By Sisianu Melawakou, Aishat Ahmed, Bolatito Akande, Ayokunle Adebiyi
The Isolo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has distributed free school materials to over 7,000 pupils across 14 primary schools, as part of its annual Back-to-School Programme.
The gesture was aimed at reducing the financial burden on parents and promoting access to education.
The package includes two pairs of school uniforms per child, sandals, bags, exercise books, stockings, biros, and pencils.
The pupils in Basic 7–9 also received school bags.
The council Chairman, Adebayo Olasoju, described the gesture as yet another significant milestone in his administration’s commitment to making education fun and rewarding for the pupils and less a burden on their parents.
He added that the initiative was part of his administration’s commitment to ensuring that every child in the community has access to quality education.
“This programme is about taking the burden off parents. Education is one of our party’s core beliefs and part of my personal agenda for Isolo. Beyond this, we also run programmes for out-of-school children and offer support for those interested in learning skills in the informal sector,” he said.
Olasoju explained that the success of last year’s edition which not only sustainably helped bring more out-of-school children back into the classroom and significantly reduce the financial burden on parents but also inspired his administration to carry out this year’s edition even in a greater version in spite of the huge financial implication.
“Our vision for education is best captured in the timeless words of Benjamin Franklin, who said: “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest. For us, the interest we seek is the derivable pride in educationally brilliant students who would go out there to compete and outwith their opponents at national, international and global stages’’.
“As a responsible government, we will continue to make bold strides in the education sector and across other areas of governance in pursuit of our all-encompassing agenda, #TowardsTheIsoloOfOurDreams, while also contributing to the advancement of the Lagos State Government’s THEMES+ agenda,” he said.
The council chief announced that outstanding teachers and headteachers would be rewarded with N1 million each on World Teachers’ Day, October 5, as a way of appreciating their hard work and dedication.
Lagos state Commissioner for Basic Education, Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, reiterated that the initiative aligned perfectly with the state government’s efforts to eradicate learning poverty by easing parents’ efforts in proving qualitative education for their children.
He lauded the council boss for his intentionality about the project as he charged the pupils to take their education seriously.
The Osolo of Isolo, Oba Abimbola Faronbi, described the initiative as a noble investment in the future of the community.
The monarch urged parents to ensure that the items provided were used by the children, stressing that education remains the surest path to empowerment.
He also commended the council’s leadership and partners for sustaining the project, noting that it has become a model for other local governments.
A former House of Representatives Member, Ganiyu Johnson, while lauding the initiative, promised to further complement Olasoju’s effort by giving the best pupil from each of the schools N100,000 each.
Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Education Secretary, Mayowa Alakija, described Olasoju as the best among the rest as he hailed his efforts in raising the standard of education in the council area.
The Acting Chairman of Agege Local Government, Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa, has launched a 50 per cent food discount market for residents.
The event, which saw over 2,5000 beneficiaries, was in partnership with Inspire Lagos Food Market.
The maiden edition, held at the Agege Township Stadium, drew thousands of families buying staples like rice, beans, garri, yam, and vegetable oil at half the regular price.
Obasa said the initiative was driven by the urgent need to ease food burdens on families.
“Data shows Nigerians spend about 60 per cent of their income on food. We cannot fold our arms while families suffocate under this pressure. This scheme cuts food prices by half so our people can breathe easier,” he stated.
The council boss stressed that the scheme would not be a one-off palliative but a quarterly intervention, with the second phase slated for the Yuletide. He added that subsequent editions would integrate more local traders to boost Agege’s informal economy.
“Beyond providing relief for households, we want to empower our people. That is why the council will look into incorporating local traders in future phases to strengthen our community economy and commerce,” he added.
Obasa added that the initiative complements the council’s ongoing efforts in environmental sanitation and security.
He stated that 10 out of 15 major markets in Agege had been visited to enforce hygiene laws, while special drainage clearance projects were being executed to address flooding.
The founder of Inspire Lagos Food Market, Mr Abiola Adebajo, said the vision of the organisation is “zero hunger,” adding that the programme had already reached several local governments across Lagos State.
“Food is very expensive these days and people are really hungry.Here in Agege, we are selling various kind of food staples at half price,” Adebajo said.
He stressed that the markets are well-organised to prevent stampedes and commended the cooperation between government and private stakeholders in bringing relief to households.
