The Nation Newspaper

Category: Grassroots

  • Clerk proclaims Apapa -Iganmu legislators

    Clerk proclaims Apapa -Iganmu legislators

    The commencement of 6th Legislative arm of the Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State, has officially been proclaimed by the Clerk of the House Mr. Uthman Bolaji Saheed.

    The ceremony which took place at the Dr. Funmilayo Akande Mohammed Legislative Chamber at the Council premises, saw the emergence of Adigun Arogundade, representing (ward C) as the Leader of the House, Saheed Ajetunmobi (Ward B) – Deputy Leader, Bolaji Lawal (Ward G) – Majority Leader, Toheeb Adisa (Ward A ) – Chief Whip and Omotayo Amina (Ward F) – Deputy Chief Whip respectively.

    The Council Chairman, Jimoh Saliu, enjoined the councillors to make decisions that prioritize the welfare of the residents.

    He tasked them to work closely with themselves, engage the community leaders and actively involve the citizens in the decision making process.

    He said: “ Your election reflects the trust and confidence our community has placed on you, I urge you to live up to this trust by serving our community with diligence, integrity as dedication.

    “ As you take your oaths of office, remember that being a Councillor is not just about holding a title, it’s about being a servant leader who listens to the voices of the people and work tirelessly to meet their needs. You are now the voice of your constituents and your actions will shape the future of our community.

    Read Also: 2025 Flood: 191 dead, 94 missing, 134,435 affected in 20 States – NEMA

    “Embrace this responsibility, and make decisions that prioritize the welfare of our residents. As we embark on this new chapter together, let us remember that our strength lies in unity.

    “The challenges we face demand a collaborative approach. I encourage each of you to work closely with your fellow councillors, engage the community leaders, and actively involve the citizens of Apapa-Iganmu in the decision -making process to the residents of Apapa Iganmu.”

    Jimoh urged the Councillors to carry forward the spirit of democracy, transparency and inclusivity that defines the council, stressing that their and engagement are vital to fostering an effective government that truly represents the will of the people.

  • Epe swears in councillors

    Epe swears in councillors

    The Chairman of Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Princess Surah Animashaun, has urged the newly sworn in councillors to approach their roles with dedication, commitment, transparency, and accountability.

    Speaking during their swearing in, Princess Animashaun implored the councillors to see their positions as a call to service, not an opportunity, as the electorates expecting them to perform their duties to the best of their knowledge.

    The council boss called for deepened collaboration, synergy, and strategic partnerships that would accelerate the actualisation of her administration’s vision for Epe local government area of the Lagos state.

    “I want to remind you all to bear in mind that upholding the rule of law is key to democracy, and work assiduously with an unwavering commitment to building a more virile local government devoid of acrimony or rancour towards building a better future for all citizens of the council area.” Princess Animashaun said.

    Read Also: First Lady donates ₦1bn, relief items to Niger flood, fire, banditry victims

    She stated that “You are now an integral part of this administration, and the people of Epe expect nothing less than your best efforts to ensure progress in all sectors.

    “Together, we must prioritise initiatives that will improve the standard of living for our people and justify the confidence reposed in you.

    “You all know what our leader and mentor, His Excellency Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, embodies as a visionary leader with unrelenting dedication and commitment to the well-being of the masses.

    “To whom much is given, more is expected; therefore, whatever you do, ensure it is in the best interest of our people and promotion of good governance, particularly at the grassroots, and you can be assured of my continued support at all times.”

    She thanked Governor Babajide  Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support, commitment and vision to make the state stand head high amongst the comity of nations to compete favourably with its peers all over the world.

  • Lawmakers told to prioritise constituents’ rights

    Lawmakers told to prioritise constituents’ rights

    Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), has urged councillors to prioritize the hopes, needs, and rights of their constituents.

    Speaking during their swearing-in, Chairman of the council, Adetola Abubakar reminded them of the enormous responsibility they now carry.

    She said: “You are not just representatives of your wards; you are custodians of the hopes and aspirations of the people of Agboyi-Ketu. You must be visible, accessible, and accountable. It is now your duty to ensure that their voices are heard, their needs are addressed and met, and their rights protected. This office is not a privilege but a call to serve. You must work tirelessly to justify the confidence the people have reposed in you,” she said.

