The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Ex-council chiefs commend Iru-VI chair

    Ex-council chiefs commend Iru-VI chair

    The predecessors of Princess Rasheedat Adu, the Chairman of Iru-Victoria Island Local Council Development Area, Lagos, have praised her for developing the LCDA.

    The latest commendation came during the All Progressives Congress (APC) Iru-Victoria LGA Mega Meeting.

    Pioneer Chairman of the council, Chief Rilwan Aleshinloye, said Princess Adu has performed creditably.

    Aleshinloye, a socialite and the owner of Alesh Hotel, said: “Alhamdulilah! For witnessing today and it is our joy to see Iru/Victoria Island develop with various projects and initiative. We thank you very much.”

    He enjoined members of the party to embrace unity to achieve good results in the coming elections.

    The immediate past Chairman of Iru-VI LCDA, Chief Abayomi Daramola, applauded Princess Adu for carrying everyone along in her government.

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    Chief Daramola, who is the APC Vice-Chairman for Lagos Central Senatorial District, said: “We are Proud of you and your achievements. You’ve always make the people’s interest first and your administration runs inclusive Government, well-done. Insha Allah, you shall be among the advisory member of this great LCDA after your tenure, God bless you, greater heights”

    He advised those without Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) to go for it, saying “Your PVC is your power,election is fast approaching let us all prepare ahead”.

    Princess Adu enjoined party faithfuls to be proactive in the upcoming election.

    She said: “The best you can do for the party is to ensure that we vote en masse in order to get the best result, may God make it possible.”

    The council boss announced the appointment new Senior Special Advisers (SSAs). They includes Kay Agbeyegbe, Romoke Adelani, Jumoke Igbasan, Ayodeji Sagay and Franklin Chime.

    The appointees expressed their heartfelt appreciation as they assure the Princess Adu of their supports.

  • Olasoju gifts CDC Sienna

    Olasoju gifts CDC Sienna

    The Chairman of Isolo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Adebayo Olasoju, has presented a Sienna to the Community Development Committee (CDC) in the council.

    He made the donation during the third edition of Isolo Community Day Award.

    The event featured the presentation of N50,000 each as bursary to 200 students of tertiary institutions across the council area.

    Olasoju lauded the CDC and affiliate CDAs for being “selfless via their eyes-on monitoring of projects among other volunteered efforts.”

    He said that the presentation of the car to the CDC serves as appreciation for the body’s relentless efforts in helping his administration to impact the people positively.

    Chairman of the CDC, Olatunde Adesegun, noted that individual awardee’s contributions to communal growth were the reason for the recognition accorded them.

    Adesegun commended the “several endearing strides” of the Olasoju’s administration which, according to him, made life more abundant for the people.

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    Director of Community Development Department, Lagos State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Rural Development, Oluwatoyin Adeniji, lauded the council boss for the on-going rebranding of the secretariat which, according to her, was a paradigm shift from the muddy and untidy environment that it was when she came for similar event in 2022.

    She praised Olasoju for upholding the ideals of the state governor and her ministry through “visible projects that dot the council area”.

    “It’s fascinating seeing the secretariat undergoing transformational development and I must commend the council chairman for being tireless in driving development in the council area. I also want to appreciate him for being a pillar of support for the CDC just as we are seeing today. I congratulate today’s awardees and will like to advise them to remain selfless in their commitment to driving development at the grassroots,” she said.

    Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, represented by Alhaja Aolat Alade, bagged the Pillar of Support Award.

    Mrs Hamzat appreciated the CDC for the recognition while acknowledging the giant strides of the council chairman in deepening the essence of grassroots governance in Isolo LCDA.

  • Traders hail Sanwo-Olu, Mushin council chair

    Traders hail Sanwo-Olu, Mushin council chair

    The Akinwunmi Traders Association, Ladipo in Mushin, has praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Mushin Local Government Chairman, Emmanuel Bamgboye, for their assistance to traders in the state.

    Its Chairman, Onyekachukwu Igwe, gave the commendation at a ceremony to mark the association’s executives one year in office.

    He said since they were sworn in last year, they have had cordial a relationship with the  government, which the market at large has also enjoyed.

    Specifically, he stated that each time they had an issue, the government was always ready to help them resolve it.