Residents welcomed the programme with relief.
Mrs. Elizabeth Olubunmi Akinyemi JP, who attended through her Community Development Association (CDA), said she was most excited to buy noddles for her grandchildren.
She hailed the council boss for the initiative. “It will eradicate a little bit of the economic problems we face,” she said.
Mrs. Kafayat Adediran, a mother of four, said: “Things have been very hard in the market. With what I bought today, my children will have enough food for weeks. God bless the Chairman.”
Another beneficiary, Mr. Samuel Oladipo, praised the council for what he described as “a practical governance initiative that speaks directly to the needs of the people.”
The last local governments’ election in Lagos State was a huge improvement compare to the one held in 2021. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO takes a look at factors that led to it and how it could set tone for 2027 general elections.
Many had already tagged the last Local Government elections in Lagos State as the worse in the history of the council polls until the body assigned to organise the election came out with a shocking report.
The report, according to the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), showed that the turn out did not only supersede 2021 edition, the poll recorded more than 100 per cent increase.
In an interview with reporters, the LASIEC Chairman, Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile (rtd), stated that over 24 per cent voters’ turnout was recorded in the poll as against 10 percent recorded in 2021.
This, she said, was unprecedented and a substantial improvement from the past editions.
Justice Okikiolu-Ighile said: “This is unprecedented, meaning that people came out more than they did in 2021. The increase is due to our robust voter awareness campaigns that utilized public transport branding and billboards across the state. Favorable weather conditions, with no excessive heat or rain, also contributed to voters’ comfort on the Election Day. Despite some initial difficulties for voters in locating their units, LASIEC provided vehicles to transport them to the correct polling stations after verification, ensuring all eligible voters had the opportunity to cast their ballots.”
According to her, the number of polling units that was increased from about 8,000 in 2021 to 13,325 in 2025, helped reduce crowding and streamline the voting process.
In 2021, 678,324 out of 6,563,790 Registered Voters representing 10.3 per cent came out to vote.
Whereas, this year’s council election saw 1,715,076 out of 7,060,195 which represents 24.3 per cent exercised their civic duties. Although, the number of Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) collected were 6,214,970 while the number of PVCs uncollected were put at 845,225.
While 14 political parties participated in the 2021 local government election, 15 political parties took part in this year’s council poll
The results saw the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) recorded a total number of 1,625,157 votes, leaving the remaining 89,919 votes for the 14 opposition parties to share.
A document obtained from the LASIEC showed that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is the only party fielded candidates in all chairmanship and councillorship seats across the 57 councils and 376 wards.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) followed by having contestants in 45 local councils and 259 wards.
The Labour Party (LP) fielded 22 chairmanship and 130 councillorship candidates while the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) had six chairmanship candidates and 21 councillorship candidates.
Other parties that scaled through the registration of candidates’ deadline released in LASIEC guidelines for the election are Accord; African Action Congress (AAC); Action Allaiance (AA); Allied People’s Movement (APM); All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA); Social Democratic party (SDP); National Rescue Movement (NRM); Young Progressive party (YPP); Youth Party (YP); Action Peoples Party (APP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The improvement in this year’s Local Government elections did not happen by chance. Many believed it was the outcome of deliberate reforms, sustained civic pressure, and a changing political culture.
For instance, during the campaigns, the Chairman of the APC Lagos State Chapter, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, warned all candidates to embark on aggressive
To the ruling party, the council poll was a way of showing their recovered strength and grip on the State of Excellence after a dismal outing in the 2023 presidential election where the Labour Party won in the state.
Many of the APC stalwarts believed that the council poll was a dress rehearsal for the 2027 general elections.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during campaign said the local government elections would to be a preparatory ground for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.
Sanwo-Olu called on residents of the state to demonstrate their loyalty to the president and APC by using the local government elections to show their support for Tinubu.
“The local government election is coming, it’s just one month away. I want you to use the election to prove your worth so that by 2027, it will be a smooth sail for Mr. President.”
The senator representing Lagos-West Senatorial District, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule, who donated N150 million to support the APC candidates Lagos-West, said the gesture was to ensure the party records sweeping success across board.
Adebule stressed that a victory in the senatorial district would significantly strengthen APC’s dominance both in Lagos and nationally.
