Greater Lagos Summit 5.0 To Spotlight Egalitarianism, Justice, Citizen Participation 

By BENJAMIN OMOIKE  LAGOS, Nigeria – No fewer than 1,000 residents, including youths, artisans, civil society groups, and government stakeholders, are expected to converge in Lagos this October for the Greater Lagos Summit 5.0, an event aimed at advancing inclusive, people-focused governance in the state.

Speaking at a press briefing in Alausa, Ikeja, the President of the Greater Lagos Initiative (GLI), and Convener of the Summit, Prince Adeniyi Olutimehin, said the summit is designed to move beyond infrastructural development to foster a Lagos rooted in justice, equity, opportunity, and participatory prosperity.

This year’s edition is themed: “People, Power, and Progress: Building an Inclusive Future Through Patriotism, Egalitarianism, Innovations, and People-Centric Development in Lagos State.”

Participants will include representatives from government ministries and agencies, traditional leaders, civil society and advocacy groups, youth-led movements, student unions, market associations, artisans, religious bodies, and members of the creative industry.

Also expected are scholars, social entrepreneurs, influencers, persons with disabilities, and underserved communities.

Describing the summit as more than an event, Olutimehin noted that it serves as a “visionary dialogue and strategic recalibration of our collective future.”

He revealed that the summit will also unveil initiatives such as the Creativity House, a Talent Exhibition, and the Empowerment of Young Entrepreneurs.

In addition, outstanding personalities and organizations will be honored for their contributions to the development of Lagos State.

“This summit is not a mere poetic cadence,” Olutimehin said.

“It is a clarion call for renewed patriotism, egalitarian practice, and innovation-led governance aligned with the real aspirations of our people.”

Since its inception, the Greater Lagos Summit has become a platform for civic engagement and policy innovation, fostering what the convener described as “transformative thought, policy recalibration, and civic energy.”

According to Olutimehin, the summit has consistently emphasized that sustainable progress is unattainable without the active involvement of citizens.

He added that the forum continues to provide a safe and constructive space for the public to critique governance issues and propose practical solutions.

He also stressed the importance of citizens seeing government initiatives as shared community assets:“We aim to instill patriotic ownership of public assets, reinforcing the principle that government projects are not just state investments but communal patrimonies.”

The summit, now in its fifth edition, is widely regarded as one of Lagos’ leading platforms for inclusive governance advocacy and citizen-driven development.