    “We have no issue with either the state or local government. We pay our tariffs as and when due. We also do not have any problem with the Lagos State Waste management Agency (LAWMA),” he stated.

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    Igwe lamented that the two governments increased their shop rates at a time the economic crunch was having a telling effect on every Nigerian.

    While thanking the government for the three-month window it gave them to enable those who were owing to clear their debts, he urged the governments to look into the matter by offering them palliatives or reduced rates.

    He listed his achievements as security of lives and goods of members, provision of solar-powered lights and infrastructural facilities, and clean environment, among others.

    President-General of Ladipo Automobile International Market, Prince Africanus Ogudoro, noted the good works of the association’s leaders and asked them to continue in them.

    Past chairman of the Akinwunmi Traders Association, Augustine Ugorji and Ephraim Okorie gave the executives a pat on the back.

    Okorie said he was happy that his successor did not disappoint him.

    “They have done well,’’ Ugorji said.

  • Hamzat praises Ejigbo chair for building school

    Hamzat praises Ejigbo chair for building school

    Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Hamzat, has reiterated the commitment of the current administration to investing in the future of the children by providing essential educational infrastructure. According to him, they are the future leaders and drivers of progress in Lagos and Nigeria as a whole.

    The deputy governor said this at the opening of the Akinsanya Ajaloleru Nursery and Primary School, at the school premises, Oke Afa, Ejigbo Local Council Development Area.

    Hamzat highlighted that education and technology were the third pillar of the state government’s developmental plan, under the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus, and the school commissioning is part of fulfilling the agenda of the state government.

    He explained that the school was being inaugurated due to the demand of the people of Ilamoshe for a public primary school to reduce the stress that the children go through in accessing education, “as there is no single public primary school within the ward, thereby making the children trek a long dis before accessing government education”.

    The Deputy Governor noted that the newly commissioned government-owned school in the local environs will protect the kids from traffic accidents while crossing the road, adding that the school can compete better than many private schools within the area with the possibility of affordability by the parents.

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    Hamzat however urged the people of Ilamoshe to take ownership of the newly constructed edifice and ensure that it is kept safe for the children.

    While commending the Ejigbo LCDA Chairman, Monsurudeen Oloyede Bello, the Deputy Governor noted that the local government in Lagos state is effective, efficient, and dependable.

    He thanked the chairman for being innovative and charging him not to relent as the Ejigbo community will forever be grateful to him and be remembered for his integrity.

    Bello explained that the school aims to revolutionise the education landscape in the area by providing an alternative to the costly private schools, thereby alleviating the financial burden on residents and making quality education more accessible.

    He added that “this is due to the proximity of Ilamoshe Estate to the well-known Ajao Estate and International Airport which has prevented many of our children from receiving a free or reasonable price, high-quality education,” he noted that the school’s strategic position is expected to enhance socio-economic activity within the surrounding community.

    According to Bello, the school has enrolled over 350 students in the first three months of operation, adding that the aesthetic appearance of the building and the caliber of teachers deployed to the school by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) forced many parents to remove their children from

    In his remarks, the Lagos State House of Assembly member, representing Oshodi/Isolo Constituency II, Ladi Ajomale commended the Chairman for his excellent work and urged him to continue implementing various infrastructure projects, including inner road construction and other initiatives that will enhance the good living standards of the people of Ejigbo LCDA.

    Ajomale added that people always say that Local Government Chairmen don’t perform or work but the chairman was able to work and deliver such a good edifice of infrastructure that is even more beautiful than any private institutions within the local council area.

  • ‘Ounje Eko Discount Commodities’ excites buyers

    ‘Ounje Eko Discount Commodities’ excites buyers

    Scores of Badagry Local Government residents defied the weekend heavy downpour on the eve of Eid-Il-Adha to purchase various foodstuff at the second phase of the “Badagry Ounje Eko” Discount Market organised at the council secretariat. The crowd most of who were with their umbrellas, rain boots and coats purchased items such as rice, beans, garri, semovita, bread, smoked fish, live chicken, live fish, frozen fish, crates of eggs and vegetable oil offered for sale. Most of the shoppers hailed the local government Chairman, Mr. Olusegun Onilude for his commitment to improve the welfare of the residents through various empowerment programmes. Mrs. Hundeyin Olusola, who was excited about most of the cheap commodities said: “For sometime now, we have not been able to buy live chicken because of the high cost, but I am happy now we could buy it in this market by the grace of Mr.Onilude. ‘’I am going to surprise my husband at home today with this live chicken”, Mrs Olusola added.

