The Nation Newspaper

Category: Grassroots

  • Ikeja wages war against insecurity, lawlessness

    Ikeja wages war against insecurity, lawlessness

    • By Ummusalamoh Kamorudeen and Azeezat Adeshola and Dada Abisoye

    The Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Akeem Dauda, has announced sweeping new security measures aimed at restoring order and strengthening community safety across the council area.

    He said that the decision followed an extensive security review and consultations with security agencies, community leaders, market executives and other stakeholders.

    The council boss banned scavenging (Boola operations), street trading on major roads, cart pushing, and intensified enforcement against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

    According to him, intelligence reports have consistently linked scavengers and cart pushers with vandalism, theft, drug movement and unauthorized access to restricted facilities.

    He added that street trading has also contributed to traffic congestion, petty crimes and preventable road accidents.

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    “This is not a war against the poor; it is a stand against insecurity and lawlessness,” he said.

    He emphasized that Multi-Agency Enforcement Task Force made up of officers from the Nigeria Police Force, NSCDC, Neighborhood Safety Corps, LASTMA, Environmental Health Officers and the Ikeja LG Task Force.

    Dauda reiterated that Ikeja will evolve into one of Lagos State strongest SGBV-free corridors.

    He further announced that the creation of dedicated reporting desks, partnerships with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, community sensitization and immediate prosecution of offenders.

    He unveiled activities to mark the 100 Working Days of his administration, including commissioning four newly completed roads, empowerment grants for 550 residents, medical outreach for 200 elderly citizens, and the One-Day Chairman/Vice Chairman/Leader of the House youth leadership initiative. The commissioning of newly renovated classrooms at Agidingbi Primary School is also scheduled.

    Dauda urged residents, traditional institutions, market unions and transport operators to support the implementation.

  • Lagos scales up women empowerment in councils

    Lagos scales up women empowerment in councils

    • By Ummusalamoh Kamorudeen and Azeezat Adeshola

    The Lagos State Government said it is scaling up economic empowerment, social protection and leadership inclusion for women across the state.

    Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Bolaji Dada, said this during Lagos Women’s Assembly.

    The event featured safety demonstrations, health screenings and interactive sessions aimed at improving the welfare and economic stability of women in the state.

    Mrs Dada described the new Plus Agenda initiative as a deliberate framework aimed at increasing women’s access to skills, funding, healthcare and protection from violence.

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    She listed ongoing interventions to include 19 tuition-free skills acquisition centres where more than 6,000 women and youths are trained yearly; the Micro Enterprise Support Initiative; Life Skills and Economic Empowerment Programme (LEAP); the Ounje Eko nutrition scheme; agricultural empowerment projects; community-based campaigns against gender-based violence and free medical outreach programmes across local councils and development areas.

    “We want every woman in Lagos to win. We want every woman empowered, independent, confident, and productive. A Lagos woman must be an asset and never a liability,” she said.

    Wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu said the assembly remains a platform for celebrating the resilience and contribution of Lagos women to the state’s development.

    Represented by wife of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Mineral Resources, Mrs. Victoria Oluwu, Dr Sanwo-Olu noted that the government is committed to strengthening support for women through entrepreneurship funding, gender advocacy, poverty reduction programmes and the provision of safe spaces for women and girls.

    She urged participants to take the lessons from the programme back to their homes, businesses and communities, stressing that meaningful progress for women requires the collaboration of government, private sector, civil society organisations and women themselves.

  • Olorunda pledges support for persons living with disabilities

    Olorunda pledges support for persons living with disabilities

    • By Aishat Ahmed, Faith Ajiboye, Bolatito Akande and Kaothar Abdulateef

    The Chairman, Olorunda Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State, Mr Kumayon Ajose, has assured persons with disabilities that the council would support them.

    He gave the assurance during the third edition of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, in Badagry, organised by Association of Persons with Disabilities, Badagry chapter.

    The theme of the event was: “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress”.

    Ajose said: ‘’I assure you that my administration will not let you down.

    “We will continue to assist you; we will continue to work with your association, to listen to your views, suggestions and advice in every aspect that will alleviate your sufferings in all areas you want to be assisted.

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    “In terms of the materials that will aid you to navigate your cause to make you comfortable in any situation, my administration will not let you down.”

    He said the LCDA met the executives of the association some months ago where needs and aspirations of the association were discussed.

    He promised that the council would alleviate their sufferings.

