The Nation Newspaper

Category: Grassroots

  • Ikeja unveils ‘Budget of Better Days’

    Ikeja unveils ‘Budget of Better Days’

    The Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD), has unveiled what he described as the “Budget of Better Days 1.0” during Budget Stakeholders’ Meeting held in Ikeja.

    Dauda said the forum reflected his administration’s commitment to participatory governance and the belief that development is most sustainable when residents are involved in decision-making.

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    He explained that the next year’s budget, the first to be fully coordinated by his administration, was designed with the guiding philosophy of the I.K.E.J.A Agenda, which stands for Infrastructure and Urban Renewal, Knowledge-Based Economic Empowerment, Environmental and Health Care Initiatives, Justice and Access to Social Welfare, and Accountability. According to him, the “Budget of Better Days” captured the administration’s resolve to deliver improved infrastructure, functional schools, youth-focused empowerment programmes, support for women in business, cleaner environments, enhanced staff welfare, and strengthened social safety systems for the vulnerable.

    He said:  “When we speak of Better Days, we speak of better roads, better schools, better empowerment, better welfare, better service delivery, and better collaboration with our stakeholders. No voice will be too small to be heard, and no community will be left behind.”

  • Ejigbo begins polio vaccination exercise

    Ejigbo begins polio vaccination exercise

    • By Aishat Ahmed, Misturah Yusuf, Mojisola Adegoke

    In a renewed effort to safeguard the health and future of children within the community, the Chairperson of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, Mrs Aishat Taiwo, has kicked-off the Polio Outbreak Response (OBR) exercise at Jaiye Alabi Primary Health Care Centre, Moshalashi, and Ejigbo Primary School Complex.

    The initiative, organised in collaboration with the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB) and the Lagos State Health District VI, aimed to ensure that every eligible child between 0-59 months receives the oral polio vaccine (OPV), strengthening the campaign to completely eradicate poliomyelitis within the LCDA and across Lagos State.

    Mrs. Taiwo emphasised the council’s commitment to delivering accessible healthcare and preventive medical services at the grassroots. She urged parents and guardians to ensure that no child was left unprotected.

    “Our children are the pride and future of this community. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that no child is left unprotected from vaccine-preventable diseases like polio. I urge parents and guardians to bring their children out for vaccination and to support the health workers throughout this exercise,” she said.

     Vice Chairman of Ejigbo LCDA, Mrs. Nicholas-Ike, commended the dedication of the health workers and partner agencies driving the campaign. She highlighted the council’s continued focus on promoting health and well-being across Ejigbo.

    She said: “Good health remains the foundation of every thriving community. We will continue to prioritise initiatives that protect our children and secure a healthier future for all residents of Ejigbo.”

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    The Medical Officer, Dr. Yetunde Ibrahim, delivered a health talk, sensitising parents and caregivers on the importance of the vaccination.

    She explained that the campaign boosts children’s immunity against poliomyelitis and prevents any resurgence of the virus within the community.

    Dr. Ibrahim urged residents to cooperate fully with health officials by allowing access to their homes and ensuring all eligible children receive the OPV, emphasising that vaccination is safe, free, and essential for protecting children from lifelong disability.

    The Disease Surveillance Officer in Ejigbo, Mrs. Amosu, also addressed the audience, detailing the dangers of poliomyelitis. She explained that the disease primarily affects children under five, cannot be reversed once contracted, and in severe cases may result in death.

    She stressed that polio was entirely preventable through timely vaccination, urging parents to ensure their children were fully immunised.

    A representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), Mr. James Agada, commended Ejigbo LCDA for its strong collaboration in advancing public health initiatives. He applauded the council’s efforts to sustain a polio-free environment and called for continued community participation to ensure that every child was reached and protected.

  • Apapa-Iganmu inaugurates road

    Apapa-Iganmu inaugurates road

    • By Aishat Ahmed, Kaothar Abdulateef, Faith Ajiboye

    The Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Jimoh Saliu, has reiterated his commitment to good governance and improved service delivery as his administration marked its first 100 days in office.

    The event, held at the council secretariat, showcased some of the achievements recorded in the past three months, including road rehabilitation, staff welfare initiatives, and youth empowerment programmes.

    Saliu said the first 100 days were the beginning of a long-term development agenda for Apapa-Iganmu. “This milestone marks the foundation of a greater vision. We are committed to making life better for our people,” he said.

