The Nation Newspaper

Category: Grassroots

  • Council distributes food palliatives to 3,000 residents

    Council distributes food palliatives to 3,000 residents

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

    The Chairman, Ifelodun Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Olufemi Okeowo, has distributed food palliatives to over 3,000 beneficiaries across its seven wards.

    He said the gesture was part of ongoing efforts to cushion the effects of the current economic situation and bring relief to residents.

    “It’s a wonderful feeling that we are meeting the needs of our people. We are very close to them, and we are doing this to assist and alleviate what you can call near poverty. We want them to feel comfortable and happy because we all live together in this community,” he said.

    According to the council boss, palliatives were distributed across the council’s seven wards, with an average of eight beneficiaries per street, while longer streets received up to 16 packages.

    He noted that this transparent and well-organised system ensures that about 3,000 people benefit seamlessly from the monthly initiative.

    “The arrangement is transparent and peaceful. You can see people coming in and going out without trouble. We are happy doing this for our people using our time, energy, and resources to make sure everyone benefits,” he said

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    The Vice Chairman of the council, Adetoun Adejiyan, lauded the success of the program, describing it as a continuation of the council’s commitment to citizens’ welfare.

    “We gathered here for another phase of our food palliative, just as we did in the last tenure. About 3,000 people are benefiting this time. The packages contain rice, garri, salt, semolina, wheat flour, and more. We carry out the enumeration ourselves to ensure fairness,” she said.

    Adejiyan urged residents to remain supportive of the council chairman and to appreciate his consistent efforts toward community development. The CDC Chairman, described Okeowo as “a man of the people” who has transformed the community through his continuous humanitarian gestures.

    “It’s no surprise anymore; our chairman has made it a tradition to distribute palliatives every month. One package alone is worth about N20,000 and can feed a family for up to two weeks. Because of this, many families are no longer hungry,” he said.

    He noted that the chairman’s intervention has gone beyond food support, highlighting other initiatives such as financial assistance to traders, provision of buses for students, and regular payment of school fees for children from low-income families.

    “Crime and poverty levels have dropped drastically in Ifelodun because our chairman has been attending to the people’s needs. We are all praying for him,” he added.

    One of the beneficiaries, Akorede Wahab, a resident of Ward B, lauded the actions of the government.

    He said: “We appreciate the effort of our chairman. This is very good, especially at a time like this. May God bless him.”

  • Lagos lawmaker empowers 500 widows with foodstuff, N10m

    Lagos lawmaker empowers 500 widows with foodstuff, N10m

    …secures third term endorsement

    A Lagos lawmaker, Adewale Temitope Adedeji, on Monday secured the endorsement of traditional rulers, chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and residents of Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency I for another term in office.

    They made their collective decision known at the 5th edition of the lawmaker’s Widows Empowerment Initiative, which had 500 beneficiaries held at the Hon. Adewale constituency office in Lagos.

    Stressing that it was the first time they would experience real representation at that state legislature, the constituents said the lawmaker had made life easier for them.

    Deacon Banjo Omole, chairman of the APC in Ifako-Ijaiye local government, thanked his party for not making a mistake in its decision to field Adewale in previous elections.

    “APC does not make mistakes with its choice of candidates. Since we brought out Temitope, he has met our yearnings. Some others would have shifted away from their people, but that’s not Temitope. He has constantly touched the lives of constituents.

    “Students, members of our party, men and women have, in different ways, benefitted from Adewale even though his main task is to represent us at the House of Assembly,” Deacon Omole said, urging residents to get their voter cards ready ahead of 2027.

    In his remarks, the chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC) of Ifako-Ijaiye described the lawmaker as an achiever and lover of mankind.

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    While endorsing the lawmaker on behalf of residents of the local government areas, he added, “We know how much he has impacted the people of this Constituency.”

    Supporting Adewale’s endorsement, the Leader of the Ifako-Ijaiye local government council, Adebo Samuel Kayode, added, “We are happy today because we have not regretted having Temitope Adedeji as our lawmaker. We are happy we didn’t make a mistake.

    “We can now see the result of our collective choice. It is no longer a story that we want him a third time. We only pray to God to continue to give us good health ahead of 2027.”

    Oba-elect Matthew Ogundimu of the Ogundimu Kingdom of Lagos thanked the lawmaker for his impact on the lives of the people.