    Mr Monday Tanimowo, who represented Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, Lagos State Commissioner for Youths and Social Development, urged persons with disabilities not to hide themselves in their homes.

    He urged them to come out and showcase their talents so that people would know they were part of the society.

    Dr Olalekan Mohammed, a lecturer at Lagos State University (LASU) Ojo, Lagos, urged the association to fight for its rights.

  • Ayobo-Ipaja marks 100 days with ambitious projects

    Ayobo-Ipaja marks 100 days with ambitious projects

    The Chairman of Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Dr Lukmon Agbaje, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to people-focused governance and sustainable development as he marked his first 100 days in office with the grand finale of the “Ijoba Irorun” celebration.

    The event, held at the Council Secretariat, Ayobo-Ipaja, brought together traditional rulers, elected officials, community leaders, market associations, youth groups, security agencies, religious bodies and residents, who gathered to reflect on the administration’s early achievements and its vision for the future.

    Agbaje described the occasion as a testament to purposeful leadership and collective progress, noting that the past 100 days have laid a solid foundation for transforming Ayobo-Ipaja into a modern, prosperous and peaceful community.

    According to him, the administration hit the ground running in the area of works and infrastructure, with the rehabilitation of seven roads across all wards. He added that Area Offices and Primary Health Centres were rehabilitated and furnished, while ten transformer power stations were distributed to improve electricity supply. Three logistics buses were also procured to enhance operational efficiency within the council.

    In the health sector, the chairman highlighted the conduct of a free health mission and improved supply of drugs and medical equipment to Primary Health Centres, in line with the administration’s resolve to make quality healthcare accessible to all residents.

    He also commended the Legislative Arm of the LCDA for its proactive oversight, particularly its regular monitoring of health facilities, engagement with health workers and feedback mechanisms, which have helped to improve service delivery.

    On environmental sanitation, Agbaje said the council carried out the clearing of refuse black spots and road medians, desilting of drainages to prevent flooding and inaugurated an Environmental Task Force to strengthen enforcement. The enforcement drive, he said, has also boosted the LCDA’s internally generated revenue, alongside sustained community sensitisation on proper waste management.

    “Education featured prominently in the achievements recorded, with the distribution of 300 free GCE forms to indigent pupils, provision of free tutorial classes, hosting of the 2025 Lagos State Spelling Bee Competition, and distribution of school bags and exercise books under the Back-to-School Programme. The school infrastructure upgrading is ongoing across the LCDA,” he said, adding “under agriculture and food security, the administration rolled out food palliative distribution to households under the Ijoba Irorun welfare programme, supported local farmers with farmland and participated in World Food Day activities to promote nutrition and sustainability.

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    “In the area of economic empowerment and social welfare, the Renewed Hope Cash Empowerment Scheme was launched, with 100 beneficiaries receiving N100,000 each in its maiden edition, while the programme is expected to continue monthly. Widows under the Widows Association Programme (WAPA) now receive monthly stipends, while women were sponsored to participate in COWLSO leadership programmes.

    “To strengthen governance efficiency, the council procured laptops and printers for key departments and improved its administrative record-keeping and communication systems, marking the beginning of a more digitally driven administration. The administration also promoted tourism, culture and community engagement through the sponsorship of Isese Day celebrations and support for traditional rulers’ anniversaries across the LCDA.”

    Agbaje unveiled ambitious short and long-term plans, including expanded road construction and drainage projects, stronger healthcare systems, larger empowerment programmes for youths, women and artisans, enhanced security, improved school infrastructure, deeper ICT integration and wider business and economic opportunities.

    He thanked the people of Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA, the councillors, management staff, party leaders, traditional rulers, security agencies, NGOs, youth groups and market leaders for their cooperation and support throughout the first 100 days.

    “As we mark 100 days of Ijoba Irorun, let us renew our collective commitment to a greater Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA.  By the grace of God, the strength of our unity and the determination of this administration, Ayobo-Ipaja will continue to rise,” he said.

  • Lagos, Girl Guides partnered on HPV awareness

    Lagos, Girl Guides partnered on HPV awareness

    • By Aishat Ahmed and Faith Ajiboye

    The Nigerian Girl Guides Association (NGGA), in partnership with the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board and UNICEF, have launched an awareness campaign on the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine during the 2025 Brownies Day Celebration in Lagos.

    Assistant State Commissioner of the NGGA, Mrs. Olawunmi Olaide, said this year’s Brownies Day stood out because of the collaboration with UNICEF. She encouraged parents to enrol their children in the Girl Guides movement and urged the girls to allow their light to shine both in school and in their communities.