    Saliu presented N250,000 each to 31 retirees in appreciation of their years of service. New staff buses were also unveiled to improve staff welfare and transportation.

     Saliu, while opening Akinola Street in Sari-Iganmu, reconstructed with interlocking, said interlocks was used due to the swampy nature of the terrain to ensure durability, address flooding and improve road accessibility.

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    Saliu also announced plans to empower 250 youths, 500 women, widows, and elderly persons with financial support and food packages.

     He added that over 500 youths were currently undergoing ICT and vocational training at the council’s public library, with computer systems being introduced in schools across the council.

    In the health sector, the chairman commended PTM Terminal, Apapa, for rehabilitating the council’s Primary Health Centre and revealed plans to establish a General Hospital within the LCDA to meet residents’ healthcare needs.

    A retiree, Mr. Efionso Ndebasi, who received an award and cash gift, expressed gratitude to the council for the recognition. “I feel very happy indeed. Our chairman has done a great thing in our lives, and I truly appreciate it. This award came as a surprise to us, and I’m very grateful,” he said.

  • How I am building new Agege, by Obasa

    How I am building new Agege, by Obasa

    • By Sherifdeen Amusa

    The Acting Chairman of Agege Local Government, Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa, has reeled out his achievements since he assumed office.

    Obasa said much had been done in youth development, education, environmental sustainability, and healthcare in the council.

    In education, he said the council had embarked on “urgent renovation” of seven nursery and primary schools out of 26, with plans to establish ICT rooms, libraries, and sick bays. Educational materials, including notebooks, pencils, and crayons, were distributed to over 7,000 pupils as part of the administration’s back-to-school programme.

    In the sports sector, his administration organised a football competition involving over 600 secondary school students with the winning team rewarded with N2 million. This was done to keep the council youths productive during the last summer holiday.

    He said his administration had empowered 100 youths with N200,000 each to start and support their small businesses to improve the local economy.

    He said: “One of the ways to improve local economy is to encourage entrepreneurs that are existing and also bringing new entrepreneurs.”

    The council boss said he had convened a stakeholders’ meeting with market leaders, community-based associations, security agencies, and religious leaders to address illegal waste disposal. This was followed with sensitisation of residents in the month of September while enforcement took place in October, with violators paying fines.

    He added that educational signages were placed across light poles on roads within the council, street sweepers were employed, Waste-to-Wealth was initiated, with the council having future tree planting projects in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency.

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    To address infrastructure challenges, Obasa disclosed that 11 roads and drainage projects were ongoing in flood-prone areas, with his administration engaging relevant stakeholders to attend to other roads outside his portfolios.

    He said his administration was tackling health challenges in the council by constructing 36 community health booths- 10 of which would be completed by December to offer free blood pressure and sugar checks as well as malaria treatment.

    “Each booth will be digitally connected to the council’s primary health centres.

    Plans are also underway to build a maternity theatre for caesarean sections at Sango Primary Health Centre and provide free health insurance for pregnant women in partnership with Lagos State Health Management Agency”, he said.

    Obasa emphasised community participation in tacking security and drug abuse. He reaffirmed his administration’s collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), police, and local vigilante groups to strengthen safety in all communities.

    Obasa reiterated his commitment to providing efficient public service delivery, and assured residents of the council that his administration would continue to work towards making the local government cleaner and safer for all.

  • Ojokoro empowers residents with N100m

    Ojokoro empowers residents with N100m

    Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has begun empowering residents with N100 million.

    Chairman of the council, Oluyemisi Rosiji, while kicking off the event at the council secretariat, said the initiative was aimed at providing direct cash support of N100,000 each to 1,000 residents.

    Rosiji said the initiative was meant to alleviate the extra burdens placed by the current economic condition, adding that beneficiaries would be drawn across community based associations, religious organisations, youth groups and artisan.

    She assured residents that the grants would be done in phases, adding that, “Our goal is to ensure that every deserving resident feels the positive impact of this initiative before the programme concludes.”

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    She also empowered 150 graduates of the Ojokoro School of Vocational Studies and their instructors with a sum of N100,000 each to enable them start up and upgrade their various small businesses.

    Council Manager, Mojisola Akinola, while commending the chairman, said the empowerment was just one of the numerous people centered initiatives of the chairman.

    She added that the council was set to hand over operational vehicles to the police to enhance security in the area and inaugurate some roads as part of the celebration of 100 days in office.