    Read Also: 2025 Flood: 191 dead, 94 missing, 134,435 affected in 20 States – NEMA

    The newly inaugurated legislative leadership include: Leader of the house (Ward G) –  Aderoju Adelowotan; Deputy Leader (Ward F) – Akinyemi Amdalat; Majority Leader (Ward B) – Rahamon Tahir; (Ward F) – Chief Whip Fashanu Adebisi; Deputy Chief Whip (Ward C) – Ahmed Adeshina; Fatai Akinyemi (Ward E) and  Kazeem Balogun (Ward A).

    The councillors’ oath of office was administered by the Council Legal Officer, Rabiu Dare, while the proclamation was read by the Clerk of the House, Arowolo Bashir.

    The council chairman expressed gratitude to the political leaders and community stakeholders who supported her emergence as Chairman, describing their backing as a testament to unity and shared vision for the LCDA’s development.

    The immediate past Chairman, Dele Oshinowo, urged the councillors to work collaboratively for the advancement of the council.

    “Teamwork is essential in governance, your effectiveness as councillors will be measured not just by individual efforts, but by your collective commitment to building a more vibrant and progressive Agboyi-Ketu,” he said.

    Former Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs and pioneer Chairman of the council, Yetunde Arobieke, urged the legislators to lead with passion and commitment.

    “You have a unique opportunity to shape the future of this council. Let your decisions reflect the needs of the people. Lead with courage, humility, and a sense of purpose,” she said.

  • Council chief honoured for landmark book on autonomy

    Council chief honoured for landmark book on autonomy

    The Chief Whip of the Surulere Local Government Legislative Council, Eric Olanrewaju Otinwa, has been honoured with an award by the Prestige Media Group for his recently published book, Council Autonomy and Grassroots Governance.

    The recognition was presented in appreciation of his effort to promote understanding of local government administration in Nigeria.

    Presenting the award to Otinwa in his office, Chief Executive Officer of Prestige Media Group and convener of the annual Prestige Media Personality Award, Oluwakemi Oni, described the book as a “timely and impactful intervention that deepens discourse on governance at the grassroots level.”

    Otinwa, who also serves as the Chairman of the Lagos State Chief Whip Forum, is the first sitting legislator in the state to author and launch a book while in office.

    Read Also: First Lady donates ₦1bn, relief items to Niger flood, fire, banditry victims

    The 204-page publication, unveiled as part of his 50th birthday celebration, offers a detailed insight into the workings of Nigeria’s local government system and compares it with similar structures in countries such as South Africa, Ghana and the United Kingdom.

    Otinwa said the objectives of writing the book were threefold: “to raise public interest in local government affairs, to create a deeper understanding of the administrative demands and structural challenges of the third tier of government, and to inspire young people to participate actively in governance.”

    Highlighting his contributions within Surulere, Otinwa cited several community-based interventions, including the installation of solar-powered street lights, procurement of local buses to improve mobility, construction of recreational facilities, road rehabilitation projects and the distribution of over 1,000 vehicles to residents, aimed at boosting livelihoods and supporting economic activity at the grassroots.

  • Sanwo-Olu, ALGON president hail Alabi’s achievements in Bariga

    Sanwo-Olu, ALGON president hail Alabi’s achievements in Bariga

    • Ex-council chief thanks residents for support

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has commended the immediate past Chairman of Bariga Local Council, Kolade Alabi for his sterling performance in office.

    The governor gave the commendation on Friday while inaugurating several projects completed by Alabi.

    The projects include 21 roads across the council, five Primary Health Centres, three newly built primary schools, a legislative chamber and a fire station.

    The governor praised Alabi for his achievements and urged his successor to raise the bar.

    He said: “I must commend leadership of Bariga LCDA for this level of performance. But governance is a relay. I urge the incoming administration to take the baton and run even faster, to do more for the people,” he said.

    The governor stated that Lagos is beginning to see results of deepened grassroots democracy, pointing to the range of projects springing up across local councils as evidence of progress.

    According to him, the real strength and meaning of democracy lies in the grassroots, where governance directly impacts lives, and communities thrive through shared values, inclusion, and service delivery.

    Sanwo-Olu emphasised that democracy is not merely about elections but constant engagements and sustained developmental efforts.

    He reaffirmed the autonomy of local government areas  in Lagos state, stating that the councils operated independently of state interference and received their full monthly allocations.