    Deputy Chief Commissioner, Zone B, Mrs. Kikelomo Thompson, said the sensitisation exercise helps girls understand HPV and how to protect themselves.

    She stressed that basic hygiene practices such as daily bathing, brushing, and healthy eating form the first line of defence against infections.

    Thompson added that although the campaign currently focuses on girls, it will later extend to boys. She encouraged children to urge their parents to support vaccination to reduce cervical cancer risks and promote long-term population health.

    An official of the Lagos State Government, Mrs. Temidayo Adewuyi, said the initiative was designed to equip young girls with vital knowledge on cervical cancer prevention. According to her, pupils are encouraged to take the information home to their parents to facilitate consent for vaccination.

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    She added that the vaccine is available across all primary health care centres in Lagos, with outreach teams also carrying doses during campaigns.

    NGGA National Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Titilola Oluwatoyin, said the association plans to reach 10,000 girls with HPV sensitisation and ensure at least 5,000 receive the vaccine. She advised parents to disregard misinformation, noting that the vaccine is safe and crucial for protecting girls’ health and strengthening families and communities.

    A Brownie from Lee Valley School, Omoniyi Bella, said she learnt that girls her age can protect themselves from cervical cancer by taking the HPV vaccine.

    She added that the programme gave young girls a clearer understanding of health choices that prepare them for adulthood.

  • Ejigbo seeks professionalism in budget preparation

    Ejigbo seeks professionalism in budget preparation

    The Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Aare Taoheed Adebayo Taiwo, has urged the departmental heads to approach next year’s proposed budget with professionalism, sincerity of purpose, and a shared dedication to producing a document that truly reflects the priorities of the people.

    He spoke during a Three-Day Budget Retreat at AM 2 PM Hotel and Suites, Molipa Expressway, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

    The retreat, designed to strengthen fiscal planning and improve administrative efficiency, brought together legislators, management staff, and stakeholders to review the council’s performance, assess ongoing projects, and set priorities for the next fiscal year.

    Taiwo noted that with the doubling the allocation given to local governments nationwide, it has become imperative for councils to design more people-centered projects that will bring relief, restore hope, and deliver the true dividends of democracy to residents.

    He added that Ejigbo will achieve this by making full use of its SHIELD Agenda, which serves as a guide for service delivery, human capital development, infrastructural renewal, economic empowerment, leadership accountability, and sustainable development across all communities in Ejigbo.

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    Aare Taiwo emphasised that the increased allocation places greater responsibility on the council to expand critical infrastructure, strengthen primary healthcare services, enhance security initiatives, and deepen youth empowerment programmes.

    He said that the budget must reflect practical solutions that respond to the daily needs of residents, especially in areas such as road rehabilitation, environmental sanitation, social welfare, and support for residents.

    The council chief also urged all departmental heads to adopt data-driven planning, strengthen inter-departmental collaboration, and uphold transparency throughout the budgeting process. According to him, every project captured in the budget must be realistic, impactful, and capable of contributing to the long-term development of Ejigbo.

    Participants examined sectoral needs across health, works and infrastructure, education, environment, revenue generation, and community development, with a view to improving service delivery and ensuring that resources are efficiently allocated.

    The retreat concluded with a commitment from all participants to work collectively towards delivering a responsive and people-oriented budget that will sustain ongoing achievements and open new avenues for growth and Infrastructural development in Ejigbo LCDA.

  • Agboyi-Ketu marks 100 days in office with Unity Cup

    Agboyi-Ketu marks 100 days in office with Unity Cup

    • We’ll steer Agboyi Ketu with fresh ideas
    • By Anne Agbi and Sherifdeen Amusa

    Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area Lagos State, has hosted the grand finale of the 2025 Chairman’s Unity Cup, in commemoration of the first 100 days in office of the Chairman, Adetola Abubakar.

    The football tournament held at Oba Lamina Mini Stadium Agboyi, was part of the activities held to mark the milestone, reflecting broader achievements recorded by the chairman in her first 100 days in office.

    According to the council boss, the football tournament, was designed to promote grassroots development, youth engagement and create an energetic atmosphere across the community.

    She stressed that the social engagement was also held to keep the residents happy, adding that the administration still has lots of development to bring to the LCDA.

