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Category: Grassroots

  • Ikeja Council distributes food items to widows, elders

    Ikeja Council distributes food items to widows, elders

    By Kowiyat Dada

    The Ikeja Local Government has distributed food items to widows and elders in the council to “ease economic hardship among vulnerable residents.”

     Wife of the council Chairman, Fausat Dauda, said the programme was designed to recognise and appreciate senior citizens and widows for their contributions to the community.

     “The empowerment programme we are holding today is aimed at recognising our aged citizens and widows in our society. We are here to appreciate them for their continuous support and contributions to the growth of our community,” she said.

     She said 100 beneficiaries were selected for the programme, stating that the event will be organised once every three months to help ease economic hardship among vulnerable residents.

     She added that caring for elders remains a priority of her administration, stressing that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tínubu, which promotes economic empowerment, inclusiveness, and improved welfare for all citizens.

     “Our widows and elders deserve dignity, respect, and continuous support. We will continue to stand by them and ensure their wellbeing,” she said.

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     The Vice Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Abisola Omishore, described the initiative as timely and impactful, noting that it would go a long way in supporting vulnerable women and elders across the local government’s six wards.

     “This is a commendable initiative. It is targeted at widows and elderly women who have given so much to society. We intend to sustain this programme regularly monthly if possible, or at least quarterly depending on available resources,” he said.

     Council Manager, Mrs Taiwo Odubeko, said the programme was organised within a short period following the Chairperson’s personal initiative.

     “She called me just a few days ago and expressed her desire to do something for the widows and the elderly, even offering to personally support the programme if funds were not readily available. Within two days, we were able to put everything together,” she said.

     She listed the items distributed to the beneficiaries which include rice, beans, semolina, seasoning cubes, and salt, noting that a small transportation allowance was also provided to ease movement for beneficiaries.

     A beneficiary, Maureen Motson, expressed gratitude, stating that the support as unprecedented in her experience.

     “I have never experienced anything like this before. This support will go a very long way for my family, especially now that the children have resumed school,” she said.

  • Epe water works considered for rehabilitation

    Epe water works considered for rehabilitation

    The Executive Secretary, Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO), Mrs Oluwabukola Khadijat Adeyemo, said the Epe water works serving the Epe axis, including facilities at Agric T-Junction with installed capacity of two million gallon per day and Jakande with installed capacity of three million gallons per day, are under consideration for rehabilitation.

     She said this at a Community Leaders’ Sensitisation and Public Engagement Stakeholders’ Forum on safe drinking water for community leaders, borehole drillers, sachet and bottled water producers held recently at Eredo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) hall, Epe.

     According to Adeyemo, “Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has just commissioned the Akilo Water Works in Ogba, with a production capacity of one million gallons per day, ongoing rehabilitation of Adiyan Phase 1, and the nearing completion of Adiyan Phase 2, expected to produce 70 million gallons daily”.

     The Executive Secretary explained that the State Government is making significant investments to expand access to pipe-borne water across the state.

     She described water as life, but cautioned that untreated or poorly handled water could become a “silent threat” capable of triggering waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever and diarrhea.

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     She warned residents and water service providers against the dangers of consuming untreated water and engaging in indiscriminate groundwater abstraction, stressing that unsafe water practices pose serious public health and environmental risks.

     The commission’s activities, she said, align with the state government’s THEMES+ Agenda, particularly the ‘Health and Environment’ pillar, as well as the Sustainable Development Goal 6 on water and sanitation and the Lagos State Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Policy.

     The LASWARCO boss also raised concerns over the environmental impact of unregulated groundwater abstraction, warning that excessive drilling could lead to land subsidence, soil instability, infrastructure damage and increased flooding risks.

     “Every sachet or bottle of water produced, every borehole drilled and every tanker delivery made has a direct impact on public health. Quality is not a luxury; it is a duty,” she said.

     She called for collective responsibility while urging communities to collaborate with government in achieving sustainable water supply targets and safeguarding the health of present and future generations.