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    Mrs Esther Taiwo praised the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. BabaJide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for ‘initiating the Ounje Eko Discount Market which Mr Onilude keyed into to make life better for Badagry residents. Earlier in his speech at the occasion, Mr Onilude said his administration was committed to the welfare of the residents hence “Our resolve to cushion the effect of the economic hardship on them by organizing the second phase of the Ounje Eko Discount market at the eve of Ileya festival”.
    He assured residents that his administration would continue to prioritize their welfare at all times.

  • Council’s free medical outreach for residents

    Council’s free medical outreach for residents

    By Muinat Ajibade-Alasela

    Chairman of Ikosi-Ejirin Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Wale Anomo, has organised free medical treatment for the residents.

    The council boss, while launching the “Jigi Anomo Alafia Tayo” stated that the medical outreach is the sixth edition since the inception of his administration, adding that more than 1,600 residents had benefitted from it underscoring the administration’s commitment to the health and general well-being of its residents.

    Anomo emphasised the critical importance of regular health examinations. He noted that early detection of ailments significantly simplifies their management which is why his administration has keyed into the THEMES and agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Dr. Kadri Hamzat.

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    He highlighted the irreplaceable value of good eyesight, hence his council’s partnering with the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) to provide comprehensive eye care to residents. During the programme, residents underwent various health examinations including eye screenings, blood pressure and blood sugar checks, body mass index assessments, diet and nutrition counseling, and tuberculosis screenings.

    Those diagnosed with eye conditions received medicated eyeglasses and other medications while individuals with severe cases were referred for surgery, with costs covered by the council.

    More than 600 residents received free eyeglasses and eye drugs, while about 50 individuals with severe eye cases had been booked for eye surgery, fully funded by the council.

    A beneficiary, Lawrence, attested to the fact that Anomo is a blessing to Ikosi-Ejinrin, as he understands the needs of the people. He noted that many of Anomo’s initiatives are people-centred and unprecedented in the LCDA. 73-year-old Alhaja Taibat Kareem, battling with cataracts, expressed gratitude, praying that Almighty Allah continues to bless Anomo.

  • Support contractor, take ownership of roads, urges Sulaiman

    Support contractor, take ownership of roads, urges Sulaiman

    By Sherifdeen Amusa

    Chairman, Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Kazeem Sulaimon, has urged residents to support contractors and take communal ownership of Laditi/Fagbenro Road.

    He made the call at the groundbreaking for the building of Bamidele Laditi/Fagbenro Street in Asolo Ward.

    He urged residents, particularly those along the project route, to support the contractor during construction, emphasising timely completion and community ownership upon its conclusion.

    He said the road fell under the “114 LG Roads” programme initiated by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration, aimed at enhancing infrastructure across local governments and council development areas in the state.

    The road, he said, would bring relief to residents because it connects many streets.

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    According to him, the duration for the construction is six months with durable paving stones and interlocks alongside drainage channels and street lighting to enhance security and safety of its users.

     A councillor, Abimbola  Adelaja, joined others to commend the council chairman for his vision and execution.

    The contractor assured timely delivery of the road project, promising durability with proper maintenance.

  • Lawmaker to Ifelodun council chief: you have done well

    Lawmaker to Ifelodun council chief: you have done well

    A councillor with Ifelodun Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State, Tosin Ilesanmi, has given the administration high marks in its performance.

    Ilesanmi described the LCDA Chairman, Olufemi Okeowo, as a star performer, who carried all of them along in the scheme of things. “Okeowo has done well in the area of human and physical development,’’ he said, adding: “I am proud to be part of this government.” 

    He listed the chairman’s achievements as monthly transfers of N10,000 to 500 aged men (who are over 70) and women (who are over 65), 200 young families receiving N10,000 monthly; free drugs for 200 residents who suffer from diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and malaria; 500 vulnerable youths getting N10,000 monthly and free N50,000 Oke Money to 100 traders, since March, this year to run to the end of the administration next year. 