    “His efforts in our lives have yielded great results, and we can all see that. Let’s not mind wicked politicians who would want to bring out candidates against him,” he told the guests at the event.

    Thanking his constituents for their constant support, Adewale said his vision is to see that Ifako-Ijaiye becomes the most educated local government and its people the happiest in Nigeria.

    “We have promised that we will continue to give back to you, the people who voted for us. All of this we are doing to show that we learnt from the best, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who has continued in his efforts to make Nigeria one of the strongest economies in the world.

    “Our intention is very simple; we must continue to give succour to the people.

    President Tinubu is working to see that Nigeria is great, and we must continue to support him,” he said.

    He also promised free registration of health insurance for residents who do not have or whose registration has expired, just as he announced that his free adult literacy classes, which would commence soon, already have over 100 applicants.

    Beneficiaries of the empowerment programme commended the lawmaker for always putting smiles on the faces of widows and the needy. They pledged to always support his efforts.

  • Ejigbo launches mega empowerment initiative

    Ejigbo launches mega empowerment initiative

    • By Kaothar Abdulateef

    The Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, Aare Taoheed Adebayo Taiwo (TAT), has officially launched the Mega Empowerment Initiative, a large-scale economic intervention designed to strengthen small businesses, uplift vulnerable groups, and stimulate grassroots prosperity across all six political wards in the council.

    Taiwo described the initiative as “a defining chapter in our journey toward sustainable development, economic liberation, and inclusive governance.” reassuring that no resident is left behind in the pursuit of economic independence.

    Under the empowerment programme, 100 beneficiaries received N200,000 in direct business support, while 10 young entrepreneurs aged 18 and 30 also received N500,000 each through the Ejigbo Youth Startup Fund to launch innovative enterprises. The programme also includes mentorship and partnership opportunities facilitated by private-sector investors and business leaders.

    In addition, more than 400 residents benefited from business tools, enterprise support, and capacity-building opportunities. Over 300 beneficiaries received items including deep freezers, pepper grinding machines, vulcanising machines, hair dryers, ovens, sewing machines, POS terminals with startup funds, barbing clippers with generators, popcorn machines, cobbler machines, Nikon cameras, shawarma and grilling equipment, among other trade-support materials.

    Taiwo emphasised that the initiative is rooted in the economic policy of his administration’s S.H.I.E.L.D Agenda.

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    He noted that beneficiaries were selected based on need, capacity for enterprise, and readiness to contribute to the economic growth of the council, stating that the objective is to build a self-reliant and productive citizenry.

    The council boss acknowledged the exemplary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the Renewed Hope/ Idera Oluwa de Agenda has continued to find meaningful expression at the grassroots. He affirmed that the administration remains fully aligned with the policy direction of the Federal Government, ensuring that national priorities are translated into local implementation through carefully designed, people-centered programmes.

    All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, commended Taiwo for what he described as a bold and people-oriented stride that reflects the true spirit of progressive governance.

    He affirmed that the initiative is a clear demonstration of responsible leadership at the grassroots.

    According to him, the council boss has not only understood the Renewed Hope philosophy but has also translated it into practical action through empowerment, infrastructural renewal, and social intervention programmes that directly touch the lives of the people.

    Ojelabi stated that Mr President’s decision to increase council’s allocations has created a stronger platform for them to deliver visible development, adding that the empowerment programme in Ejigbo is a direct reflection of funds being deployed for the benefit of the people.

    He urged the beneficiaries to make proper use of the items given to them and resist the temptation to sell them, noting that such actions would undermine the purpose of the initiative and render government efforts futile.

  • Apapa-Iganmu pledges transparency, community inclusion in budget

    Apapa-Iganmu pledges transparency, community inclusion in budget

    • By Faith Ajiboye, Bolatito Akande and Azeezat Adeshola

    The Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Jimoh Saliu, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to open governance and citizen participation in the formulation of the 2026 fiscal plan.

    Speaking at the council’s 2026 Budget Stakeholders’ Forum tagged “Budget of Resetting,” Saliu said the forum underscored his resolve to run an administration that reflects the voices and aspirations of residents.

    He said: “Today, we come together not just as elected officials but as partners in progress, united by a common goal to build a brighter future for Apapa-Iganmu. The resetting symbolises a renewed commitment to re-evaluating priorities and charting a forward-thinking path that mirrors the people’s needs”.

    The council boss said the forum marked a new phase of participatory governance in the council, where residents, community leaders, and stakeholders could freely contribute to the budget planning process.