    “This is all about the youth. They are our future and we need to start engaging them and ensuring that we support them socially and otherwise. Youths constitute a very high percentage in our population and for that, we shouldn’t ignore them. We should carry them along and ensure that they are under control. This is also part of it; engaging them socially. We know that sports keeps the youth together and that’s why this tournament was introduced. It’s been on for a while and today’s the grand finale.

    “The last 100 days have been all about my people. We have tried to touch the eight points of our agenda. We have done everything to ensure that our people are happy. And we are able to give them the dividend of democracy,” Abubakar noted.

    The residents of the LCDA lauded the chairman for prioritising youth empowerment and providing platforms that encourage talent discovery.

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    At the end of the competition, Ward G (Ajegunle) emerged winner of the tournament, taking home a N1,000,000 cash prize. Also, ACE Strikers finished as runners-up with N750,000, while Ward F (Agboyi) secured third place with cash prize of N500,000.

    Also in attendance were dignitaries and traditional rulers, including Oba Isiaka Oyero Balogun, the Alaketu of Ketu, and Oba Taiwo Lamina, the Oba of Agboyi II, Oruba, Senior Special Assistants, community leaders, and youth stakeholders.The Chairman of Agboyi Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Adetola Abubakar, has promised to steer her council with never seen ideas to life easier for the council’s residents.

    Abubakar, who stated this at the “2026 Stakeholders Consultative Forum Sustainable Economic Development”, with the  theme, “Budget of a New Dawn”, promised to build on the “solid foundation” laid by her predecessors.

    “Our administration begs the dawn of a new era in the history of our dear LCDA. We will do greater in great things already done with a fresh zeal and hope to inject brand new innovations, services, and infrastructure never seen before in our great LCDA. During the 2026 budget, the budget of a new dawn is therefore the material required to build the sustainable edifices that we are determined to build upon, the solid foundation handed down to us,” she said.

    She promised that her” budget execution plan shall be replicated upon our eight-point agenda, which are infrastructure and grassroots economic development, youth and women environment, education, accessible and quality health care, food security and social welfare, job creation, digital and inclusive governance, security and civic engagement.”

    She said the event followed a ward stakeholders meeting and would consider the needs identified at the ward level to make life easier for residents.

    Head of Planning, Budget, Research and Statitics, Bukola Agboola, said the event was critical to the well-being of residents in order to improve on economic status and make staying and doing business enjoyable in Agboyi-Ketu LCDA.

    She added that the event offers a  platform through which residents  can make meaningful contribution that will form the basis for the eventual final draft of the year  2026 Budget Estimates.

    She said: “The essence of this, is to come up with a people oriented budget centered on programs, policies and infrastructural development that will have direct impact and benefit on the entire people of the Agboyi-Ketu community.”

  • Lagos Mainland reconstructs police post, two schools, others

    Lagos Mainland reconstructs police post, two schools, others

    It was a whole day of activities recently, as Lagos Mainland Local Government chairman, Jubril Kolawole Emilagba marked his first 100 days in office.

    First was the unveiling of the U.N.A Primary School and Kadara Primary School both in Oyingbo Ebutte-Metta axis, complete with sporting facilities. This was followed by the unveiling of the newly reconstructed Adaliki Police Station, complete with patrol vehicles.

    Emilagba said the schools’ renovation had become imperative, considering its deplorable state. He also noted that it was a memorable day for him as he himself was a product of the school, and therefore urged the teachers and pupils to take advantage of the reconstructed facility and protect it for future generations.

    He announced that his administration had organised free summer coaching for pupils, distributed 500 GCE forms to indigent students, and given out over 100,000 exercise books amongst others.

    He announced financial empowerment for SMEs in the community with a cumulative sum of N75 million.

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    According to him, the reconstructed police post was to support the security architecture of the community and ensure effective policing.

    A visibly impressed Lagos State Police Commissioner, Mr Olohundare Jimoh thanked the chairman for the renovation. He announced the upgrade of the police post to a police station, which he said is subject to the approval of the Inspector-General of Police.

    The chairman also announced ongoing reconstruction of Oroku Street, and pledged to construct a palace for the Oloto of Oto, Oba Muh’Bashir Abisoye Odesanya, pending the provision of a plot of land and survey document. Oba Odesanya commended the chairman for his good works and pledged his support for the administration.

    Other dignitaries at the event include the Vice Chairman, Moshood Olawale Momoh; Fuji Star, General Kollington Ayinla; APC Apex Leader (Lagos Mainland) Olawale Oshun; a member of the Federal Capital Civil Service Commission and former Member House of Representatives, Jide Jimoh amongst others.

