The Nation Newspaper

Category: Grassroots

  • Agege employs 600 for street sweepers

    Agege employs 600 for street sweepers

    The Acting Chairman of Agege Local Government, Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa, has kicked-off the Inner Street Sweeping under a new “Street Captains Initiative.”

    It is aimed at promoting cleanliness, improving public health, and creating jobs for residents.

    Obasa said the programme reflects his administration’s commitment to grassroots sanitation and community participation.

    He explained that over 600 residents will be employed as street sweepers to maintain cleanliness across all inner streets in the council area.

    According to him, the initiative combines environmental sustainability with economic empowerment, especially for youths.

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    He described the new recruits as “street captains” and urged them to see themselves as custodians of community hygiene.

    “We are creating a new order where cleanliness is not an option but a culture,” he said.

    He warned residents against indiscriminate dumping of refuse and other environmental violations.

    Obasa noted that the first phase of the exercise will cover 100 inner streets, with plans to extend it to all 350 streets in the local government. He also assured that the welfare of the street captains will be a top priority.

    The Leader of the Legislative Arm, Haruna Adeshina, commended the chairman for his vision and described the initiative as a timely move that will improve the environment and reduce unemployment.

  • Amuwo Odofin council boss Sanusi distributes food bags to over 2,000 residents

    Amuwo Odofin council boss Sanusi distributes food bags to over 2,000 residents

    In a determined effort to cushion the effects of hunger, the Mayor of Amuwo Odofin Local Government, Prince Lanre Sanusi, on Thursday re-launched his ‘Apo Ariyo’ food distribution initiative, providing bagged food items to over 2,000 residents.

    The well-attended event, graced by community leaders, stakeholders, and residents, saw Sanusi—accompanied by his wife, Dr. Mrs. Abidemi Ajoke Sanusi—highlight President Bola Tinubu’s compassionate governance as the inspiration behind the Apo Ariyo initiative, noting that it aligns with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda at the grassroots level.

    “We have been doing this since 2014, but this edition is different because you voted for me here. It is part of our father, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s welfarist policy,” Sanusi said. “We will be doing this every month. Next month’s edition will be bigger, and the December one will be more far-reaching due to the festive season.”

    According to him, each food pack contains rice, beans, and garri for distribution across the council’s wards, targeting 1,500 households with an additional 500 packs reserved.

    The event also featured the groundbreaking ceremony for the ‘Dubar Junction Road’ project at Mile 2, which includes the construction of a gate, gatehouse, perimeter fencing, road repairs, and median beautification.

    Sanusi laid the first brick at the site, alongside his vice chairman, Maureen Ashara; APC Chairman, Apostle Ayo Ogunbiyi; and councillors. The project engineer assured that construction would be completed within 12 weeks.

    Sanusi further vowed to tackle traffic congestion by enforcing regulations against double parking by tricycle riders, pledging to replicate the orderliness seen in other well-organized communities.

    He announced plans to commence reconstruction and repair works on major inner roads such as 1st Avenue to Alakija, 2nd Avenue, 7th Avenue, and Agboju Market Road.

    “Our inner roads will receive more attention, and by December, all will be motorable. This is our commitment,” he assured.

    He also disclosed that a major road project at Akoso would be completed before the end of next year, reiterating his resolve to serve diligently and deliver visible dividends of democracy.

    Stakeholders commended the initiative, describing it as a lifeline for residents. Mr. Waheed Atanda, Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), noted that tackling hunger directly addresses many of the nation’s broader challenges.

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    Prince Adeyemi Muftau-Ayilara, President of the Amuwo Odofin Landlord Residents Association (ALORA), lauded the Mayor for alleviating hardship in the community.

    Beneficiaries, including Mr. Olatunbosun Olayemi, Mrs. Mulikat Raheem, and Mrs. Victoria James, expressed gratitude, praising Sanusi’s leadership and describing the gesture as timely and impactful for the poor and elderly.

  • Lagos boosts rural renewal drive with new Ikorodu road project

    Lagos boosts rural renewal drive with new Ikorodu road project

    In line with its commitment to interconnect the state and drive development to rural communities, the Lagos State Government has commenced the 360-metre Ladejobi Ita-Alaje Street road project in Ikorodu.

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu flagged off the project on Thursday, pledging his administration’s resolve to leave no road behind.

    The governor, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, said, “This is more than a groundbreaking ceremony; it is a reaffirmation of our commitment to improving lives and opening up rural communities to economic opportunities.”

