The Nation Newspaper

Category: Grassroots

  • Ejigbo celebrates World Breastfeeding Week

    Ejigbo celebrates World Breastfeeding Week

    • By Sherifdeen Amusa

    The Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has celebrated the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week at the Primary Health Centre, Otasumi, Ejigbo, Lagos.

    The event, themed, “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems”, was held in collaboration with the office of the First Lady of Lagos State and Lagos State Health District VI.

    Wife of Ejigbo LCDA Chairman, Mrs. Aishat Taiwo, described breastfeeding as the foundation for child survival, growth, and long-term well-being.

    She added that this year’s theme was a reminder that the responsibility of nurturing children must be shared by families, communities, workplaces, and government. 

    While acknowledging the challenges mothers face, she assured residents that Ejigbo LCDA will continue to strengthen maternal and child health services and create an enabling environment for mothers and children to thrive.

    The Vice Chairman of Ejigbo LCDA, Mrs. Abimbola Ike, commended nursing mothers for their dedication and urged them to embrace exclusive breastfeeding as the best for their babies.

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    She noted that breastfeeding is not only a bond between mother and child but also an investment in the community’s future.

    The Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Yetunde Ibrahim, said the importance of breastfeeding extends beyond being beneficial to children but also to mothers as it provides vital health benefits, like lowering risk of type 2 diabetes, ovarian cancer, and diabetes cancer.

    Mrs. Olaonipekun, a Health Education Officer, explained that exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months gives babies complete nutrition, strengthens immunity, and protects against common illnesses, while continued breastfeeding with complementary foods up to two years and beyond supports healthy growth and cognitive development.

    The event which had in attendance Councillors, their wives, health officials, nursing mothers, and expectant mothers, rounded off with the presentation of gifts to nursing mothers and expectant mothers.

  • Dauda reaffirms commitment to youth empowerment

    Dauda reaffirms commitment to youth empowerment

    • By Iteoluwakisi Anifowose and Eniola Akinwande

    The Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Akeem Dauda, has reaffirmed his   administration’s commitment to education and youth empowerment with the presentation of free GCE forms to 200 indigent students in  the council area.

    The event, held at the Marriage Registry Hall in Ikeja, was described as a milestone in the council’s efforts to empower young people and secure a brighter future for the community.

    Dauda said the Ikeja Agenda places youths at the heart of development programmes. He noted that since assuming office, his administration has prioritised initiatives that uplift young people.

    Part of the initiatives include creation of all-day jobs for over 215 youths and the upcoming “Skill Up Ikeja” programme designed to equip young people with both vocational and digital  skills.

    “Our agenda focuses more on youths. The first thing we did when we assumed office was to start an all-day job for 200 people, which eventually expanded to 250. Today, we are also celebrating the youth of Ikeja by giving them 200 GCE forms. Education is the greatest equalizer, and we will not allow financial barriers to hinder the dreams of our young people,” Dauda said.

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    He added that although only 200 forms were budgeted, an additional 10 students were accommodated personally by him when they were found to have been left out during the selection process.

    “Because of our tradition and our style, the extra 10 will be taken from my pocket. This is because we believe our youths are not lazy, they are ready to learn, and they deserve every opportunity to succeed,” he explained.

    Dauda also assured that the initiative was only the beginning of a broader educational masterplan.

    “Today is about the GCE forms, tomorrow it will be scholarships, coaching classes, skill development programmes, startup grants, and global partnerships. We are intentional about giving our youth the tools to succeed,” he said, urging the beneficiaries to study hard and prove themselves worthy of the investment.

    He stated that beneficiaries of the all-day job scheme would receive their first salaries of N200,000, in the coming weeks, underscoring his government’s dedication to both education and economic empowerment.

    Dauda assured that his administration would never relent in creating opportunities for youths of Ikeja.

    “I will continue to invest in you. Together, we will write a successful story that future generations will be proud of. God bless Ikeja youths,” he prayed

    Havilah Peace, a beneficiary, said she felt encouraged by the initiative.

    “It is good and it is encouraging. This will enable the youth to work harder after seeing this kind of support from the government,” she said.

    Another beneficiary, Ayinde Oluwatoyin, said the GCE form would help her switch to the science department for her future course of study in Public Health. “I’m very grateful and very happy for this opportunity. I pray for the chairman every day because of what he has done for us. God will continue to bless him,” she said.

  • Council restates commitment to grassroots development

    Council restates commitment to grassroots development

    • By Sumayyah Omotunde

    The Chairman of Kosofe Local Government, Moyosore Ogunlewe, has restated his administration’s commitment to grassroots development and community welfare.

    He said the core duty of a council chairman is to cater to the needs of residents, particularly market women, security agencies and other community stakeholders.

    “Security is the number one priority of any government. As chairman, I also oversee primary schools within the local government,” he said.