She also reminded attendees of the unique position Lagos-West holds as the senatorial home district of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging candidates not to disappoint the party’s national leader and founding father.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu is looking up to you. Our father and national leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is looking up to you to carry the torch of the political movement of Lagos with courage and conviction. We cannot afford to let them down,” Adebule said.
While challenges remain—particularly around voter turnout compared to general elections—the progress recorded in this year’s council poll marked a promising step toward deepening grassroots democracy in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
The challenge now is sustainability. If the lessons of 2025 are institutionalized and further refined, Lagos State may finally overcome the cycle of apathy and skepticism that has long haunted its local government elections. But if reforms are allowed to slip, the state risks sliding back to the uninspiring experiences of the past.
For now, however, Lagosians can look back at the 2025 polls as a watershed moment that showed improvement is not only possible but achievable with the right blend of political will, civic participation, and institutional accountability.
Chairman of Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State, Akindele Adunni Opeyemi, on Monday, welcomed pupils back to school for the 2025/2026 academic session with the distribution of 10 notebooks each to every child across the council’s four public primary schools.
The initiative, which also featured renovated classrooms, improved toilet facilities, and the provision of security guards, benefited African Church Primary School, Akinogun; Abesan Primary School; Estate Primary School; and Housing Estate Primary School.
Dressed in replicas of the pupils’ uniforms, Akindele personally led the distribution alongside her Vice Chairman, Akintola Falade; Chief of Staff, Falope Tolutope; council legislators; and management staff.
She further promised the provision of new school bags soon, stressing that her administration prioritizes “quality and not quantity.”
The chairman also interacted with the pupils through songs, dance, and a short quiz session, rewarding winners with cash prizes.
Speaking during the exercise, Akindele reaffirmed her commitment to prioritizing education as both a teacher and an educationist.
“As a teacher and an educationist, the educational sector is my priority. I have to make sure that the school environments are conducive, the teachers are okay, and the pupils must have confidence that they are going to school,” she said.
She recalled that during her campaign, most schools were in deplorable conditions with dilapidated classrooms and toilets, adding that her administration has begun changing the narrative.
“Today, the first day of resumption for the 2025/2026 session, I made sure all pupils received ten notebooks each. Blocks of classrooms have been renovated and roofed, and the toilets are now in good shape. I was so touched when one of the pupils prayed for me because of the transformation they saw on resumption,” she said.
Akindele urged parents to ensure punctuality so pupils would not miss core subjects like English and Mathematics, while also charging teachers to treat pupils with the same care they give their own children.
Her efforts drew praise from teachers across the school. Headmistress of African Church Primary School, Mrs. Ososanya Mary Bose, described her as “a promise keeper,” saying, “What happened here today is the fulfillment of her promise during electioneering. We are very proud of her.”
At Housing Estate Primary School, Headmistress Mrs. Aboloyinjo Folake Alaba commended the council boss for renovating classrooms and toilets, fumigating the school, and providing security guards.
“She has been very good to us since she was elected. We want to say a very big thank you to her,” she said.
Assistant Deputy Education Officer of Abesan Primary School, Mrs. Ibraheem Safurat Bisi, noted that some pupils resumed without writing materials but left with ten notebooks each.
“She renovated our toilets that had been abandoned for over ten years and provided security guards. We are so happy,” she said.
Similarly, Head Teacher of Estate Primary School, Mrs. Arowolo Comfort Feyisayo, said she had never witnessed such a transformation in her career.
“Her donation of notebooks is a promise fulfilled. She renovated the abandoned blocks of classrooms and sixteen toilets. We are rejoicing,” she said.
On a Monday evening at Agric-Ishawo Road in Ikorodu, two women playfully argued over a few feet of roadside space as they prepared their goods for the evening rush.
“Na me get this place. You no see the line wey I draw for ground last week Thursday?” one of them said, hand on her waist.
“Na lie,” the other replied with a smirk. “Na so you dey do every time. You too like trouble. This side na me dey stay always. No wahala. Carry the space make you chop am.”
It was a few minutes past 4 p.m., the time when evening commuters begin to pour out of buses, and hawkers like these women set up to catch their attention. The two, later identified as Madam Joy, a vegetable seller, and Iya Kike, a tomato trader, quickly settled their banter and turned to business.