    According to Sanwo-Olu, Ikorodu remains a crucial hub in the state’s cultural and economic landscape, stressing that the pace of urban expansion must be matched with modern infrastructure.

    “Roads like Ladejobi Ita-Alaje Street are not just stretches of asphalt; they are lifelines connecting people to markets, schools, hospitals, and livelihoods,” he said.

    He said the project was part of his administration’s Rural Infrastructure Development Initiative under THEMES+ Agenda, which focuses on accessibility, mobility, and social inclusion.

    “We are addressing the real challenges faced by residents, such as flooding, poor connectivity, and wasted productive hours. By constructing this road, we are improving access, promoting economic growth, and enhancing social equity,” he said.

    Commending Ikorodu residents for their patience and cooperation, he urged them to support the contractor to ensure timely delivery and to protect public infrastructure from vandalism.

    The lawmaker representing Ikorodu Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Gbolahan Ogunleye, praised the governor for his continued investment in grassroots development, urging residents to take ownership of the project.

    In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, described the project as a catalyst for local growth and improved quality of life.

    Chairman of Ikorodu local government, Prince Abdulateef Adedayo Abayomi Ladega, noted that sustained rural development initiatives of the state government have eased infrastructural pressure on local councils.

  • Adetoro gifts pupils school materials

    Adetoro gifts pupils school materials

    By Sherifdeen Amusa

    The Chairman of Eti-Osa Local Government, Omo’ba Adeola Adetoro, has distributed school materials to public schools pupils in her council.

    Adetoro said that education is the bedrock of a society’s growth and development.

    She added that the initiative reflects her administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment that fosters all round development.

    “Our young scholars are the foundation of Eti-Osa’s future, and their achievements will determine the progress of our local government. That’s why we’re committed to creating an enabling environment that fosters learning and personal growth,” she said.

    She urged the pupils to take their studies serious, adding that hardworking and determination lead to success.

    She said: “I urge our students to approach this new session with discipline, dedication, and excellence. Education is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere, and I have no doubt that with hard work and determination, you will achieve great things.”

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    She commended the roles of teachers in building the future leaders.

    “To our teachers, I commend your tireless efforts in shaping the minds of our future leaders. Your role is crucial in inspiring and guiding our students to reach their full potential,” she said.

    The Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Eti Osa Local Government, Aremo Olusegun Oyindasola, urged  the pupils  to be dedicated to  their studies and avoid joining bad gangs.

    The schools that benefited from the gesture included Ikota Primary School, Ilasan Primary School, Ajiran Primary School, Lagos State Model Primary School, Mayegun Community Primary School, Oba Yekini Adeniyi Elegushi Primary School, and Jamatul Islamiyah Primary School.

  • ‘Participate in voters registration’

    ‘Participate in voters registration’

    By Sumayyah Omotunde

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged eligible citizens, particularly residents of Mushin local government to take full advantage of the ongoing continuous voters’ registration and transfer exercise.

    At a sensitisation forum,  an INEC official, Abiodun Oje, said that the initiative was  designed to ease the process for citizens  to register, transfer, or update their voter information with ease.

    “This exercise concerns every eligible citizen, particularly in Mushin Local Government. You don’t need to travel long distances. You can transfer your registration to where you reside, whether interstate, inter-local government, or even within the same community,” he said.

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    He noted that the transfer process covers interstate, inter and intra-LGA movements,  ensuring that voters are not disenfranchised due to  relocation.

    Abiodun also emphasised the pivotal role of community based associations and socio-political groups in sensitising residents on the importance of participating in the exercise.

    “As leaders and influencers in your various communities, be it in the markets, among artisans, or within socio-political groups, you occupy a strategic position in mobilising our people,” he said.

  • Iba begins building of Town Hall at Igbo-Elerin

    Iba begins building of Town Hall at Igbo-Elerin

    By Azeezat Adeshola

    Iba Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Chairman, Jubril Yisa, has performed the groundbreaking for the construction of a Town Hall at Igbo-Elerin.

    Jubril, represented by Vice Chairman, Ayodele Samuel, described the project as historic, stressing that it would serve as a symbol of unity, progress, and shared vision for the people of Iba LCDA.

    He noted that the Town Hall had long been a dream of the community, which would now become a reality.

    According to him, the facility will serve as a hub for civic engagement, cultural expression, youth empowerment, and developmental dialogue.

    “It will be more than just a building; it will be the beating heart of our Local Council Development Area,” he said.

    The council boss emphasized that development does not happen by chance but through intentional planning, collaboration, and commitment.

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    He lauded the contributions of traditional institutions, and community stakeholders, acknowledging their role in making the project possible.