    He noted that revenue generation is key to the provision of infrastructure, stressing that his administration is focused on mobilising resources to improve the living conditions of the people.

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    “I have to make sure that I drive as much revenue as I can to be able to build infrastructure for our community,” he said.

    The council boss identified Community Development Associations (CDAs) as vital partners in grassroots governance, noting that he regularly consults with their leaders to understand and address their needs.

    According to him, the structure of local governance requires most activities in the council area to pass through the office of the chairman.

    “Our traditional rulers, the Kabiyesis and Baales, as well as religious leaders are also under the local government. As a local government, we’ve been able to do so much for the people and we are willing to do more,” he said.

    Ogunlewe urged residents to support the council’s initiatives, pledging that his administration would remain dedicated to service delivery and community development.

  • Itire-Ikate kicks off ‘Operation 7 Roads’

    Itire-Ikate kicks off ‘Operation 7 Roads’

    • By Eniola Akinwande, Eniola Shogbesan and Iteoluwakisi Anifowose

    Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has commenced a major infrastructural drive tagged, “Operation 7 Roads” aimed at rehabilitating and constructing roads across its wards.

    Chairman of the council, Oluwafemi Odunayo, described the initiative as a significant milestone for the community.

    According to him, the project will cover road construction, drainage works, and the installation of solar-powered streetlights in seven major locations.

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    “Today, we embark on constructing roads, drainage systems and installing solar street lights across seven wards, namely: Bayo Ojutiku Street in Ramoni Ward; Tosin Street, – Karounwi Ogusamin Ward;  Onadeko Street – Baruwa Ward; Obajimi Street – Agunbiade Ward; Olojudo Street – Airways Ward; Ashabi Shonuyi Street -Sanusi Ward and Tapa Street in Odo-Olowu Ward,” he said.

    Odunayo urged residents to cooperate with contractors handling the projects to ensure timely delivery.

    “My advice is for our people to support the contractors. Whatever instructions they give should be followed so that the work can progress smoothly and be completed on time,” he added.

    The Council Manager, Esther Ajose, commended the Chairman’s commitment to grassroots development.

    She noted that the initiative builds on earlier programmes introduced by the administration.

    “This is not the first programme we are having since the inception of this administration. We recently concluded a skill acquisition programme in Odo-Olowu with over 600 pupils learning different trades, alongside several other impactful initiatives,” she said.

  • Ojora hails Sanwo-Olu on Isese Day

    Ojora hails Sanwo-Olu on Isese Day

    • By Sisianu Melawakou and Adebiyi Ayokunle

    The Ojora of Ijora and Iganmu Kingdom, Oba Dr. Abdul Fatai Aremu Aromire, has applauded Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu for declaring a public holiday to mark Isese Day.

    The monarch led indigenes, chiefs, and residents in celebrating traditional day at his palace.

    He said the annual cultural festival was dedicated to preserving Yoruba heritage.

    The event featured traditional rites, prayers, and colourful displays that paid tribute to the ancestors.

    Speaking at the event, Patron of Ojora and the Gomu Kingdom, Hakeem Ajayi Ojora, described the day as a remembrance of Yoruba forefathers.

    “Today is a great day of honouring our ancestors. The way they lived, what they embraced, and what they passed on to us. We are continuing from where they stopped,” he said.

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    Councillor representing Ward B, Ijora Oloye, Liadji Saeed, commended the Lagos State Government for officially recognising Isese Day.

    “For quite some time before it was formally declared, Isese was celebrated in Ijora because of our heritage. Our Kabiyesi has been a strong custodian of Yoruba tradition and a unifier of the race,” he said.

    Saeed further called for the festival to be made more elaborate, entertaining, and educational in future editions.

    Cultural enthusiast, Jim Taddey, urged parents to promote the Yoruba language in their homes.

    “Our culture and language are our identity. Parents must teach their children to speak Yoruba so that the next generation does not lose touch with who they are,” he said.

  • Widows, youths empowered in Ikoyi-Obalende

    Widows, youths empowered in Ikoyi-Obalende

    A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Afeez Lawal,  has empowered widows and youths in Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Area.

    Speaking at a cooking competition which he organised for widows, the two-time Lagos State House of Assembly aspirant noted that the event was first of its kind and plans were underway to make it an annual event.

    At the event, free medication was given to  those suffering from hypertension and diabetes, just as it featured ludo and  table tennis competition with winners going home with a trophy and cash prize.

    The competition involved seven teams, with five widows in each team.

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    Lawal said: “It is a unique programme. It’s the first of its kind. It has never happened before. And as you can see, people are very excited. And the purpose or the rationale behind this is just to make people happy. And because they’ve not done it before, I can see that some of them are very excited because this is the first time. And I believe that it’s also created a kind of social interaction among them and also a kind of connection. So they know themselves now. Some of them they’ve never met before in a group like this.”