The Market Routine and New Opportunities
Madam Joy sells fresh ugu and waterleaf, her wares stacked neatly in woven baskets. Beside her, Iya Kike displays tomatoes and peppers in small bowls, each glistening under the fading light.
As they spoke, their banter shifted into business. Customers were already stopping by even before their tables were fully set. One woman paused to ask for peppers. A young man in office wear bought a bunch of ugu. The evening rush had barely begun, yet sales were rolling in.
“Before now e no be like this,” Madam Joy said, arranging her leaves. “Those days we go dey beg people make dem stop. Everybody just wan rush go house.”
What had changed?
“Na this road,” Iya Kike cut in. “When the place dey bad, e dey muddy. Rain go turn am to swamp. People go just jump bike for junction straight go house. Who wan trek inside mud come buy tomato?”
She laughed, shaking her head. “But now, dem dey waka small, dem dey buy. The road don open.”
Madam Joy buys her vegetables directly from farms in the interior parts of Ikorodu. “I go farm two times a week. Before na wahala. Bad road, bike men go dey vex. I go talk price tire before dem gree carry me. Transport go chop all my gain.”
For Iya Kike, it is Mile 12 Market. “I dey wake 4 a.m., go Mile 12. Sometimes tomato go don soft before I sell am finish.”
Both recalled the frustration of losing a portion of their goods to spoilage. Now, travel time is shorter, and the evening foot traffic has improved dramatically.
The transformation of Agric-Ishawo Road has turned evening foot traffic into a steady market. Traders who once battled poor sales now report healthier earnings.
In response to questions about their daily earnings, they fell silent for a moment, either reflecting or hesitating.
Madam Joy eventually smiled. “I dey take home about 10,000 every day after I remove cost. Sometimes more when sales dey mad.”
Iya Kike added: “My own na between N5,000 and N7,000. Fridays and Saturdays na the best. E fit reach N10,000 sometimes. Before? Hmm. If I see N2,000 for night, I go thank God.”
She said she used to return home with unsold goods, some of which rotted. Madam Joy nodded in agreement: “Those days if I carry N5,000 go house I go dey praise God. People no get time stop buy anything. Na home dem dey think.”
Now things are different. The new roads have opened up the evening market. People stop to shop before heading home. As Iya Kike put it, “Now, na for mind dem dey plan: make I buy wetin I go cook tonight.”
Over a four-day period, Madam Joy’s daily earnings grew steadily. She moved from about N5,000 before the road improvements to figures between N9,800 and N10,500 after, an increase consistently above 100 percent each day.
On the same days, Iya Kike’s earnings rose from as low as N2,000 to as high as N6,000, showing growth of between 128 and 180 percent.
Evidence from the Ground
To place their stories in context, records from the Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Agric-Isawo office, located off the Isawo-Owutu Road, which monitors traffic in the axis showed that daily vehicle counts on Agric-Ishawo Road rose from about 3,200 in 2022 to more than 5,800 by mid-2025.
Council officials explained that the jump was driven by multiple factors: increased visitation to the area, a growing number of new residents settling in Ikorodu, and the rising flow of buyers and suppliers heading to pig farms and other agricultural holdings that dot the interior. They also noted that schools, churches, and new residential estates springing up around Agric and Isawo have become fresh magnets, further boosting movement.
For the market perspective, Iya Lase, who acted as spokesperson for the Iya Loja and assisted with interpretation, described how the demand for evening stalls has surged around the Agric bus stop area and even stretched into adjoining roadside spaces. She estimated that demand has risen by about forty percent since the road improvements, stretching into adjoining roadside spaces.
Her explanation confirmed what traders like Madam Joy and Iya Kike had shared earlier: better roads have not just brought more people but also reshaped the rhythm of commerce in Ikorodu.
On the other side of Ikorodu, along Elepe-Ijede Road, Gabriel Achibong, an okada rider, picked up a passenger from Itamaga to Ewu Elepe. When asked about the road, he laughed and said, “If you see this road before eh, you go cry. Every week I dey mechanic. Fuel dey high. I dey pay hire purchase 15,000 every week, and to make that money ehn, na wahalla. Money no dey stay my hand. Before I go home na pain killer first.”
Fatigue from navigating potholes had reduced his working hours, but the improved condition of the road has now changed his fortunes. “Before, I dey struggle make 7,000 for day. Now I dey make 12,000 steady,” he said with relief.
