The Nation Newspaper

Category: Grassroots

  • Obasa begins second phase of 50% food discount

    Obasa begins second phase of 50% food discount

    • By Faith Ajiboye and Aishat  Ahmed

    The Acting Chairman of Agege Local Government, Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa, has launched the second phase of the council’s 50 per cent Discount Food Market, bringing relief to thousands of families struggling with the rising cost of living.

    The event, held at the Agege Township Stadium, drew a large crowd of residents, including parents, traders, and elderly citizens, who purchased essential food items at half their regular prices. Items sold included rice, beans, yam, semovita, palm oil, frozen foods, and other staples.

    Obasa said the initiative is a long-term social intervention aimed at reducing the economic burden on residents.

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    He explained that the programme also supports local traders and producers by incorporating them into the supply chain. “This is a deliberate social reform. By involving our local entrepreneurs, we are building a self-sustaining community economy. Governance must be practical, inclusive, and compassionate,” he said.

    The second phase of the project featured more local food producers, some of whom described their participation as a major boost to their businesses. Community leaders and market women also praised the Acting Chairman for his efforts, calling the initiative a model of responsive leadership.

    Several beneficiaries shared emotional testimonies, including an elderly widow who said the discounted food items would enable her to feed her grandchildren properly for the first time in months. Observers and civil society representatives at the event commended the programme, describing it as an example of people-centered governance.

  • ‘Budget will reflect peoples’ needs’

    ‘Budget will reflect peoples’ needs’

    • By Ummusalamoh Kamorudeen and Azeezat Adeshola

    The Chairman of Badagry West Local Council Development Area Rauf Ibrahim Kayode Yemaren, has promised to ensure the council’s budget meets the residents’ yearnings.

    He made this known during Budget Consultative Stakeholders’ Meeting.

    The meeting, which brought together community leaders, traditional rulers, political representatives, youth groups, market associations, artisans, and other key stakeholders, provided a platform for inclusive governance and participatory budgeting.

    Declaring the meeting open, Yemaren reiterated the commitment of his administration to transparency and grassroots development.

    The council boss explained that “planting the seed of development” represents the joint responsibility of government and the citizens in shaping the future of the LCDA.

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    He assured stakeholders that every idea presented would be duly considered to achieve sustainable growth across all sectors.

    Budget Officer, Kazeem Adesanya, highlighted the importance of the annual stakeholders’ forum in capturing the agitations and priorities of all wards.

    According to him, the consultative process helps the council avoid misplaced priorities by ensuring that every community’s needs are adequately represented in the final budget.

    Lawmakers in all the five wards presented the specific needs of their communities, noting that the proposals were outcomes of productive grassroots consultations. Several groups, including the National Youth Council of Nigeria, the Farmers and Fishermen Association, Artisans, Community Development Committee (CDC), Market Associations, and others, also made presentations. They outlined their expectations for the coming year and appealed for increased support in critical areas affecting their operations and livelihoods.

  • Lagos trains Agege students on hygiene

    Lagos trains Agege students on hygiene

    • By Faith Ajiboye

    The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) has intensified campaign on menstrual and personal hygiene.

    Marking the Menstrual Hygiene Day, the ministry educated 500 trainees of the Women Development Centre (WDC) on menstrual care, cleanliness and reproductive health.

    Commissioner for WAPA, Mrs Bolaji Dada, said the initiative was to promote healthy living.

    She said: “For us as a ministry, this is a continuous process. We are not marking Menstrual Hygiene Day for formality. We are training these students so they understand what safe hygiene means. Beyond distributing sanitary pads, we also brought a midwife to teach them how to maintain a hygienic lifestyle during their menstrual period”.

    Mrs Dada added that WAPA’s empowerment initiatives go beyond menstrual hygiene, noting that the state runs 19 skills acquisition centres, micro-enterprise schemes and other programmes that help women become self-reliant.

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    “Menstrual hygiene is not just about sharing sanitary towels. It is about restoring dignity, supporting girls and women to stay confident and empowering them to pursue their dreams. Together, we will build a period-friendly Lagos”, she said.

    According to her, similar hygiene training sessions will continue across the state’s Women Development Centres to ensure more young women receive accurate health information.

    A Nurse and Midwife, Mariam Kazeem, explained the menstrual cycle, demonstrated hygienic practices and addressed myths that fuel stigma around menstruation.

    “Menstrual hygiene affects health, confidence and dignity. Girls must use clean pads, change them regularly, bathe often and dispose of pads properly. Parents and guardians must also play a role by educating young girls early,” she explained.

    She added that there are challenges many young women face, including limited access to sanitary products, inadequate water and sanitation facilities and harmful cultural beliefs that portray menstruation as shameful.

    Several participants described the training as enlightening.

    A fashion student at the WDC, Peace Ayetulegbe, said: “I learned that menstruation is natural and nothing to be ashamed of. We must stay clean, change pads regularly and take care of ourselves.”

    Another participant, Moyin Aremu, who studies Catering and Interior Management, said: “The event was very informative. I learned how to calculate my menstrual cycle and manage cramps effectively”.

