By Bilesanmi Abayomi
A spirited debate has erupted among civic stakeholders and political actors in the Kosofe area of Lagos State, following renewed calls for improved digital transparency and the establishment of functional websites across local government councils.
The discussion, which gained traction on the civic forum KosofePost.com, was triggered by observations that while Agboyi-Ketu and Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) have recently established ICT centres, many other councils, including Kosofe Local Government, still lack operational digital platforms.
Civic commentator Bilesanmi Abayomi Koko lamented that the abandoned library project initiated under former chairman Hon. Sofola could have positioned Kosofe as a digital pioneer if completed.
“Truth be told, most LGs and LCDAs still lack active websites and social media channels that could enhance service delivery, transparency, and accountability,” he said.
He drew comparisons with councils in the United Kingdom, such as Lancashire and Liverpool, which maintain well-updated and interactive platforms.
Similarly, Engr. Olusola Emmanuel Adedayo, publisher of MoschinoBlog, stressed that having ICT centres without transparency defeats the purpose.
“It’s not enough to have an ICT centre or website filled with bloated achievements. The watchword should be truth and accountability,” he said.
The conversation gained further weight after a recent Guardian report revealed that less than 1% of Nigeria’s 774 local governments maintain active websites, despite receiving over ₦8.93 trillion in federal allocations between 2023 and 2025. The report cited concerns from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over what it described as a “serious accountability gap” in grassroots governance.
Another contributor, Oloye Salami Oluwaseun, criticised Kosofe LG’s poor digital presence despite its youthful leadership.
“The chairman should use technology to project the council and empower youths. The funds spent on digital billboards could complete the abandoned ICT hub,” he said.
In response, Aare Fatoki Ayobode Kehinde, a stakeholder from Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, defended his council’s efforts, stating that their website — www.ikosiisherilcda.org — is active though still under development.
“It’s a feedback mechanism open to constructive criticism,” he noted.
However, his defence was challenged by Comrade Olayiwola Sulyman (Opomulero), who dismissed the platform as a “mere blogging page.”
“A functional website should contain departmental information, spending details, and leadership structure — not just the chairman’s photos,” he countered.
The exchanges soon evolved into a broader reflection on governance and accountability. Hon. Okufuwa Samad Oluwatoyin, Lagos State Publicity Secretary of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), described the situation as a “celebration of mediocrity.”
“It’s time to start having round pegs in round holes at the grassroots,” he said.
Civic advocate Omoba Awofeso Rasheed rounded off the conversation by insisting that establishing and maintaining functional council websites is both affordable and essential.
“With today’s federal allocations and IGR windfalls, every local government can afford it. True democracy is about infrastructure and information accessibility — anything else is political rascality,” he declared.
The debate reflects growing civic demand for digital accountability and open governance at the grassroots level — an expectation that local councils across Lagos and Nigeria can no longer afford to ignore.