     Chairman of Eredo LCDA, Monsuru Akiloye, said the sensitisation was to raise awareness, share best practices, and encourage collaborative efforts among all stakeholders to promote safe water handling, ensure quality water production, and support the sustainable use and protection of groundwater resources for both present and future generations.

    Akiloye, represented by the Vice Chairman Lateef Adesanya, said: “Water is life. It is essential to our health, our economy, our environment, and our overall well-being. Yet, despite its importance, unsafe water handling, poor production practices, and unsustainable exploitation of groundwater continue to pose serious risks.

     “Through this sensitisation, we aim to increase awareness of the critical role each stakeholder plays in the water value chain. From regulators and producers to distributors, community leaders, and consumers, everyone has a responsibility to ensure that water is handled safely and produced according to approved quality standards.”

    He said effective water management requires strong partnerships among government agencies, private sector operators, communities, civil society organizations, and development partners.

     Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Water Regulatory Commission, Bode Olaniyan, said: “For us at LASWARCO, we are trying to contribute our own quota in ensuring the agenda of Mr Governor is being followed to the later. That is while we are moving from one Local Government to the other, engages stakeholders in the water sector on safe drinking water. We all know that not all water is safe for consumption. We are trying to educate our people  on the need to ensure that our people have quality water in their home.”

  • Lekki warns residents against dumping waste on highways, roadside

    Lekki warns residents against dumping waste on highways, roadside

    Chairman of the Lekki Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mr Bamidele Kasali, has warned residents against the indiscriminate disposal of waste on highways, roadsides, and other public spaces.

    Kasali urged residents to adopt proper waste management practices, as illegal waste disposal was unhealthy and dangerous to both residents and road users.

    The chairman frowned at the increased habit of residents littering the highway with waste, including the street.

    According to him, such habit is uncalled for and unhealthy to dwellers and road users.

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    “Indiscriminate waste disposal contributes significantly to environmental degradation, flooding, and the spread of diseases, especially during the rainy season,” he said.

    Kasali said that the council had intensified efforts to ensure a cleaner environment through regular sanitation exercises, collaboration with waste management operators, and enforcement of environmental laws within the LCDA.

    He said that the council would no longer tolerate acts capable of undermining public health and safety, as defaulters would be sanctioned in accordance with existing environmental regulations.

    The council chairman appealed to community leaders, residents’ associations and market leaders to sensitise their members on the importance of proper waste disposal and collective responsibility in keeping the environment clean.

     He reaffirmed the council’s commitment to providing an enabling environment, through improved waste collection services, while urging residents to support government efforts by disposing of their waste at designated points only.

     Kasali said that the effort was to ensure a cleaner and safer Lagos for residents to live peacefully and comfortably.

  • Conference 57 chair bags Man-of-the-Year

    Conference 57 chair bags Man-of-the-Year

    The Chairman of Conference of 57 Local Council Chairmen in Lagos State (Conference 57), Sesan Olowa, has been named Man-of-the-Year and Council Chairman of the Year at the forthcoming Ibeju-Lekki/Epe Outstanding Personalities Award.

    Olowa, who is the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Chairman, will received the award on Sunday at the JATA Event Center & Resort, Ibeju-Lekki.

    Publisher, Starlight Newspaper, Damola Aderibigbe said that Olowa was selected for the honours in recognition of his leadership excellence, commitment to grassroots development and impactful governance within Ibeju-Lekki Local Government and the Epe Division.

    He said that the award, structured into four categories: Leadership Excellence, Agent of Change and Development, Community Builder and Year Awards, is aimed at celebrating individuals who have distinguished themselves in public service, community development and nation-building.

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    He noted that other prominent personalities to be honoured at the event include the Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru; a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Ibeju-Lekki II, Oladele Ajayi; and a former Lagos State Commissioner and one-time APC Lagos East Vice Chairman, Mrs. Saidat Olayinka Oladunjoye.

