Dr Femi Ipadeola Advocates for Grassroots Development in Nigeria

Dr Femi Ipadeola, the former acting Rector of the Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State, stated that sustainable national transformation must involve the active participation and improved welfare of citizens at the grassroots level. Speaking at the launch of the Nigeria Local Government News (NLGN) Development Communication Media Ecosystem in Ibadan, he criticized Nigeria's top-down development model, which he linked to military command structures.

Ipadeola argued that development should originate from local communities, with citizens identifying their needs and priorities. He stressed that development extends beyond physical infrastructure to include mental, legal, and social foundations for meaningful governance participation.

He advised that changing public attitudes towards local government administration is crucial for effective grassroots governance. Additionally, he urged media practitioners to maintain independence and focus on evidence-based reporting that addresses community issues.

Mr Tosin Bakare, the convener and publisher of NLGN, supported these views during the event.