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    To tackle insecurity, Okeowo formed the Ifelodun Security Movement (ISM), which has helped to reduce the menace in the area, he said.  He has constructed a befitting administrative block, Primary Health Care (PHC) building, among others. Ilesanmi, who is the Chairman, Education and Library Services, said bursary awards are given to indigent students in tertiary institutions, reading materials/books supplied and free General Certificate of Education (GCE) as well as Joint Admissions Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms offered to students. Significantly, he added, two new schools were built to augment the few ones in existence and cushion the hardship young indigenes face to go to Tolu, a distance from the council area.

    In addition, Ilesanmi said the chairman has a cordial relationship with his colleagues. He recalled when the legislative arm passed a bill on the establishment of a borehole at a ward. He said the Executive amended it to include the provision of a water system in the seven wards in the LCDA. “This has not happened before in the history of the LCDA. But under Okeowo,we have good policy formulation and execution,’’ he claimed. In terms of roads, construction has reached advanced stages in Muda Street and Edidi Close, while both Market and Olubuede streets are ready for inauguration.

    On his part, Ilesanmi said although councillors did not get constituency allowances like their counterparts at the federal level, he used his personal finance to deflood two culverts at Adegboyega Street and Agbami, long before the council stepped in, assist constituents, religious houses, among others. This was why he sought financial assistance from individuals and federal and state governments for the LCDA.

    “For we are at the grassroots and so it could do more in the year ahead. The people may not see the National Assembly members often. It is we they see always and could reach out to,” he appealed.

    He also praised the Head of the Legislative arm, Fatimah Salaudeen, for cordial working relationship. He said councils enjoyed working with her

  • Adewale Adeniyi rolls on

    Adewale Adeniyi rolls on

    For want of a better description, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, is a misunderstood man whose detractors never see his coming.

    A refined gentleman, Adeniyi is a man who knows his onions and is ready to deliver against all odds.

    When he was appointed, many did not believe in his ability to deliver. The man whose capacity was undermined due to his meek nature is currently working assiduously to not only generate revenue for the country but also to reposition the Customs Service to meet global practice standards.

    Those who did not believe in him have commended his effort in combating the ill preventing Nigeria from moving forward in terms of border control and smuggling.

    With his proactive way and his pragmatic approach he has gained more friends who admitted that at the pace he is going he will crest his name in the gold as one of the most innovative Customs bosses with impeccable achievements to his credit.

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    As soon as he came onboard, Adeniyi swung into action, bringing technological innovations in the discharge of duties. He automated valuation and cargo clearance, thus, making operations  seamless.

    On seizures, his administration is a nightmare for smugglers who now find it hard to smuggle things into the country. 

    He has enhanced staff welfare, giving importance to staff and their wives with the relaunch of the Customs Wives Association through which those who lost their husbands in the line of duty are taken care of. He also ensured gender equality and gave women wings to soar high in their career.

    As CGC, he understands trade facilitation for economic prosperity as he has constantly kept data on the balance of trade between Nigeria and other partner trading countries which gives Nigeria the advantage to compete with others in terms of where the market for products lies. Adeniyi further took a step forward by signing an agreement with his Chinese counterpart a trade facilitation agreement which will ensure a bilateral relationship for economic growth between Nigeria and China.

  • Uju Ifejika still a showstopper

    Uju Ifejika still a showstopper

    Aside being a billionaire oil magnate and Chief Executive Officer of Brittania-U Oil and Gas, Mrs. Uju Catherine Ifejika is a cosmopolitan woman who is classy and elegant. Ifejika is in a league of her own and her ventures are fruitful because of her ability to take calculated risks in business.

    Over the years, she has been a delight to many – some admire her fashion acumen while some admire her success in a male-dominated economy. At 65, she is still a show-stopper and a stunner.

    She is in a league of her own and despite being a boardroom guru, she finds time to unwind and balance her work life by attending friends and family functions. A caring wife and doting mother, the Abia State-born business czar is a delight to paparazzis. Anytime she steps into any function, she makes a fashion statement.

     She is good at it as many describe  her as a fashion connoisseur who believes looking good is serious business.

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    Last week Friday, at the Vanguard Personality Award in Eko Hotel, the woman of substance yet, again, showed the stuff she was made of as she stepped on the red carpet looking breathtaking with her cocktail velvet gown and accessories.

    One would mistake her for a sweet 16. She also wore a welcoming and charming smile as she moved around to pay respects to her friends and business associates.