    In addition, Chairman of Lekki Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Rasak Bamidele Kasali, will receive a Special Recognition Award for his outstanding role as an agent of change and community development.

    “The annual award ceremony is designed to promote excellence in leadership, encourage community-driven development initiatives and celebrate individuals whose contributions continue to drive socio-economic growth across Ibeju-Lekki, Epe and the Lagos East axis,” he said.

  • Ikorodu West seals shops over indiscriminate dumping of refuse

    Ikorodu West seals shops over indiscriminate dumping of refuse

    Ikorodu West Local Council Developmental Area (LCDA), has directed the council’s Environmental Department to seal shops for 20 days over indiscriminate dumping of refuse on roads.

     The council Chairman, Sulaimon Kazeem, gave the directive to seal shops along the NBC Road Corridor, Ebute Police Post Junction, Ipakodo, Ikorodu.

     The order came after Olarenwaju-led efforts to clear trash illegally dumped on the road median by residents.

     He said his administration is committed to safeguarding public health and upholding environmental standards, ensuring continued public awareness of the hazards and health implications of indiscriminate refuse dumping.

     “I met with the shop owners daily for one week, passionately pleading for compliance to prevent disease outbreaks and environmental pollution.

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     “This decisive action follows a repeated, flagrant, and unacceptable defiance of environmental laws by some business operators despite my multiple interventions and personal appeals.

     “This administration is fundamentally committed to the health and sustainable development of Ikorodu West.

     “We will not plead endlessly, while public health is jeopardised,” he said.

     According to him, the council has intensified efforts to address waste disposal challenges and ensure a cleaner environment.

     The chairman urged residents and business owners to partner with the council to maintain proper waste disposal practices.

     “Utilise the assigned Lagos State Waste Management Authority private sector partnership operators.

     “Together, let us build a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous Ikorodu West,” he said.

  • Senbanjo to business owners: Apapa is free of traffic gridlock

    Senbanjo to business owners: Apapa is free of traffic gridlock

    Chairman of Apapa Local Government, Idowu Adejumoke Senbanjo, has declared that the council has successfully transitioned into a more organised, accessible and business-friendly hub.

    She called on residents and business owners who have relocated from the area due to perennial traffic gridlock to return.

    At a briefing held in the council secretariat, Senbanjo said the dramatic decongestion of Apapa’s legendary traffic was a great achievement.

    She said: “For years, the area was synonymous with stagnant queues, but recent strategic efforts have cleared the path for commuters and commerce alike.

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    “Apapa is now a place you can drive in and out of with ease, it is currently easier to navigate Apapa than the Lekki or Ajah corridors as the internal roads have been reclaimed. All those who left Apapa owing to gridlock should come back. We are calling on business owners to see the milestones we have achieved for a better enabling environment.”

    In alignment with the Governor’s Cleaner Lagos agenda, the council is enforcing strict environmental and security protocols. While the Chairman expressed empathy for street traders, particularly women, she emphasised that law and order remain a priority for security reasons.

    “Our environmental initiatives include, mandatory registration of all street traders, and food vendors’ permits,” she said.

    She announced a massive welfare rollout to cushion the effects of economic shifts,

     “A new round of cash palliatives is set to begin, targeting over 4,000 residents, including, market women, artisans, residents and Small-scale Traders. Each beneficiary is slated to receive N100,000 to support their livelihoods,” she added.

    She mentioned that the council has also made significant strides in social infrastructure saying: “Three fully equipped health centers now offer round-the-clock doctor services. Plans are underway to provide dedicated accommodation for doctors and nurses within hospital premises. 500 vulnerable residents are currently supported through the council’s health insurance scheme.

    “The council has fulfilled its primary educational goals, working in lockstep with the State Government and SUBEB to enhance local schooling.”

    The Vice Chairman, Ganiu Ismail, emphasised on the council focus on skills acquisition and youth empowerment, which focuses on sustainable agriculture.