    Yisa also called on youths to see the project as a beacon of hope and an avenue to express their ideas, showcase talents, and shape their future.

    He added that the Town Hall would also serve as a legacy for elders and a platform for intergenerational dialogue.

    He said: “This is only the beginning. The responsibility of nurturing and protecting this dream rests on all of us. Together, let us ensure that this Town Hall becomes a space of peace, progress, and people-centered development.”

    He expressed optimism that the project would be completed successfully and stand as a testimony of unity and determination in the community.

  • Monarch laments invasion of community by land grabbers

    Monarch laments invasion of community by land grabbers

    The Olowu of Owu-Ikosi, Oba Aderemi Ogunlari, has lamented the invasion of the community by some landgrabbers.

    The monarch said the peaceful Owu-Ikosi Kingdom in the Ikosi-Ejirin Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Epe Division is reeling from an escalating crisis as ‘Ajagungbale’ (landgrabbers) are intimidating residents and crippling local commerce.

    Addressing reporters at a briefing in his palace, Oba Ogunlari, flanked by his Council of Chiefs, appealed to the Lagos State Government and all security agencies for immediate intervention, warning that the situation is rapidly descending into anarchy.

    The monarch stated that the landgrabbers had made incursions into villages across the Epe Division.

    “The state government should act quickly before it becomes the issue of herdsmen,” the monarch cautioned, drawing a parallel to the security challenges in other parts of the country.

    He implored Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to swiftly come to the aid of residents and the State House of Assembly to swiftly make a law to curb landgrabbing.

    The traditional rulers and chiefs made a joint, urgent call for the deployment of state security service officials to the area.

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    He said: “We are calling on Governor Sanwo-Olu to quickly take it up to avoid unrest, and specifically on the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Area Commander of Area N to come and save our life and soul before it is too late. “We appeal Lagos State House of Assembly to make a law to aid the work of Lagos State Task Force on Land Grabbers (LSTF) as this will curb land-grabbing in the state.”

    He noted that the escalating violence posed a direct threat to the state government’s investment in the area, specifically the relocation of Sawmillers from Okobaba to Imofa.

    Oluwo/Jagun oba of Owu-Ikosi, Chief Olumide Osilaja, painted a grim picture of daily life, stating that the situation has become so pervasive that there is nowhere in the community that the landgrabbers are not operating.

    “They are in our farms now with the hoodlums they are using to harass our people. Farmers cannot go to their farms, our women cannot go on their daily business,” Chief Osilaja said.

    He added that people visiting sawmills to purchase planks are being stopped and extorted for huge amount of money.

    “The thugs are reportedly armed with cutlass and guns and are seen taking harmful drugs, fueling community panic,” he said.

  • Apapa donates transformers to boost power supply

    Apapa donates transformers to boost power supply

    The Apapa Local Government has distributed five electricity transformers to communities to tackle erratic power supply and improve residents’ standard of living.

    While handing over the transformers, the Chairman of Apapa Local Government, Idowu Sebanjo, said the initiative reflects her administration’s resolve to pursue people-centered development.

    “This initiative is not just about providing light; it is about supporting families, strengthening education, boosting businesses, and improving security. It is a promise kept and a step towards renewing hope for a prosperous Apapa,” she said.

    She added that the intervention was targeted at easing the burden of households and businesses that have long suffered epileptic electricity in Apapa.

    Sebanjo said that the transformers were allocated to Wards A, B, C, D, and E, with a pledge that additional units would be provided in the near future.

    She also listed ongoing projects in road construction, water supply, education, women and youth empowerment as part of the council’s broader developmental drive.

    The council boss urged residents to take ownership of the facilities, protect them against vandalism, and ensure proper maintenance to guarantee long-term use.

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    Chairman of Apapa GRA Residents Association (AGRA) Rear Admiral Austin Oyagha (rtd), said the council had brought long-awaited relief to residents.

    “If you live in Apapa, you know the problem of transformers. We have begged for years, but today this effort has brought hope to our people,” he said.

    A community leader, Mr. Nathaniel Adebe, said the distribution demonstrated genuine commitment to grassroots development.

    “My heart is full of joy. Past administrations neglected us, but now we see change. We pray God strengthens the Chairman to do even more,” he said.

  • Movement sensitises Lagosians to Tinubu’s achievements

    Movement sensitises Lagosians to Tinubu’s achievements

    • By, Sisianu Melawakou, Sumayyah Omotunde, Faith Ajiboye and Victoria Shobiye

    The Tinubu Grassroots Movement has commenced sensitisation of Lagosians on the policies and achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    At a community engagement held at Lagos Mainland Local Government and Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area (LCDA), the group said that the exercises were not a political campaign but an effort to bridge the communication gap between government and citizens.