Gabriel’s earnings over four days reflected this change clearly. Where he once struggled to make around N7,000 daily, his income after the roadworks consistently surpassed N12,000, peaking at N12,500. This marked an increase of about 74 to 76 percent across the four days.
At Ewu Elepe, Aunty Bisi, as her customers fondly call her, hawked rice from a pushcart. Under the midday sun, she made her way through Ikeja Street and Oladehinde Street, recounting how her fortunes had changed.
“Before, na two paint of rice I dey cook. My hand go pain me push am. Bad road no gree me waka far,” she said. “Now I dey cook four paint. Money don double.”
Her daily earnings, once about N4,000, had risen to between N8,000 and N9,500. For Aunty Bisi, the difference was just as dramatic. Over four days, her earnings more than doubled, rising by between 105 and 126 percent.
How Earnings Have Shifted
The additional income has practical effects. Madam Joy said she can now pay rent and school fees without begging relatives for help. Both women said they have increased their daily contributions to ajo savings groups, which allows them to build some security. For them, the road has meant a shift from survival to progress.
Limits and Solutions
Despite the visible improvements along Agric-Ishawo and Elepe-Ijede, residents and traders in Ikorodu are quick to point out that not all problems have been solved. Feeder roads linking to the main corridors remain in poor condition, and drainage is inconsistent. Without deliberate upkeep, many fear that the progress could unravel.
For okada rider Gabriel Achibong, the anxiety is personal. “Na drainage. If small rain fall, everywhere go flood again. We no wan return to old suffering,” he said, recalling how waterlogged streets once damaged his motorcycle and cut short his daily earnings.
Experts echo these fears. Urban economist Dr. Kehinde Adebajo underscored that new construction alone cannot sustain livelihoods. “Infrastructure is the spark, but sustainability is the fire. Maintenance and feeder links are the next steps,” he explained, urging a shift from celebratory openings to consistent management.
Research supports his point. Dr. Ademola Farinmade, whose 2025 study examined road-infrastructure management in peri-urban Lagos, including Ikorodu, observed that reactive, stop-gap repairs remain the norm. Pavements and drains often collapse, he noted, because planned upkeep rarely follows initial investment. “Without establishing maintenance routines and community monitoring, the roads will soon return to their former state,” he warned.
Local government officials also admit to constraints. One council staff member, who requested anonymity, explained that limited budgets make it impossible to cover every inner street. “We have to prioritize corridors with the highest traffic flow. But we know many residents are still waiting,” he said.
This gap between promise and delivery is what worries community members most. Residents recall the politics of road contracts, where projects stall or decay once political will fades. Traders also voice concern that even with smoother roads, inflation could chip away at their increased income.
Still, solutions are emerging from the ground up. Trader unions suggest regular grading and clearing of drains in feeder streets, building simple market shelters to protect goods during rainy seasons, and improving access to microcredit so businesses can scale beyond survival. These are modest interventions, but they address real gaps.
Analysts emphasize that improved roads already show multiplier effects – reduced transport costs, higher disposable income, and the birth of new micro businesses. Smoother travel has also drawn buyers from outside Ikorodu, injecting fresh capital into the local economy.
But sustainability, experts warn, will depend on inclusivity. Professor Taibat Lawanson, urban planning scholar at the University of Lagos, cautioned: “Spatial justice must guide road improvements. If informal areas and feeder communities remain disconnected, infrastructure can deepen inequality rather than reduce it.”
Her caution captures the heart of the matter: good roads can open markets and raise incomes, but without long-term governance, equitable planning, and community involvement, the present prosperity could remain fragile.
The Sound of Opportunity
As evening falls on Agric-Ishawo road, the bustle intensifies. Madam Joy knots the day’s earnings into the corner of her wrapper while Iya Kike gathers what remains of her tomatoes. Motorcycles hum steadily along the smooth tarmac, carrying workers and shoppers back into the heart of Ikorodu.
For traders, the new roads have already brought relief. Customers now stop to buy food for dinner, where once they hurried past muddy tracks. Community members speak of opportunity and resilience, but they also recognize that progress remains fragile.
Experts stress that prosperity cannot rely on asphalt alone. Professor Taibat offers a reminder that the work is far from complete. “Road projects must be accompanied by inclusive planning so that inner communities and informal markets are not left behind,” she said.