    “In Lagos, our local government areas enjoy full autonomy. They receive their full allocation directly and are empowered to execute impactful projects that meet the needs of their communities,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    Sanwo-Olu also praised the new council chief, Bukola Adedeji , describing her as a courageous leader ready to break new grounds.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu bars council chairmen from appointing SLGs, supervisory councilors

    “Leadership is not defined by gender but by vision. I believe the incoming administration will not only fill the shoes of her predecessor, she will walk her own path with grace and impact. We must continue to build together. Let’s keep democracy alive not just in words but in action, visibility, and lasting impact,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    National President of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Bello Lawal, said Alabi has raised the bar in local government’s administration.

    He said Alabi as ALGON president gave the association a great visibility.

    He hailed his leadership quality and ability to transform Bariga Local Council.

    Alabi thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his foresight in creating and nurturing the 37 local councils.

    The former ALGON president expressed appreciation to Governor Sanwo-Olu and his predecessors for ensuring financial autonomy for the councils.

    He also hailed the party leadership for their steadfastness.

    He praised the residents of Bariga for tolerating his stubbornness in implementing the legacy projects.

    Alabi announced that he had constructed over hundred roads during his tenure.

  • My vision for Ejigbo, by Taiwo

    My vision for Ejigbo, by Taiwo

    The Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Aare Taoheed Adebayo Taiwo (TAT), has said his administration will focus on completion and consolidation of ongoing infrastructural projects across all six political wards; expansion of healthcare services and environmental reforms; youth development, skills acquisition, and economic empowerment for women; and institutional reform and staff motivation for enhanced council performance.

    He made this known shortly after receiving swear-in certificate from Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu.

    Taiwo and the Vice Chairman, Mrs. Abimbola Nicholas Ike were received to a rousing welcome at the Nurudeen Obe Complex Ejigbo LCDA Secretariat, where he delivered his inaugural address to a jubilant gathering of residents, political stakeholders, party faithfuls, residents and supporters who had assembled to welcome the dawn of a new administration in Ejigbo LCDA.

    Read Also: Ejigbo chairmanship aspirant pledges servant leadership, improved infrastructure

    He thanked the residents of Ejigbo for entrusting him with the mandate to lead, describing his emergence as both a privilege and a profound responsibility. He stated, “I do not take this moment lightly. I stand before you today, not just as a product of your trust, but as a servant committed to your progress.”

    The council boss said his vision for a progressive Ejigbo would be built on inclusiveness, transparency, and accountable leadership.

    He also acknowledged the of his predecessor, Monsurudeen Oloyede Bello (OBE), pledging to build on the solid foundation laid by the outgoing administration.

    Taiwo called for unity among political stakeholders, civil servants, traditional institutions, and the general public to move Ejigbo forward.

  • Council chair inaugurates projects in Badagry communities

    Council chair inaugurates projects in Badagry communities

    The Chairman, Badagry-West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Joseph Gbenu, has inaugurated projects to mark the end of his eight years administration.

    The projects included a renovated block of six-classrooms at Gbethrome Secondary School with solar power and building of a modern primary health centre at Bapo.

    Others are reconstruction of Boglo Community Road, building of Apa Cemetery for Muslims and Christians, a new customary court and a modern administrative building for the council.

    Addressing residents, stakeholders, political leaders and traditional rulers at the council secretariat, Gbenu urged All Progressives Congress (APC) members in the town to remain united, shun any form of division and lead with conscience.

    “The strength of our political future lies not in individual ambitions, but in our collective resolve to uphold party discipline, reward loyalty and promote inclusiveness.

    “Let us be reminded that the grassroots look up to us. Our actions must reflect responsibility, our words must foster unity and our strategies must prioritise the interest of the people over personal gains.

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    “As I step aside, I plead with our leaders at all levels to protect the house we have built and nurture the younger generation with truth and justice. This is the only way our progress will be sustainable,” he said.

    Recounting his days in office, Gbenu said education was one of the cornerstones of his government.

    He recalled how pupils of St. Peter’s Primary School, Agonrin were learning under trees—a situation that moved his administration to act swiftly.

    Gbenu said he built a six-block classroom and offices for the school.

    He said the facilities were replicated in other schools such as Salvation Army Primary School at Boglo, Our Lady of Fatima at Gayingbo and Methodist Primary Schools at Kweme and Enuko.

  • Environment restoration my priority, says Ikoyi-Obalende chair

    Environment restoration my priority, says Ikoyi-Obalende chair

    • By Sisianu Melawakou

    Chairman of Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Bola Oladunjoye, has declared environmental restoration as the top priority of his administration.

    He stated that meaningful development cannot take place in a poorly managed environment.

    The council boss said his leadership would be driven by the mantra “Elevate”, a philosophy anchored on accountability, accessibility, and service to the people.