    Lawal, who is also a clinical physiotherapist, said he has been touching lives at the grassroots with the food palliative care support he organised in Ward A to E in Obalende.

    “I want to serve people… So the passion is there, the interest is there to serve, to empower people. I am determined to give free medication to elderly people suffering from hypertension and diabetes. And secondly, to empower the youth with skill acquisition programmes because a lot of them don’t have anything to do. I think that there are things I can do to empower them so they will be completely independent from their parents,” he said.

    On President Bola Tinubu’s reforms, Lawal noted that those who don’t understand the workings of the reforms are critical of them, hence, he called for a proper understanding, saying the reforms are already yielding fruits.

    An APC leader, Mrs Tolulope Orekan, praised Lawal for his strides in empowering people at the grassroots. She described him as a visionary individual who wants everyone to be happy including widows who are depressed.

    A major stakeholder in one of the wards, Olatokunbo Ajidahun, described Lawal as a humane personality dedicated to selfless service. She praised him for his passion and zeal to impact those at the grassroots positively.

    At the end of the contest which featured Ward A to E, Ward E won and took home a trophy and N150,000; Ward A in second place took home N100,000; while third placed Ward C got N50,000.

    Participants thanked Lawal for his generousity and commitment to grassroots development.

  • ‘Stakeholders should harness tourism opportunities ‘

    ‘Stakeholders should harness tourism opportunities ‘

    The Chairman, Badagry Local Government, Lagos State, Mr Babatunde Hunpe, has urged tourism practitioners to use the sector for development of their people and communities.

    He gave the advice during the International Day for the Abolition of Slave Trade, organised by the council, in partnership with Confederation of Badagry Tourism Practitioners (CBTP).

    He said Badagry was blessed with tourism potential, adding: ‘’We should use this for the development of our people, communities and councils.’’

    “I appeal to the practitioners to cooperate with one another. This will bring development to Badagry and also lead to increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country, Lagos State and the council.

    “People from other countries will visit us here. Indigenes will make money from their goods and everyone will smile home.

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    “In Olorunda Local Council Development Area (LCDA), we have hotels and other infrastructures. There are tourist sites in Badagry Local Government. Badagry-West LCDA also has land and beaches to welcome tourists,” he said.

    The chairman said Badagry tourism treasures remained under-promoted and underutilised.

    “Since assuming office, I have taken steps to chart a new course for tourism in Badagry by bringing together stakeholders under one umbrella,  Confederation of Badagry Tourism Practitioners.

    “This platform is designed to harmonise our calendar, strengthen collaboration and give coherence to our efforts,” he said.

    Mr Bonu Solomon, the lawmaker representing Badagry Constituency 1 in Lagos State House of Assembly, hailed the council chairman for organising a meeting with shareholders in Badagry. Giving lecture, Prof Yemi Adejumo, a lecturer in the Department of Architecture, University of Lagos, Akoka, advocated Community Based Tourism (CBT).

    Dr Tunde Ajose, spokesman for CBTP, assured the chairman that the partnership between the council and the practitioners would achieve its aim of developing the sector and Badagry

  • Adebule inaugurates classrooms in Oshodi-Isolo

    Adebule inaugurates classrooms in Oshodi-Isolo

    By Sisianu Melawakou

    The senator representing Lagos West District, Dr Idiat Adebule, has opened a newly constructed block of classrooms at State Primary School, Mafoluku, Oshodi, reaffirming her commitment to quality education and community development.

    The facility, built as part of her constituency projects, was designed to improve learning infrastructure for children.

    Senator Adebule said the completion of the classrooms was deliberately timed to ensure pupils would resume the new academic year in a better learning environment.

    The former Lagos State deputy governor added that the people of Lagos West “deserve nothing but the best” in education and other social investments.

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    “These classrooms will provide our children with a conducive space to learn and thrive. Whatever we are celebrating here today is about you, the people who gave me your mandate. I am ensuring your money is working for you,” she said.

    As part of her broader interventions across Lagos West, the senator also announced the completion of skill acquisition centre in Mushin to equip youths and women with vocational training in ICT and catering among others.

    This, she said, will complement the Lagos State Government’s empowerment initiatives.

    “These classrooms will provide our children with a conducive learning environment, while the skill acquisition centres will create opportunities for our youths to become self-reliant. The money used to build these projects belongs to the people, so I urge you to protect and sustain them so that generations to come will benefit,” she said.

    Adebule added that the projects in Oshodi-Isolo and Mushin were only a fraction of her ongoing interventions across the Lagos West District.

    Former Lagos State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Otunba Henry Ajomale, described the Senator Adebule’s interventions as timely and people-centred. He praised her decision to combine educational infrastructure with skills development, saying it demonstrated foresight and a commitment to holistic community growth.