Her words underline a central truth: infrastructure’s value is measured not only in asphalt but in the lives it transforms. If Lagos sustains these roads, extends improvements into inner streets, and embraces inclusive governance, today’s trickle of prosperity can become a steady flow, lifting thousands out of poverty.
The story of road infrastructure in Ikorodu demonstrates both possibility and risk. Roads can open markets, raise incomes, and improve daily life. Yet the gains will only endure if maintenance is consistent, feeder streets are addressed, and community voices continue to shape planning. With these steps, what is now a trickle of prosperity can become a steady flow, lifting thousands of families out of poverty.
This story is made possible with support from Nigeria Health Watch as part of the Solutions Journalism Africa Initiative
The 10th legislative arm of Somolu Local Government in Lagos has visited the Group Manager Director, CFL Group of Companies, Dr. Laide Omotola, to recognise his goodwill and philanthropic contributions to the people of the community.
Leading the delegation, the Leader of Somolu Legislative Council, James Oyeyiola, said the visit was meant to appreciate Omotola for his continuous support to residents, despite not holding any elective office.
Oyeyiola described Omotola, a former chairmanship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), as “a blessing to Somolu,” stressing that his impact was felt even when he only contested for the position in 2009.
“Despite not getting the ticket, the lives he has touched, the people whose hopes he restored, and the positive impact he has made cannot be ignored. He has shown that leadership is not about position but service, and we believe such a person should be encouraged,” Oyeyiola said.
“Somolites have taken note of his good achievements and my honest prayer is that his light will never go dim. We will love him to return to politics, but even while he is not politically active, we are still feeling his presence.”
Omotola, who once contested for the Somolu chairmanship seat on the APC platform, expressed gratitude to the lawmakers for the honour, saying it was a rare recognition of his past efforts.
“A lot of people don’t believe I once contested the chairmanship in 2009 because the campaign materials I had then were misplaced. But with this gesture, people can now see evidence that I have always been part of the process.,” he said.
“I am not in this to contest for chairmanship or any other position for now. A time will come when I will return to politics, but until then, I prefer to play an advisory role. The leaders know my capacity, but they often feel intimidated when I show interest. For now, I will continue to support Somolu in my personal capacity.
Also speaking, Oluwatosin Odubanjo, councillor representing Onipan Ward A and chairman of the Committee on Agriculture, Sports and Rural Development, described Omotola as a mentor and household name in Somolu politics.
Odubanjo recalled how Omotola inspired him into politics two decades ago.
“In 2003 when he contested as councillor, I was his coordinator in Ward A. Everybody rooted for him, but the party leadership favoured another candidate, saying he was new in the system. That contest brought him to the limelight, and since then, residents have been clamouring for his return,” Odubanjo said.
“He has empathy for the poor, he is generous and selfless, and he has reassured us today that he remains committed to Somolu. We are still flying high on his broad wings.”
The Lagos Mainland Local Government recently joined the Muslim community in the council to celebrate the Maulud Nabiyy, the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBH).
Led by its chairman, Kolawole Emilagba, the celebration brought together residents, scholars, and community leaders in a joyful atmosphere of prayers, Qur’anic recitations, and cultural presentations.
Participants from various Arabic schools within the local government showcased their Arabic/Quranic recitation skills and understanding of Islamic teachings to the delight of the audience.
As part of the activities, certificates of recognition were presented by prominent leaders and dignitaries in attendance.
The occasion also featured uplifting Islamic music with the highpoint being a special appearance by Fuji legend, General Kollington Ayinla.
Emilagba expressed profound gratitude to the Governor Advisory Council (GAC), Apex leaders, State Executives, and community stakeholders for their continuous support. He emphasised the importance of unity, peace, and moral upbringing in line with the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
GAC Leader, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, commended the chairman for the initiative and encouraged members of the community to remain politically active by mobilising residents to register and obtain their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVC) as a way of strengthening democracy and community development.
Other notable dignitaries at the occasion include Olawale Oshun (Lagos Mainland APC Apex Leader, Former Chief Whip House of Representatives), Tayo Oyemade, Chairman Emeritus, Monsuru Owolabi (former Lagos Mainland House of Representatives member, Tunde Balogun (former Commissioner of Home Affairs and GAC member), Ajani Owolabi (Member Lagos House of Assembly), Omolola Rashidat Essien (former Chairman LMLG), Dr Adeola Jokomba (Secretary APC Lagos State, the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials COLWSO), Vice chairman Momoh Adewale Moshood and the Leader of the House, Azeez Oloto.