  • Association celebrates girl-child

    Association celebrates girl-child

    • By Aishat Ahmed, Faith Ajiboye, Bolatito Akande and Kaothar Abdulateef

    The Nigerian Girl Guides Association (NGGA) has joined the global community to commemorate the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child in Bariga, Lagos.

    The event was aimed at promoting empowerment, education, and leadership among girls while advocating for their inclusion in national development.

    The celebration, themed around inspiring confidence and self-reliance, underscored the need to give girls equal opportunities to learn, lead, and influence change within their communities.

    Chief Commissioner of the NGGA, Deaconess Rhoda Thomas, described the celebration as a reminder that girls are not just beneficiaries of progress but active contributors to social transformation.

    “Empowering the girl child strengthens society, enhances inclusion, and ensures a more equitable future,” she said.

    International Commissioner, Mrs. Tejuri Okirigbe, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to nurturing young girls through structured programmes centred on leadership, discipline, and self-protection.

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    She called on the government and relevant stakeholders to reinforce child-protection policies and integrate guiding activities into school curricula, noting that such initiatives would foster civic responsibility and community engagement among girls.

    Senior Manager at IHS, Mrs. Peace Ugoala, shared her journey of resilience and determination, reflecting the theme of empowerment in action. She recounted her early career struggles and the challenges of gaining experience without mentorship, explaining how she overcame them through persistence, continuous learning, and self-belief.

    Her story, she said, was driven by the determination to rise above poverty, achieve financial independence, and prove that women can excel in technical and leadership roles.

    Ugoala urged the girls to stay focused, keep learning, and never give up on their dreams, no matter the obstacles they face.

    A final-year student of Excel College, Victoria Esenwa, shared her excitement and lessons from the day.

    “I feel overjoyed because this day is one where girls are motivated to come out of their shade, to be open and to lead,” she said.

    Victoria noted that some girls lose hope due to challenges such as molestation and stigmatisation, often rooted in family or societal constraints.

    She advised girls facing such difficulties to seek support through mentorship and positive associations, saying it motivates them to break free from fear and limitation.

  • Orile-Agege presents 100 days scorecard

    Orile-Agege presents 100 days scorecard

    The Chairman of Orile-Agege LCDA,  Akinola Idowu, on Monday presented the scorecard of his first 100 days in office.

    Idowu, at a briefing, outlined the key achievements of his administration and reaffirmed his commitment to people-centred governance.

    Addressing traditional rulers, religious leaders, councillors, market associations, youth groups, and residents, the chairman described the 100-day journey as a period of “reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment,” noting that his administration has focused on practical, community-driven development rather than publicity.

     Idowu highlighted major infrastructural works, including the ongoing construction of Bade Abiona Road and the road and drainage project at Egbatedo Street in Papa Ashafa, both of which are nearing completion. He said the council has been conducting direct inspections of schools, communities, and projects to ensure real-time assessment and prompt action.

    In the education sector, the chairman said the LCDA provided exercise books, writing materials, desks, and benches to public schools. He added that 300 GCE forms were given to pupils, while the Spelling Bee Competition was organised to promote academic excellence among pupils.

    To cushion economic hardship, he said his administration introduced a 50 per cent food discount programme for residents, with more phases planned. The LCDA, he added, also launched solar energy and technology training for youths to equip them with modern skills and employment opportunities.

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     Idowu announced that a partnership with the Lions Club enabled residents to benefit from free eye tests, eyeglasses, and medications. He added that a comprehensive free medical mission will be conducted as part of the 100-day celebrations.

    He also unveiled his administration’s development blueprint, the EASE Agenda—covering Empowerment, Access to Quality Education, Social Infrastructure and Environment, and Enhanced Health Services—describing it as the foundation for the LCDA’s long-term growth.

    The chairman reiterated the council’s support for security agencies, including the Police, LNSC, and local community guards, stressing that stability remains essential for development. He pledged continued promotion of peace, culture, creativity, and youth engagement.

    Activities scheduled for the 100-day celebration include a major health mission, women and widows’ empowerment through WAPA, environmental engagements across all six wards, and the graduation for trainees of the council’s vocational skills programme.

    Idowu thanked residents for their support and urged them to remain involved in governance, assuring that his administration will continue to operate with transparency and a genuine commitment to improving lives across Orile-Agege LCDA.