    The Chairman of Ikosi-Isheri Local Community Development Association (LCDA), Princess Samiat Bada, who spoke at the event, said that many residents are unaware of interventions of the current administration at both the federal and state levels to ease the pains associated with the economic reform of the Tinubu’s administration.

    “We do not want past mistakes to repeat themselves. The recurring complaints of hardship among Nigerians are being addressed, with prices of goods in the market already showing signs of reduction. Marketers are encouraged to maintain fairness and consideration in pricing”, she said.

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    The council boss highlighted several initiatives under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, ranging from distribution of food palliatives, interest free NELFUND (Nigerian Education Loan Fund) loan, financial support for farmers, and upgraded vocational training with monthly stipend amongst others.

    “This government has been distributing food palliatives. NELFUND has been introduced to assist students whose parents are unable to afford university fees. Farmers now have access to financial assistance through designated schemes and Young people under 40 who prefer vocational skills training over formal education can enroll in government-approved programmes and receive stipends of N45,000 monthly”, she said.

    The group also commended improvements in national security, noting a decline in cases of kidnapping and insurgency.

    Princess Bada appreciated the community members for their participation. She lauded Yaba LCDA Chairman Emilagba Jubril’s role in coordinating the distribution of palliatives, which she said had reached several communities within Lagos Mainland.

    “We are grateful for the turnout and for the continued commitment of the leadership in ensuring that residents benefit from government interventions,” she said.

    The Special Adviser to the President on Agriculture, Abiodun Yinusa, assured farmers of increased access to loans and resources via the Bank of Agriculture.

    “Everything we are doing is aimed at ensuring farmers at the grassroots are reached directly. This is why a second term is crucial, as Nigeria still requires the President’s leadership to fully actualise the Renewed Hope agenda,” Yinusa concluded.

    At Itire-Ikate LCDA, the council chairman, Oluwafemi Daniel, hailed President Tinubu as “a man of the people” whose policies have instigated visible changes nationwide.

  • Lagos commits to women’s economic empowerment

    Lagos commits to women’s economic empowerment

    The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s economic participation, saying deliberate investment in women is key to inclusive growth and prosperity.

    Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Hamzat, spoke at the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA)’s flagship conference, WAPA Connect 2025.

    According to him, the recently launched Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy Roadmap was designed to dismantle barriers that limit women and girls from contributing fully to the economy.

    “WAPA Connect Conference is our flagship 2025 event, uniting government officials, civil society, private sector partners, and everyday women across Lagos. This year’s theme underscores our strong commitment to making policies practical and impactful, ensuring measurable outcomes for women’s empowerment. We believe that investing in women is not just an act of charity—it is a matter of economics, justice, and prosperity. A society cannot really thrive if it leaves half of its population behind,” he said.

    Sanwo-Olu explained that the roadmap, developed from real-life experiences of Lagos women across sectors, would expand opportunities in entrepreneurship, agriculture, skill acquisition, the traditional labour market and emerging industries.

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    He added that the state was prioritising partnerships with women-led organisations and private sectors to ensure measurable results, while improving data collection to guide targeted interventions.

    Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Bolaji Dada, described the programme as a platform that enables women from all backgrounds to connect, network and explore opportunities.

    She said this year’s theme serves as a reminder that empowering women benefits families, businesses and the wider economy.

    Highlighting the ministry’s achievements, Mrs Dada said 28,913 students had graduated from the state’s 19 free skills acquisition centres since the inception of the administration, while 17,213 beneficiaries received equipment under the Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI).

     She added that 18,241 women were trained under the Life Skills and Economic Empowerment Programme (LEEP), 5,494 benefitted from agricultural programmes in Badagry, while more than 5,500 widows received cash grants and empowerment packages.

    According to her, over 28,000 sanitary pads have been distributed to schoolgirls under the menstrual hygiene programme, while the ministry’s Purple Project provides shelters, psychosocial counselling and legal aid for survivors of gender-based violence across the 57 councils.

    She said the initiatives have strengthened food security and created employment opportunities across the state.

    The commissioner commended the state government’s continuous support and stressed that WAPA’s achievements reflect Sanwo-Olu’s vision of placing women at the heart of development.

    Wife of the governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mrs. Funmi Omotoso, also commended the commissioner for sustaining the conference and placing women at the centre of its agenda.