The Chairman of Ojo Local government, Princess Muhibat Rufai, has distributed 200 free General Certificate of Examination (GCE) to indigent pupils across the council’s five political wards as part of her efforts toward promoting inclusive and accessible education.
Speaking during the presentation, the council boss reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to education, stressing that no child in Ojo should be denied access to quality education due to financial constraints.
The presentation, which took place at the council secretariat, was referred to as timely and impactful.
The council boss noted that the gesture would not only ease the financial burden on families but also encourage more young people to pursue their academic dreams.
According to her, during her campaign, she pledged to prioritize education and provide direct support to indigent pupils with the potential to excel but limited by resources.
“Our administration believes that talent is evenly distributed, but opportunities are not. We are working to bridge that gap and ensure that every child, regardless of background has access to opportunities that will shape their future”, she said.
She urged the beneficiaries to see the GCE forms as keys to unlocking doors to higher education and life-changing opportunities, adding that they must remain focused, determined, and committed to their goals.
Some of the beneficiaries, Dauda Abdulrahmon and Blessing, expressed their gratitude on behalf of the students and their parents.
They lauded the council boss for her support and appealed for the introduction of free tutorial lessons to aid their preparation for the forthcoming examinations.
This, the council boss, said will lead to a lasting legacy within the council.
He made this call at the inauguration of the sixth Legislative Council of Iba LCDA.
He called for a quality representative.
“Ensure you put the interest of the wards you are representing over personal interests. The interests of the communities must take precedence over personal interests as you were elected to serve the people not your pockets,” he said.
He sought collaboration with the lawmakers, reiterating his commitment to maintaining an open-door policy to ensure a successful tenure.
“I am open to collaboration and my doors are always open. I can’t be everywhere, whenever you encounter any issue that needs my urgent attention, feel free to reach out to me. We must work together and ensure we succeed for the benefits of our people”, he said.
The inaugurated councillors are: Adesoji Agbawi – Ward A (Ibà); Yusuff Ademola – Ward B (Okokomaiko); Mustapha Hassan – Ward C (Mebamu); Mutiu Kuku – Ward D (Ishasi); and Esther Agoro – Ward E (Kemberi).
Following the proclamation of the Legislative arm by the Clerk, Mr. Kusimo Adegboyega, Hassan, emerged as the Leader of the House; Agbawi was elected as the Deputy Leader; Mutiu Kuku – Majority Leader; Ademola – Chief Whip and Agoro – Assistant Chief Whip. Hassan thanked his colleagues for electing him as their leader.
He added that he was committed to maintaining fidelity and fostering effective teamwork for the progress of the council.
The Chairman of Somolu Local Government, Lateef Ashimi, has reaffirmed his commitment to education through multiple initiatives designed to empower young people. These include the distribution of 500 free General Certificate of Education (GCE) forms, free summer lessons, ICT training under the Spark programme, and the Waste-to-Wealth scheme.
Alongside GCE support, the council is running free summer coaching for more than 1,000 pupils across two centres, offering academic reinforcement and discipline during the holiday break. Over 400 children are also enrolled in the Spark ICT programme, which equips them with critical digital skills. These efforts reflect Ashimi’s goal of preparing young people for a knowledge-driven economy while ensuring equitable access to quality learning. The administration has also promised better welfare packages for adult education instructors.
The GCE support programme began on August 21, 2025, at the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Administrative Building, where students received free forms with relief and excitement. The final phase of the distribution concluded recently, ensuring transparency throughout the process. Beneficiaries were later gathered for a sensitisation session, where Ashimi urged them to remain focused. He stressed that their upcoming examinations, scheduled between October 24 and December 18, 2025, represent opportunities to excel.
The session featured the Vice Chairman, Taiwo Ojomu, Council Treasurer, Abayomi Odusanya, and the Chairman’s wife, Mrs. Shakirah Temitope Ashimi.
Mrs Ashimi reminded the pupils that education is not limited to classroom learning but serves as a lifelong tool for empowerment, social advancement, and economic growth. She encouraged them to embrace diligence, seize opportunities, and demonstrate excellence.
