sunday Dare stressed the importance of collaboration between government, the private sector and citizens in achieving sustainable national development. He emphasized that effective Public-Private Partnerships remain essential for improving governance, promoting economic growth and enhancing service delivery at the grassroots.
The event also featured an awards presentation, during which Comrade Mukhtar Gidado of Bauchi State was honored for his contributions, with the award presented by Senator Akin Odunsi and Dr. Musbau Razak.
Speaking on the importance of collaboration, Senator Sunday Akindare concluded his address with the words:
“If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.”
The annual lecture reaffirmed the importance of partnership, transparency and stakeholder engagement in promoting inclusive governance and sustainable development across Nigeria.