    “We have a mantra “Elevate” which is there for all residents to see. It’s about gaining trust and showing our commitment to serving the people,” he said.

    According to him, the environment is both moral and developmental imperative.

    “The environment needs to be fixed. The environment is first and then the health of our people. There’s no point spending resources and time if the environment is not properly managed,” he said.

    He added that healthcare would follow closely behind environmental reform, as both are interlinked in shaping quality of life in the LCDA.

    Oladunjoye stressed the need to first build a strong institutional framework before rolling out interventions.

    Read Also: Ikoyi-Obalende increases doctors’ salaries to N800,000

    “I can’t put the cart before the horse. Once we settle in, all three tiers of government can come together to find meaningful solutions, especially for youths in Ikoyi-Obalende,” he added.

    The council boss urged residents to remain hopeful and patient amid rising inflation and economic hardship, assuring them that federal economic reforms would begin to yield positive results.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Finance Wale Edun are working on policies and programmes that, I believe, will lead us in the right direction. It might take time, but we will get there,” he said.

    Oladunjoye also called on residents to embrace a new era of leadership marked by responsibility and public accountability.

    “There’s a new sheriff in town. Residents should understand that the purpose of governance is to serve the people. I will be here for them, 24/7,” he said.

  • Akindele promises inclusivity, reforms in Mosan-Okunola

    Akindele promises inclusivity, reforms in Mosan-Okunola

    The newly inaugurated Chairman of Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Princess Opeyemi Akindele, has pledged a new chapter of purposeful leadership and tangible development across all wards of the council.

    Addressing a crowd of dignitaries, party faithful, and residents at the LCDA Secretariat following her swearing-in by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Akindele reiterated her 10-point agenda, encapsulated in the acronym L.E.A.D.E.R.S.H.I.P.

    She described it as “not just a slogan, but a practical roadmap for responsible, inclusive, and visionary governance.

    Her blueprint outlines a series of people-focused interventions. Among them is the Light Up Mosan-Okunola Project, which will see the deployment of solar-powered streetlights to boost security and support local businesses. In education, her No Child Left Behind initiative will provide free G.C.E and JAMB coaching, revamp public schools, and introduce adult literacy classes.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu’s wife launches N60m Tinubu’s RHI Agric support

    She said healthcare reforms under her administration include the upgrade of primary health centres, subsidised medication, and enhanced maternal care. For young people, she pledged inter-ward sports tournaments, skill acquisition programmes, and youth engagement platforms.

    According to her, environmental sanitation and beautification will be driven by strict waste management enforcement, routine desilting of drains, and partnerships with CDAs and CDCs. On infrastructure, she declared a zero-tolerance policy for potholes, promising ongoing road rehabilitation across all wards.

    Akindele, the former Vice Chairman and Executive Secretary of the council, said she is also committed to free healthcare and adult education for senior citizens, while women, youths, and persons with disabilities will benefit from empowerment schemes, including microcredit and vocational training.

    She pledged to promote agriculture through urban farming and

  • Ogidan inaugurates legislative arm

    Ogidan inaugurates legislative arm

    • By Iteoluwakisi Anifowose

    The Chairman of Coker-Aguda Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Azeez Ogidan, has pledged to run an inclusive and transparent administration rooted in community participation and continuity.

    Ogidan spoke during the inauguration of the council’s 6th Legislative Arm at the Abibat Mogaji Memorial Hall, where newly elected councillors were sworn in.

    He used the occasion to unveil his administration’s development blueprint ‘the Ogidan Vision’ which he described as a grassroots-focused governance strategy.

    According to him, the agenda rests on four key pillars: completion of inherited projects, inclusive governance, alignment with the state’s THEMES+ agenda, and the provision of ICT and healthcare centres.

    Read Also: Tinubu governing with people, not above them, says Shettima

    The council boss also called on legislators and stakeholders to work in synergy to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.

    Director-General of the National Senior Citizens Centre and APC Apex Party Leader in the council, Mrs Omobolanle Akinyemi-Obe, urged the legislators to remain accountable to their constituents.

    “Leadership is a responsibility. I encourage you all to serve with sincerity and always put the people first,” she said.

    Member of the House of Representatives, Lanre Okunola, advised the councillors to be diligent in legislative duties and to uphold principles of transparency in public service.

    Principal officers elected at the ceremony include Afeez Sulaiman Bowale as Leader of the House and Quasim Oyebanji as Deputy Leader.