    A beneficiary, Abiodun Adelabu, who said the grant came as a surprise to her, appreciated the council boss and promised to make judicious use of the grant.

  • Ajeromi-Ifelodun marks 100 days with mega projects

    Ajeromi-Ifelodun marks 100 days with mega projects

    • By Sherifdeen Amusa

    Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Chairman, Olalekan Akindipe, has marked his 100 days in office with inauguration of roads, donation of transformers, and empowering some residents.

    He rolled out various people-centered initiative embarked upon by his administration which included cash gifts and food items to 2,500 residents; provision of GCE forms to over 300 students, undergraduates scholarship, and grants for petty traders, amongst others.

    Additionally, a new Waste Compactor, five 500KVA transformers were given to Goriola, Salimonu Bakare, Holly Land, Arumoh and Ajetunmobi/New Creature communities to boost electricity supply and improve quality of life.

     Akindipe said his “first 100 days were about laying foundations and the next phase is about building legacies”.

    Akindipe also presented grants ranging from N50,000 to N500,000 to 2,500 beneficiaries to improve their skills and businesses.

    He said his administration in the last 100 days completed projects such as construction of road and installation of solar lights at Ashibejoye and Taiwo Streets.

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    He added that his administration was working on computerisation projects that would equip children within the council with digital skills that meet international standards.

    He added that the council now has a fully functional website that “provides real-time updates on projects, programmes and ways to reach the council directly.”

    He assured residents of his commitment to implementing their demands that were mentioned at the recent stakeholders’ meeting he convened.

    He said: “At our recent stakeholders’ meeting, we listened carefully to your demands, and today, I give you my word that: every priority identified will be actualised before the end of 2026. This is not a promise—it is a commitment backed by action.”

    APC State Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, emphasised the party’s commitment to its promises, highlighting infrastructural achievements within 100 days and progress in sectors like education and health, with more development expected.

  • Apapa lifts pupils with learning materials

    Apapa lifts pupils with learning materials

    • By Aishat Ahmed, Kaothar Abdulateef and Mariam Rabiu

    The Chairman of Apapa Local Government, Idowu Senbanjo, has said her administration is committed to ensuring that every child has the resources to succeed academically. She said this at the council secretariat in Apapa, during distribution of exercise and subject work books to public primary schools in the council.

    According to her, every pupil will get ten of the books to support both classroom learning and personal study at home..

    The programme, she said, was part of the council’s yearly initiative to provide essential learning tools and promote academic excellence.

    She said: “Education is a shared responsibility. Parents must guide their children, teach them good morals, and discourage distractions that could affect their studies. Together, we can raise disciplined, responsible, and educated children who will make Apapa proud.”

    Senbanjo added that the council encourages pupils to participate in reading exercises, quizzes, and other educational activities to enhance understanding and improve performance.

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    She also advised parents to monitor their children’s activities and provide what they need at home to ensure their safety and success.

    Education Secretary of the Apapa Local Government Education Authority, Mrs Fawziat Olawepo, described the distribution as a yearly tradition that has helped pupils perform better in placement examinations and classroom work.

    Council Manager, Mrs Sonate Adebanji, and Head Teacher of Apapa Nursery and Primary School, Mrs Onuoha Amorin Odochi, hailed the chairman for her consistent support, noting that the initiative would ease parents’ financial burden.

    A primary 5 pupil of United Christian Nursery and Primary School, Joyce Taiso, thanked the council boss.

    She said the materials would help them read better and stay focused in school

  • ‘Collective efforts would end gender-based violence’

    ‘Collective efforts would end gender-based violence’

    • By Sherifdeen Amusa

    Lagos State Commissioner of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Bolaji Dada, has called for collective efforts towards ending gender-based violence in the state.

    She made the call at a one day workshop for religious and community leaders, themed, “Restoring Dignity through Faith and Leadership”, held at Lagos Chambers of Commerce, Ikeja, Lagos.

    Mrs Dada said the theme of the workshop  was  both a call and a challenge which reminds us that all faiths preach love, compassion, justice, and the sanctity of human life, adding that, “there is no religion that supports the oppression or subjugation of another human being”

    She said  the  initiative reflects “our collective resolve to end all forms of gender -based violence and to promote a society that upholds the dignity, safety, and equality of every human being, especially women and girls.”

    She added that gender-based violence was not only a social ill but a spiritual crisis that destabilises the society, thrives in silence and sustained by harmful cultural norms and misinterpretations of religious teachings.