  • Council kicks-off road building

    Council kicks-off road building

    The Chairman of Ikosi-Ejinrin Local Council Development Area, Akogun Wale Raji Anomo, has carried out groundbreaking for the construction of Adegbona Road in the Ketu community.

    This, he said, marked another milestone in his administration’s ongoing infrastructure renewal efforts.

    Anomo reiterated his administration’s resolve to deliver impactful projects across all wards. He described the Adegbona Road construction as a vital intervention that will enhance mobility, boost commercial activities and improve the living conditions of residents.

    “We are committed to building infrastructure that directly touches the lives of our people,” he said.

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    A former member of Lagos State House of Assembly, Olusegun Olulade, applauded the council chairman’s performance.

    Olulade noted that Anomo’s achievements “continue to make the constituency proud.” He urged residents to support the contractors to ensure speedy and quality delivery.

    Olulade informed the gathering that the Rala–Oshokeji Road construction would commence soon through federal intervention, expressing optimism that “government is clearly committed to turning Ketu into a London of sort.”

    Regent of Ketu community, High Chief Adewale Badru, commended the council chairman for bringing visible development to the area.

  • Badagry LCDA chair swears in deputy

    Badagry LCDA chair swears in deputy

    By Aishat Ahmed, Misturah Yusuf, Mojisola Adegoke

    The Chairman of Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Alhaji Rauf Yemaren, has sworn in Mrs Sesi Ogungbe as the vice chairman.

    The brief but significant ceremony, held at the council secretariat, began with a one-minute silence in honour of the late Vice Chairman, Princess Remilekun Nutayi, whose death created the vacancy.

    Yemaren said the replacement became necessary to ensure continuity in governance, adding that the council could not operate with a vacuum in leadership.

    “As you know, there can be no vacuum in governance.Today’s swearing-in is to fill the void created by the unfortunate demise of our dear colleague.

    “The newly appointed Vice Chairman, Mrs Sesi Ogungbe, has gone through due process — she was screened and cleared by the councillors in line with the Nigerian constitution.

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    “She has proved herself to be capable, loyal and committed to the development of Badagry West LCDA,” he said.

    The chairman described Ogungbe as a reliable and hardworking team player, who had demonstrated integrity and consistency over the years, particularly during her tenure as supervisor for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA).

    “She’s a woman of capacity. I’ve worked with her closely, and I can vouch for her loyalty and competence.

    ‘’This appointment is a reward for her dedication and service to our people,” he said.

    Ogungbe thanked the council leadership and stakeholders for the confidence reposed in her.

    “Reaching this height was very tough, and at a stage, I almost lost hope.

  • ‘Councils have no reasons not to perform’

    ‘Councils have no reasons not to perform’

    By Sherifdeen Amusa

    The Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government, Lanre Sanusi, has said that state and local governments in Nigeria have no reasons to under perform.

    Sanusi stated this at the “Stakeholders Consultative Forum on the 2026 Budget” held at the Council Secretariat.

    Sanusi, who appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for lessening the burden on the two tiers of government, called on state and local governments to ensure the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) increment reflected in their communities.

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    He said: “The removal of fuel subsidy and floating of the naira has added so much value to the FAAC account. So, what we used to get in the past is not what we are getting now. So for every local government, we have no reason not to perform.

    “We say thank you to President Tinubu who has lessened the burden on the state government and also the local government. So it is left for them to work based on the increment that we have received. Believe it or not, all local governments are smiling and that should reflect on the community. Hence, in our local government, the best is yet to come,” he said.

    Sanusi, while assuring residents of even development across the land and riverine communities in the council, stated that the yearnings and requests of residents have been listened to and would be prioritised.

  • Epe chair to prioritise youths empowerment

    Epe chair to prioritise youths empowerment

    The Chairman, Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Princess Surah Animashaun, has said she would continue to engage, interact and communicate with youths to achieving the set desired goals and programmes.

    Princess Animashaun said the council has been engaging youths across different sectors to get them involved in how things are run in the council.

    She reiterated commitment to providing youths with ‘cutting-edge’ facilities and technology, thereby empowering them to reach their full potentials, including the desire to drive innovation and growth.

    “Indeed, it is imperative to equip our youths for future enduring transformation, legacy and involve them in good governance that will guarantee their interests in government policymaking and contribute their quota in the council growth and development,” Princess Animashaun said.

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    The council boss explained that the interactive session with youths aimed to build the capacity of young leaders and inspire them to be better leaders, noting that this is one of the strategies adopted by the council to equip the youth population with relevant skills and knowledge for relevance as potential future leaders.

    “In fact, the meeting with council youths will expose their policy thrust and harmonise their programmes with the plans of the youths and jointly position council on a unified pedestal, where both council and youths actualise their interests,” she stated.

    According to her, lots of council youths had been previously engaged in policy formulation and implementation in various functions and capacities, highlighting that some of them hold key positions under the current administration, and many others have been empowered.