    According to him, despite the economic and infrastructural challenges confronting the council, several achievements have been recorded within his administration’s first 100 days in office.

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    These, he said, include the distribution of free GCE forms to 100 outstanding students, organisation of mock examinations and preparatory classes, and hosting of the 21st Spelling Bee Competition that featured 22 schools and produced Araromi Secondary School as winner.

    He noted that the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Public Library had been inspected for major upgrades, while plans were underway to convert Ireti-Owoseni School into a Technical Training Centre and establish a senior secondary school within the LCDA.

    Saliu said that 10 youths from Apapa-Iganmu were sponsored for Computer and Information Technology training at NIIT adding that the council has delivered  two staff buses and the first-ever celebration of retired employees since 2002.

    He assured that his government would sustain the pace of progress.

    Saliu reaffirmed that his administration’s “Budget of Resetting” would be people-oriented, transparent, and geared toward sustainable development.

  • Somolu empowers 500 residents with N50m

    Somolu empowers 500 residents with N50m

    • By Aishat Ahmed, Misturah Yusuf, Mojisola Adegoke

    The Chairman of Somolu Local Government, Lateef Ashimi, has empowered 500 residents with N100,000 each to support small businesses and reduce economic hardship in the area.

    The empowerment program, held at the council secretariat, was part of Ashimi’s commitment to promoting good governance and improving the standard of living among residents.

    Speaking during the event, Ashimi said the initiative was aimed at encouraging self-reliance and continuity in community development.

    “This programme is meant to reduce hardship and poverty in our community. With N100,000, anyone can start or expand a small business,” he said.

    In addition to the financial grants, the council boss presented a coaster bus to council staff and an ambulance to strengthen emergency healthcare delivery across primary health centres.

    Six traditional rulers were presented with cars in recognition of their contributions to peace and community growth. The beneficiaries are Chief Rahalau Yunusa, Muhammed Lawal, Fatai Kashimawo, Abdullateef Gafar, Muftau Akinpelu and Shakirudeen Junaid.

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    Ashimi highlighted several ongoing projects within Somolu, including the construction of roads at Olaleye, Sanusi Street, Jemilugba Lane, Boyle Close, Olorunsogo, Shiro Street and Ojo Street. He also mentioned school renovations, drainage rehabilitation, and youth empowerment programmes such as free JAMB forms and summer lessons.

    He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to accountability, assuring residents that all funds received from the Federal and State Governments would be used judiciously.

    “Any money sent by the Federal or State Government will be used for the welfare of our people. My goal is to leave Somolu better than I met it,” he said.

    A beneficiary, Adekemi Samuel, expressed gratitude for the gesture.

    “I really appreciate this support. I will use the money to grow my business, and I pray that God continues to bless and uplift him,” she said.

  • Ojokoro graduates 130 youths in skill empowerment

    Ojokoro graduates 130 youths in skill empowerment

    • By Sherifdeen Amusa

    The Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has held a graduation for130 youths who participated in the skills acquisition programme.

    The council chairman, Oluyemisi Rosiji, said the initiative offered a renewed hope for youths in the council.

    She added that her “people-centered administration” was poised at using leadership and vocational empowerment to build innovators in the society.

    “Leadership is not about occupying a seat, but about serving with humility, honesty, and a sense of purpose. Today, we are not only planting the seeds of leadership in our young ones, but also empowering our youths to become creators, innovators, and agents of positive transformation in society.” she said.

    Rosiji lauded the instructors and facilitators of the vocational training program for their professionalism, patience, and dedication in shaping raw talents into competent and skilled entrepreneurs.

     “You have done an excellent job empowering our youths with practical skills that will make them self-reliant and economically independent. You are the true backbone of today’s success,” she said.

    Read Also: Ojokoro community leaders demand secondary school, improved roads at stakeholders’ meeting

    She urged the beneficiaries to use their skills wisely and not look down upon themselves.

     “To our vocational graduates, let your creativity be your capital. The hands that create are hands that feed nations. Be proud of your craft, use your skills wisely, and never underestimate the power of what you can do,” she said.

    She announced that the graduating students and their facilitators will be empowered to support them in their respective crafts.

    The Council Manager, Mrs. Akinola Mojisola, hailed Rosiji for her support in advancing education development in the council.

    She added that the event marked a milestone in the administration’s dedication to skill acquisition and youth empowerment.