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    She assured that her ministry will continue to pursue deliberate, people centered interventions that address both the root causes and consequences of GBV.

    She said the involvement of community and faith based leaders was essential to restore the much needed dignity towards ending gender-based violence.

    “Therefore, your involvement in this fight is not optional, it is essential. When a pastor preaches compassion for victims, when an imam condemns violence, and when a community leader refuses to shield abusers under the guise of family matters, we begin to restore dignity through faith and leadership.” she said.

    She said the workshop was designed to strengthen their “ capacity to identify, respond to, and prevent acts of gender-based violence within your spheres of influence”, adding that “It also provides a platform to build synergy between faith institutions, community networks, and the Ministry, in promoting a Lagos where peace, safety, and respect for human dignity prevail.”

    She further urged the participants to use their influence to break the silence, correct harmful narratives, and promote mutual respect between men and women.

    “Let your sermons, teachings, and community engagements reflect zero tolerance for gender-based violence,” she said.

    WAPA Permanent Secretary Rianat Onigbanjo appreciated Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for “providing the enabling environment under the THEMES Plus Agenda, which continues to prioritise social inclusion, gender equality, and human capacity development.”

    She hailed Mrs Dada, for her unwavering commitment to advancing the cause of women, promoting family stability, and ensuring a violence-free society.

  • RCCG lifts 500 pupils with school materials in Lagos Island

    RCCG lifts 500 pupils with school materials in Lagos Island

    The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Lagos Province 44, through its Mercyland Parish, has donated school materials to over 500 pupils under its “Back to School” Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, at the parish headquarters, Lagos Island.

    Assistant Pastor-in-Charge of Lagos Province 44 CSR and Mercyland Parish, Pastor Gbenga Oyebode, said the annual initiative, now in its third season, was aimed at giving back to indigent pupils to aid access to education.

    “This is Season 3 of our CSR Mega Project tagged Back to School. It is our way of giving back to indigentpupils because the Bible says, ‘He that giveth to the poor lendeth to God,’” he said.

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    According to him, six schools benefited from the outreach, Ereko Primary School, Araromi Baptist School, Edward Blyden Memorial Primary School, Epetedo Primary School, St. Stephen Primary School – all located on the Lagos Island and Bethesda School and Home for the Blind in Surulere.

    According to him, the materials included school bags, writing materials, feeding bottles, and ten exercise books per child, in addition to a N500,000 donation to Bethesda School of the Blind to support its feeding programme.

    Oyebode noted that Mercyland Parish has been carrying out community-focused CSR projects for over a decade, in line with the directive of the General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, to “give back to the public and our neighbours.”

  • NGO empowers 50 widows in Oshodi

    NGO empowers 50 widows in Oshodi

    • By Aishat Ahmed

    The Oshodi Noble Heritage (ONH) has empowered 50 widows at the 12th edition of its Widows’ Empowerment Programme (WEP).

    Since its inception in 2017, the community-based initiative has empowered over 345 widows across Lagos and Ogun states, providing financial and moral support to help them start or expand small-scale businesses.

    Speaking at the event, the Pioneer Coordinator, Ambassador Hakeem Opadijo, said the programme was designed to provide sustainable empowerment to widows through financial assistance, mentorship, and long-term monitoring.

    According to him, each beneficiary received an initial sum of N50,000 as start-up support, after which their progress would be monitored for possible future assistance.

    He said: “We began this initiative in 2017 and have empowered 345 widows so far. The turnout this year is massive, and all beneficiaries were screened to ensure only genuinely qualified widows benefited.”

    “We don’t just give funds and walk away. We follow up to ensure proper utilisation. Many of them have grown their businesses to the point where they can now contribute as much as N5,000 monthly, which is a sign of real progress,” he added.

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    He emphasised that the scheme was open to all, regardless of tribe or religion, and beneficiaries were selected based on need, honesty, and commitment to improving their livelihoods.

    Opadijo urged widows not to lose hope but to remain focused, live modestly, and build supportive networks. He also called on the government to involve grassroots organisations in implementing empowerment schemes.

    “Government is trying, but many of their initiatives are politicised. Groups like ours understand grassroots realities and can help ensure empowerment funds reach the right people,” he said. The Programme Coordinator, Ogunnaike Alao, urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the funds for their businesses.

    “We will continue to follow up and ensure this support creates lasting impact,” he said.

    He praised the dedication of the ONH team and volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the programme, which coincided with the organisation’s 25th anniversary.