  • Plastic pollution: Apapa-Iganmu, Seven-Up roll out buy-back programme

    Plastic pollution: Apapa-Iganmu, Seven-Up roll out buy-back programme

    By Faith Ajiboye, Mistura Yusuf and Jimoh Amudalat

    The Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Jimoh Olawale Saliu, has raised concern over the growing threat of plastic pollution, describing it as one of the most urgent environmental crises confronting the world.

    Speaking at the launch of the council’s plastic buy-back initiative, Saliu said millions of tons of plastic waste end up in oceans and landfills yearly, taking centuries to decompose.

    He said the new programme was designed to encourage a circular economy where plastic waste is treated as a valuable resource.

    “Millions of tons of plastic waste find their way into oceans and landfills every year, taking hundreds of years to decompose. As responsible citizens, we must act decisively. This initiative creates a circular economy where plastic becomes a resource rather than waste,” he said.

    Saliu urged residents to take advantage of the buy-back scheme, which allows community members to exchange collected plastic waste for cash rewards and other incentives.

    He noted that the initiative would not only improve the environment but also support economic empowerment.

    “By participating, you can transform waste into wealth. This programme provides opportunities for our youths and families while keeping our environment clean,” he added.

    As part of the day’s activities, the LCDA also held a rally against drug abuse and crime, sensitising young people on the dangers of harmful behaviour and encouraging them to embrace productive ventures such as recycling.

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    Head of Sustainability for Seven-Up Bottling Company, Lovelyn Okoye, described the event as a meaningful stakeholder engagement, adding that the company remained committed to contributing positively to its host communities.

    “As part of our Sustainability Week, we introduced ‘P for P’ — Plastic Waste for Products. We encourage residents to gather plastic waste and exchange it for Seven-Up products. Our goal is to create value around plastic waste and build communities that see plastic not as waste but as a resource,” she said.

    She reiterated the company’’s commitment to long-term collaboration, stressing that a healthy community helps the company thrive.

    Iyalode of the Ojora Kingdom, Silifat Awero, lauded the council and Seven-Up bottling company for the initiative.

    She noted that plastic pollution had long posed health and environmental risks, making the initiative timely and impactful.

  • Agbado-Oke-Odo sets for 14th annual festival

    Agbado-Oke-Odo sets for 14th annual festival

    By Aishat Ahmed

    All is set for the 14th edition of the Agbado Oke-Odo Festival, an annual celebration that promotes good character, talent discovery, and community unity within the Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area, Lagos.

    At a briefing to herald the 2025 edition, Chairman of the council, Abiodun Isola, represented by his vice, Kehinde Shobayo, commended the convener of the festival, Olabisi Oyebola, for his consistency and determination in sustaining the event for 14 consecutive years.

    He described the festival as a vital platform that promotes social cohesion and provides opportunities for residents to showcase their talents and creativity.

    “ As a responsive and responsible government, our administration believes in your dream to contribute to the socio-economic growth of our council and the improved standard of living for our people,” Isola said.

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    He pledged the council’s support to ensure the continued success of the festival. Oyebola, who is the Majority Leader of Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA Legislative Arm, highlighted the growth of the festival since its inception in 2012, describing it as “ a symbol of unity, creativity, and progress within the community.”

    According to him, this year’s edition will feature a variety of activities including a beauty pageant, mathematics and essay competitions, art exhibitions, talent hunts, games and sports contests, skills acquisition programmes, and a free medical outreach.

    The festival will also include the prestigious Agbado Oke-Odo Mega Achievers Awards, which will honour individuals and organisations for their contributions to community development.

    Oyebola thanked Isola for his generosity, encouragement, and commitment to the success of the event.

  • Apapa begins compulsory residents’ registration

    Apapa begins compulsory residents’ registration

    By Misturah Yusuf, Azeezat Adeshola, Ummusalmoh Kamorudeen

    Apapa Local Government is set to begin compulsory registration of all residents as part of a new measure to prevent non-residents from accessing welfare packages and empowerment schemes meant for the community.

    Chairman of the council, Idowu Senbanjo, stated this during the budget stakeholders’ forum held at the council secretariat.

    Senbanjo said the move became necessary after it was  discovered that people from neighbouring councils had been benefitting from its palliative distribution and empowerment programmes.

    “We discovered that people from other local governments were benefitting from our programmes. This time, empowerment will be strictly for Apapa residents”, she said.

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    The chairman added that residents will be required to present their NIN, voter’s card, and LASRRA ID during the registration to verify eligibility and ensure an accurate database for planning.

    She explained that the new database will help the council manage welfare items, track beneficiaries, and ensure that government interventions reach the intended population.

    According to her, the initiative is part of broader efforts under the administration’s SHEA 2.0 agenda, which prioritises social welfare, healthcare, education, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.

    She also warned street traders and mechanics operating on roads and drainages to vacate such areas, adding that the state task force will soon intensify enforcement to restore order.

    On security, she said that the Navy and other agencies are working with the council to address emerging threats and urged residents to remain vigilant.

    Head of the Budget Department, Olajumoke Akinloye, described the stakeholders’ meeting as an important step ahead of the 2026 budget retreat, adding that residents’ inputs will shape the fiscal plan.