  • ‘Spelling bee strengthens pupils’ educational foundation’

    ‘Spelling bee strengthens pupils’ educational foundation’

    • By Omowunmi Jimoh, Faith Ajiboye, Aisha Ahmed and Bolatito Akande

    The wife of the Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Chairman, Mrs. Adebimpe Jakande, has described the spelling bee competition as an avenue that strengthens the educational foundation of children and promotes reading culture.

    She said this during the Spelling Bee Competition, held at council secretariat.

     She said: “The spelling bee competition is more than just a contest; it is a celebration of learning, discipline, and creativity. It strengthens the educational foundation of our children, ignites their potential, and promotes a vibrant culture of reading and self-expression.”

    Mrs. Jakande said the  competition  which was initiated by  the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi aligns with the  administration’s Educational Restoration Policy.

    She added that the  council has  continued to  invest in education through initiatives such as the distribution of back-to-school materials, the Jako Jollof Feeding, and the establishment of solar-powered ICT centres to equip students with digital skills.

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    She encouraged the pupils to continue striving for excellence, noting that their courage and hard work already made them winners.

    “Whether or not you take home a trophy today, your presence here is proof of your dedication and determination,” she said.

    Mrs. Jakande, while commending the pupils for their courage and preparation urged parents to prioritise their children’s education.

    “Parents in our community sometimes involve their children too much in housework, which takes away from their study time.

    House chores are important, but schoolwork must come first,” she said.

    Adegboye Adetolani, a Primary 5 pupil from Local Government Primary School, Idi-Oro, emerged as the winner in the primary category. Aina Heritage from Ransome Kuti Memorial Senior Grammar School emerged as the winner in the secondary category.

    A teacher, Ms. Olarewaju Oluwatoyin, thanked the council chair’s wife for the opportunity, admitting that the experience were both challenging and rewarding.

  • Somolu LG boss lifts 500 residents, presents six vehicles to community leaders

    Somolu LG boss lifts 500 residents, presents six vehicles to community leaders

    The residents of Somolu Local Government have hailed the Executive Chairman of the council, Lateef Ashimi, as 500 residents filed out to receive N100,000 each as part of the Renewed Hope Cash intervention.

     The gesture came three months and three days ago after the new administration assumed duty.

      “We shall never take the trust you have in us with levity. We are here to carry out four very important programmes; to distribute cash of N100,000 to 500, totalling  N500,000,000, to residents of Somolu Local Government, drawn from all the eight political wards that make up Somolu Local Government Area.”

    Ashimi believed that with N100,000.00, one could start a small business, adding that “We want our members of staff to feel the impacts of our administration, hence, the need to present a Coaster bus as a staff bus to our workers.”

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    While expressing the council’s willingness to present an ambulance to the Primary Healthcare Centres, the council also presented six exotic cars to the community leaders in the local government.

    The Lagos State House of Assembly Committee member on Health,  Misbah Lawal, in company with the House Committee on Special Duties,  Age Sulaimon, commended the Ashimi for deeming it necessary to purchase an ambulance, which is one of the major tools necessary to enhance healthcare during emergencies.

    The programme was well-attended by community leaders, politicians, government officials and residents of Somolu.

  • Ejigbo council promises participatory governance

    Ejigbo council promises participatory governance

    By Faith Ajiboye, Aishat Ahmed and Misturah Yusuf

    The Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, Aare Taoheed Adebayo Taiwo (T.A.T), has assured all stakeholders of an inclusive governance process in the preparation of the 2026 budget, describing the engagement as a defining moment in deepening participatory governance and ensuring community ownership in budget formulation.

    He further assured participants that all inputs deliberated and tabled during the forum would be fully considered in the drafting of the 2026 fiscal document.

    Taiwo affirmed that the 2026 budget has been strategically designed to capture the priorities of residents while aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the THEMES Plus developmental focus of Lagos State.

    According to the council boss, the 2026 Appropriation Bill, titled “Budget of Renewed Hope and Inclusive Growth,” is a practical and people-centered roadmap aimed at accelerating infrastructure development, expanding access to healthcare, empowering the youth, stimulating local economic growth, promoting environmental sustainability, and advancing digital innovation and civic participation in governance.

