My Name is Ikponmwosa Olotu.

I am presently aspiring for the office of state representative for Eti-osa 1

constituency Nigeria. I am taking this course to improve my knowledge of Local economic development.
I live in Eti-osa a local government area in Lagos State. Decentralisation is one LED drivers that can help
the Lagos state government decentralize its power from the centre to local government areas/Local council
development area allowing them some level of autonomy and creativity.

Lagos State is a metropolitan city, with a huge urban migration both local and international, an average
broadband penetration, a handful of industrial estates, real estate investment, e-commerce growth and
Foriegn Direct Investment. The LED approach will help Lagos bridge the gap created by social inequality
and reach the underserved. State govt must build it's institution to function independent of itself. It must
allow the LGA's/LCDA's to function effectively. Another challenge within Etiosa and Lagos State, is the
issue of its deficient human resource base. The educational reforms must be driven by the executive and
legislative bottom up. Allowing input from the people who live in the LGA/LCDA and developing policies
or laws that they will easily adopt.
Social polarisation is a growing worry in Lagos and in Eti-osa. Eti-osa has a mix of upper middle class and
the lower class. This social disparity has a lot of low income earners who live in place they can't afford, so
they create slums they can afford. These slums churn out vengeful and socially dependent persons who go
into crime or become a menace to society.
Government service delivery is heartbreaking mainly because the institutions that deliver these services are
broken and dance to the tune of the party in power. Institutional Independence of ministries, departments
and agencies will be a big win to effectively implement LED.