    “Our Youths are being trained in fishery and poultry farming, with the council often acting as the primary off-taker by purchasing their produce,” he said.

     Council Manager Mrs. Sonate Oluwatoyin Adebanji, highlighted that the administrative backbone of Apapa is stronger than ever.

     She said council is number one across Lagos State councils in staff welfare.

     She pointed to the digitalization of the secretariat and the provision of daily staff buses. Beyond local support, she said the council has even facilitated international training to ensure staff remain globally competitive.

  • Attack at boundary: Police vow decisive action

    Attack at boundary: Police vow decisive action

    Delta State Police Command has launched a major security operation, following an attack on its officers at the boundary between Akukwu-Igbo and Ugbolu communities in Oshimili North Local Government.

    In response to the incident, Police Commissioner (CP) Aina Adesola ordered deployment of tactical operatives to the affected area, to restore order, prevent further breakdown of law and order and reassure residents of the command’s commitment to public safety.

    The swift intervention by the police led to a sting operation that resulted in the arrest of several suspects believed to be connected to the attack.

    The command said the suspects were in custody and were providing information to investigators, adding that efforts were on to track down and arrest other suspects at large.

    Condemning the attack, the CP described it as an unprovoked assault on law enforcement officers and warned that such actions would not be tolerated under his leadership.

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    He said the command would deal with anyone or any group that threatened public peace or targeted police personnel.

    Adesola noted that the command would not allow extremist, secessionist, or violent groups to establish or operate within the state, assuring residents that security agencies were prepared to confront any threat to stability and public order.

    He urged residents of Akukwu-Igbo, Ugbolu and surrounding communities to remain calm and go about their lawful activities, as the command continues to maintain a visible security presence in the area.

    The police boss appealed to the public to support ongoing operations by providing credible information that could lead to the arrest of the remaining suspects.

    He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to the protection of lives and property.

  • Ughelli North Council boss leads sanitation

    Ughelli North Council boss leads sanitation

    In a renewed push to enhance environmental cleanliness and public safety, the Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, has led a special sanitation exercise along East-West Road in Ughelli.  He urged residents and stakeholders to support government’s efforts in sustaining a clean and healthy environment.

    The exercise, carried out as part of the council’s monthly environmental sanitation programme, focused on Ekiugbo Junction axis, stretching from Iwhre-Inene Junction.

    Activities during the exercise included clearing of overgrown grasses, de-silting of blocked drainage channels and removal of sand heaps along the expressway.

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    The intervention was aimed at improving visibility, preventing flooding and ensuring free flow of traffic on the busy highway.

    Addressing council officials and participants at the site, Olorogun Egbo said the exercise became necessary due to the dangers posed by unchecked vegetation, clogged drainage systems and accumulated sand heaps, which, he noted, constituted traffic hazards and gave the town an untidy appearance.

    He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to environmental cleanliness across Ughelli North, stressing that the health, safety and well-being of residents remained a top priority. The council chairman urged residents and other stakeholders to complement government’s efforts by taking responsibility for their immediate surroundings and observing proper environmental hygiene at all times.

    He declared that “a new Ughelli North is possible” through collective action.

  • Ex-Customary court judge becomes monarch

    Ex-Customary court judge becomes monarch

    A former judge of the Customary Court in Abia State, Chief Godwin Mejuru, has emerged as the traditional ruler-elect of Umuigubeachara East autonomous community in Ukwa East Local Government.

    Mejuru was presented to the Mayor of Ukwa East Local Government, Chief Chibunna Akara, by the kingmakers of Umuigubeachara East community led by Chief Chijioke Mejuru and Prince Adindu Dokereh.

    Presenting the traditional ruler-elect before the Mayor, the kingmakers of the community led by Chief Chijioke Mejuru and the eldest son of the late traditional ruler of the community, Prince Dokereh, said the monarch-elect was nominated by his people from Demejuruh village, who is the next in turn to produce a traditional ruler.

