By Ajokuta Ifeoluwa
Government officials, media practitioners, and private sector leaders gathered on Wednesday at the Radisson Hotel, Ikeja, for the Annual Public Lecture and Award organized by Gazelle News.
The event, which ran from 11:43 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., was held under the theme “Grassroots Government through Public-Private Partnership.” Speakers focused on how collaboration between government and the private sector can accelerate development at the local government level.
The program was anchored by Gazelle News presenter Oluwatosin Adebukola, with Ibrahim Ladiga as assistant anchor. It began with the National Anthem and National Pledge, after which Musibau Rasak of Gazelle News delivered the opening remarks and welcomed dignitaries.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Kadri Hamzat, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro said citizens experience government most directly at the grassroots through access to schools, water, and infrastructure.
“Yet government alone often faces financial and administrative constraints — this is where Public-Private Partnership becomes valuable,” Obanikoro said.
He noted that PPPs can attract investment, innovation, and specialized expertise to support small businesses, improve education, and promote agriculture. He, however, identified poor policy implementation, corruption, and political interference as major challenges.
“Let us embrace partnership not as an option but as a primary pathway to a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous Nigeria,” he added.
The keynote address was delivered by Chief Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications. Speaking on “The Heart of Development,” Dare said national progress depends on communication and accountable governance.
“Public resources are finite. Though government can’t do everything alone, they must ensure everything gets done,” he said.
Dare explained that at the grassroots level, PPP should drive efficiency, foster innovation, and restore public trust. He listed weak institutions, transparency gaps, and policy inconsistencies as key setbacks.
Looking ahead, he called for data-driven governance, capacity building, transparency frameworks, technological integration, and human-centric metrics.
“Nigeria’s greatest opportunity does not reside only in Abuja. It resides in what we do in our local governments,” Dare said. “If you want to go faster, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Other dignitaries present included Dr. Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon, Director General of the Lagos State Commission. A panel discussion featuring Hon. Mojisola Miranda and Dr. Lanre Odugbola-Sodipo also held during the event.
The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of awards to outstanding public servants. Concide Muktar Gidado, representing the Bauchi State Government, was named Best Governor of the Year. The award was presented by Akinodunsi alongside Musibau Rasak. Fathers and mothers of the event were also recognized.
The 2026 Gazelle News Annual Lecture ended on a note of optimism, with participants agreeing that sustainable development in Nigeria must begin from the grassroots. Speakers emphasized that building strong partnerships among government, the private sector, and citizens is essential for inclusive growth.
In closing, the consensus was that for Nigeria to move forward, collaboration at the local level must be prioritized, monitored, and sustained.(NAN).