    He explained that the budget is anchored on the S.H.I.E.L.D Agenda, a localised development framework designed by his administration to address key areas including security and safety of residents, improved healthcare delivery, renewal of public infrastructure, advancement of education and youth development, environmental preservation, economic empowerment of local entrepreneurs, and the integration of digital solutions to enhance service delivery and strengthen civic engagement.  “The proposed budget will prioritise road rehabilitation, drainage construction, primary healthcare enhancement, the establishment of entrepreneurship hubs, provision of educational resources and ICT centres in public schools, and the creation of platforms that enable citizens to participate actively in governance,” he said.

    The council boss noted that the forum represented a collaborative exercise aimed at co-creating a budget that speaks directly to the needs of the people. He encouraged residents, associations, and stakeholder groups to submit their proposed projects for consideration, reaffirming that the administration is committed to initiatives that improve quality of life and promote sustainable development.

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    He also appealed to residents to support government initiatives through the prompt payment of rates and levies, emphasising that adequate revenue generation is essential to delivering the projects and programmes outlined in the proposed budget.

    Taiwo thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership and policy direction, noting that the Renewed Hope Agenda continues to inspire progress across all tiers of government and drive development at the grassroots.

    The Council Manager, Mr. Olusegun Ajagunna, stated that the stakeholders’ forum was convened to ensure that the voices of the people are heard and adequately reflected in the forthcoming 2026 budget.

    Ajagunna emphasised that the council places a high premium on participatory governance, adding that the forum serves as a vital platform to identify the pressing needs, priorities, and aspirations of every community within the council.

    Head of the Budget, Planning and Statistics Department, Mrs. Lambo Oluwabunmi, said the forum reflected Aare Taiwo’s commitment to inclusive governance and equal representation in addressing the needs of residents at the local level.

  • ‘Spelling Bee encourages excellence’

    ‘Spelling Bee encourages excellence’

    By Misturah Yusuf, Mojisola Adegoke and Omowunmi Jimoh

    The wife of of Ikeja Local Government Chairman, Mrs. Fausat Dauda, has reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to promoting quality education and nurturing academic excellence among pupils within the council area.

    She made this known while addressing participants and guests at the preliminary stage of the 2025 Spelling Bee Competition, held at the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat, Ikeja, yesterday.

    Mrs. Dauda described the Spelling Bee as “a remarkable platform designed by the Lagos State Government to showcase the spelling skills, intellect, and confidence of pupils and students across the state.”

    She announced that the winner of the primary school category would serve as One-Day Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, while the first and second runners up would assume the positions of Vice Chairman and Leader of the Legislative Arm respectively.

    “It’s a way to motivate them and let them know that excellence comes with responsibility and recognition,” she added.

    According to her, the competition, which had been inactive for some time but is now fully restored, represents “a celebration of language, learning, and the incredible dedication of our young learners.”

    She explained that the Spelling Bee serves as a preparatory ground for pupils to face future academic challenges, in line with the directives of the Office of Education Quality Assurance, under the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.

    Mrs. Dauda noted that each of the 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across Lagos State is mandated to conduct the preliminary stage of the competition to select outstanding representatives for the state finals.

    “At Ikeja Local Government, we believe in transparency and objective representation. This is why our Education Department, in collaboration with the Quiz Team, visited each of the eight public primary schools to conduct the intra-school stage. The best three pupils from each school are the contestants you see here today,” she said.

    Mrs. Dauda urged the winners to give their best performances and embrace sportsmanship at the grand finale of the competition.

    “Not everyone can emerge as the winner. But every participant here today is already a champion. Those who do not win this time should take it in good faith, as greater opportunities will still come their way,” she said.

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    She also used the occasion to highlight her husband’s administration’s recent educational support initiatives.

    She recalled the ‘Back to School’ distribution exercise, during which school bags, notebooks, mathematical sets, and water bottles were given to pupils in public primary and junior secondary schools within the local government.

    She explained that the gesture was part of efforts to cushion the effects of the current economic situation on parents, especially those of indigent pupils, and reaffirmed that more educational interventions were underway as dividends of democracy.

    Mrs. Dauda expressed appreciation to teachers and education officers for their dedication to nurturing pupils and making the event a success, adding “We can see the impact of your hard work on these children. Beyond human appreciation, I believe the Almighty God will reward you abundantly.”

    Miss Zainab Ismail, who emerged as the overall winner, said: “I feel good. My mummy gave me time to learn, and my auntie encouraged me.”

    She thanked her family and teachers for their support and advised her colleagues to “keep studying hard and never give up.”