    Dokereh said Mejuru was unanimously adopted by  the five villages that made up the community, namely DeIhute, Ogu Nwada, Denwarminih, Demejuruh and Umudobia.

    He said the five villages of Umuigubeachara East autonomous community ‘’adopted Godwin Mejuru as our traditional ruler.’’

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    ‘’The five villages are: DeIhute, Ogu Nwada, Denwarminih, Demejuruh and Umudobia. We don’t do election, but we have a special way of choosing our traditional ruler.

    ‘’We have fulfilled the traditional rites. Chief Godwin Mejuru was chosen by his village, whose turn it is to produce the next traditional ruler, and the other four villages adopted him as the traditional ruler of Umuigubeachara East autonomous community. We have presented him before Ukwa East Local Government as required by law.”

    Receiving the traditional ruler-elect, the Mayor of Ukwa East Local Government, Chief Chibunna Akara, lauded Umuigubeachara East community for the peaceful manner they chose their traditional ruler after the mourning period of the late ruler.

    He described the Eze-elect as a man of integrity and honour, who has contributed to the development of the local government during his active days in politics.

    He advised the people of the community to support him to develop Umuigubeachara East, stressing that development would only thrive where there was peace and unity.

    The Mayor called on communities who are yet to present their traditional rulers-elect to the government to act quickly, as they are missing lots of dividends from the government.

    The Mayor said: “I commend Umuigubeachara East people for the peaceful way they chose their traditional ruler. I have known Chief Godwin Mejuru as a man of integrity and honour.

    “He has occupied positions from Customary Court judge at Azumini, to deputy chairman of Ukwa East Local Government, ward councillor, supervisory councillor and others. His emergence as a traditional ruler is like a prophecy fulfilled.”

    The Eze-elect expressed gratitude to his community and the Mayor for finding him fit as a traditional ruler to contribute his quota to the development of the community.

  • ‘Dividends of democracy is for all residents’

    ‘Dividends of democracy is for all residents’

    • By Ummusalamoh Kamorudeen and Kowiyat Dada

    The Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area, Seyi Jakande, said his administration is committed to delivering dividends of democracy to all residents regardless of party affiliation.

    He said this at a stakeholders’ forum held at Olomowewe Street, Mushin.

    He said: “It is important to clarify that the dividends of democracy are meant for everyone, regardless of political affiliation. Government projects and services are provided to all residents without discrimination. For instance, we have reconstructed about 14 roads across the community, including Damengoro Road, Shonde, Ashabi, Ereko, and others. There are no restrictions or banners excluding members of other political parties from benefiting from these projects.”

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    Jakande described the event as part of the council’s deliberate strategy to promote inclusive governance and strengthen trust between the government and the people, adding that regular interaction with residents remains vital to improving communication and ensuring that community voices are reflected in governance.

    He said the forum serves as a platform for residents to be  educated on critical issues such as child immunisation, environmental regulations, waste management and public health standards.

    Jakande urged residents to obtain their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs), explaining that active civic participation strengthens democracy and enables citizens to benefit from certain social interventions, while low voter turnout undermines democratic credibility.

    Former Chairman of Odi-Olowo LCDA, Razaq Ajala, said the event was a significant opportunity to project the council’s message to a wider audience.

    He expressed confidence in the leadership and direction of the APC, citing the policies and programmes of President Bola Tinubu, as well as the efforts of government officials and representatives at all levels.

    “Our party remains best positioned to deliver a better future for the country, Lagos State and Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA, especially as preparations gradually build towards future general elections,” he said.

    A member of House of Representatives, Adeyemi Alli, called for increased mobilisation of residents with a target of growing APC membership to 20,000. He also raised concerns about local security challenges and recent attacks, including incidents involving children.

    While urging residents to be hopeful, he said, unity remains the community’s greatest strength, adding that residents should remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding.

    Health Education Officer Odi-Olowo LCDA, Omowumi Ibrahim, urged parents and guardians to bring out their children for immunisation as part of an ongoing vaccination exercise.