    The Vice Chairman of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government, Modupe Badmus Aregbe, lauded Adebule’s commitment to education and empowerment, describing the classroom block as a lasting gift to the community.

    She assured that the facilities would be well maintained and put to good use.

    Education Secretary, Mayowa Alakija, also hailed the Senator, describing her contributions to education sector as “the bedrock of societal advancement.”

    He pledged the support of the local education board in sustaining the classroom facilities.

  • Coker-Aguda urges youths action on SDGs

    Coker-Aguda urges youths action on SDGs

    Coker-Aguda Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has called on young people to take ownership of their future by actively contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    The council made the call at Abibat Mogaji Hall during an event to mark World Youth Day 2025,  with the theme: Local Youth Action for SDGs and Beyond.

    The programme featured expert-led sessions on “The Role of Youth in the Development of Coker-Aguda LCDA”, “Urban Agriculture for Food Security” and “Decent Work and Economic Growth”.

    Chairman of the LCDA, Azeez Owolabi Ogidan, in his keynote address, described youths as pivotal to community transformation.

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    According to him, the commemoration was not just a celebration, but a call to action for young people to step forward as proactive leaders and catalysts for sustainable progress.

    He urged youths to leverage creativity, knowledge and collaboration to address local and global challenges.

    Leader of the House, Bowale Afeez Sulaimon, stressed the need for legislative support for youth-led initiatives, while the council’s Human Resource Officer, Mrs. Simire Bolanle, who represented the Council Manager, Mrs. Akintola Adebimpe Adepeju, reiterated the administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and inclusive governance.

    Participants expressed excitement at the opportunity to share ideas, gain skills and contribute to community development.

  • Eshilokun donates exercise books to pupils

    Eshilokun donates exercise books to pupils

    The Senator representing Lagos Central Senatorial District, Wasiu Sanni Eshilokun, has donated six free exercise books to every pupil in public secondary schools across the district at the 8th Town Hall meeting held at the Lagos City Centre.

    He described the gesture as a deliberate effort aimed at reducing the financial burden on parents and encourage learning.

    “This initiative is not only symbolic but strategic. It is a deliberate step toward reducing the financial burden on families, encouraging academic engagement, and affirming our belief that no child should be left behind because of lack of basic learning materials”, he said.

    Eshilokun urged the students to see the books as tools for building their dreams.

     “Do not see these books as mere pages. Rather, see them as tools for the actualisation of your ideas, your dreams, and your future. Lagos Central is rooting for you”, he added.

    Highlighting some of his past interventions, he said over 6,000 school bags, free GCE and JAMB forms for SSS 3 pupils, and furniture for teachers had been provided across schools in the district. He added that his annual scholarship scheme for tertiary students would continue.

    He stressed that his representation has always been guided by the voices of his constituents, assuring them of more people-oriented projects in infrastructure, healthcare, and youth empowerment.

    The senator urged stakeholders and political leaders to always ensure that governance translates to tangible benefits for ordinary people.

    He also commended teachers and school administrators for their dedication, describing them as “architects and moulders of tomorrow’s leaders.”

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    Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Prince Tajudeen Olusi, hailed the senator as a “performing representative” whose record of service continues to bring pride to Lagos Central.

    According to him, while legislators are traditionally tasked with lawmaking, Nigerian realities have placed additional expectations on them to deliver projects and provide community support.

    Lagos State All Progressives Chairman (APC) Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, commended Eshilokun for sustaining direct engagement with his constituents through the town hall meetings.

    According to him, the senator has not only kept faith with the people but also promoted the philosophy of the ruling party by delivering on promises and touching lives across Lagos Central.

    He said: “This is his 8th town hall meeting. By engaging the people, giving feedback, and making sure he touches lives, he is showing what true progressives stand for. On behalf of our leadership, I say we are proud of you”.

    Ojelabi added that Eshilokun’s intervention in education is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s reforms, stressing that both efforts are focused on ensuring opportunities are not restricted to the wealthy.

    He also urged residents to secure their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 elections, saying it was the surest way to consolidate progressive governance.

    The Principal of Eko Akete Senior Grammar School, Oladunjoye Iyun, lauded the senator for his consistency in supporting public schools, describing the distribution of books as “a timely intervention that will ease parents’ burdens and encourage better performance among students.”

    According to him, “Education thrives when leaders show genuine concern for the future of young people. Senator Eshilokun has shown, through this gesture and his past interventions, that he is committed to laying a solid foundation for the next generation.”

    A beneficiary, Oyetola Samad, a pupil of Apapa Senior High School, expressed gratitude on behalf of his colleagues.

    “We are very happy because this will help us in our studies. We thank our senator for thinking about us and we promise to make good use of the books”, he said.