The Nation Newspaper

Category: Grassroots

  • Dauda unveils Ikeja Agenda for development

    Dauda unveils Ikeja Agenda for development

    • By Opemipo Richard

    The newly elected Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Akeem Dauda, has unveiled a five-point agenda designed to drive growth and development across the council.

    Tagged: Ikeja Agenda, Dauda said the plan focuses on infrastructural development, knowledge-based initiatives, environmental improvement, social justice, and accountability.

    “When we started our campaign, we have five agendas. We call it Ikeja Agenda. It has to do with infrastructural development, knowledge-based, environment, social justice and accountability. That’s our goal and agenda and that’s what we will be driving for the people of Ikeja”, he said.

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    Speaking on security under the social justice pillar, the council boss noted that his administration plans to work closely with security agencies and residents to improve safety within the area.

    “Under social justice, we are going to assist the security agencies with some support. We also intend to do what we called ‘When you see something, you say something.’ We also want to go on enlightenment campaign. We want to enlighten the community to own security of their community. So that when they see a stranger, they invite or call the police for assistance. That’s what we want to do in our security,” he added.

    Dauda assured that the Ikeja Agenda would serve as a guide for development efforts throughout his administration.

  • Apapa-Iganmu chair pledges job opportunities for youths

    Apapa-Iganmu chair pledges job opportunities for youths

    Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Jimoh Olawale Saliu has pledged to prioritise youth empowerment, environmental sanitation, and community security as he begins his administration.

    Speaking shortly after his inauguration, Saliu outlined his primary assignment as directed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, which includes improving the environment, healthcare delivery, and addressing the welfare of young people in the community.

    “There is a lot of unemployment in the society. I have various programmes tailored for our youths – from secondary school leavers to those awaiting job opportunities. We will initiate after-school training and vocational skills development to ensure they are equipped for the future. No youths should be wasted in society.”

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    In the area of environmental management, the council boss stated that while Apapa-Iganmu is relatively clean, more will be done to ensure a healthier and more sanitary environment.

    “I am launching a clean-up campaign in line with the vision of Governor Sanwo-Olu. We will work closely with residents and stakeholders to keep our communities clean,” he assured.

    He said the persistent flooding from Malafia Junction to the Kupapula area in Ajegunles need the intervention of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA).

    According to him, the flooding crisis has plagued the community for over 15 years.

    Soliu promised increased in security, noting that. “Apapa-Iganmu has made significant progress in reducing crime, and I will build on that. I’m bringing a stronger force to curb lapses, particularly in drug abuse, cultism, and violence. I’ve always said ‘No’ to drugs, cultism, and smoking. I won’t tolerate any behavior that threatens peace and order.”

  • Jafojo congratulates Jakande

    Jafojo congratulates Jakande

    • By Sisianu Melawakou

    The former Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Adewale Jafojo, has congratulated Seyi Jakande, on his swearing-in as Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area.

    Jafojo said a new era has begun in the council.

    Jafojo praised Jakande for his unwavering dedication and commitment to public service.

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    “Your election confirms the confidence the people of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye have in your leadership abilities. I am confident that you will bring the same passion and vision that have defined your career thus far to this new role, especially the legacy of the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande,” he said.

    Jafojo expressed optimism about the future of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye under Jakande’s leadership.

    “As you embark on this important journey, I urge you to prioritise the needs and aspirations of the residents. Your HEWA Agenda will undoubtedly pave the way for progress and prosperity in our community,” he said.

    Jafojo’s father, Alhaji Rafiu Jafojo, was the first Deputy Governor of Lagos State, serving alongside the Seyi’s father, the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande, who was the Executive Governor then.

  • Sanusi: it’s a new beginning

    Sanusi: it’s a new beginning

    It was an atmosphere of celebration yesterday at Amuwo-Odofin Local Government headquarters, as the newly sworn-in chairman, Prince Lanre Sanusi popularly known as PLS was ushered in as its new chairman.

    Speaking at the event which had notable traditional rulers, party stalwarts and council staff members, all regally dressed, Sanusi promised a new beginning for the local government.

    He appreciated the immediate past chairman, Mr. Valentine Buraimoh, for his efforts so far and stated that roads in Festac Town and the local government at large, which are in deplorable conditions, will be his administration’s top priority.

    “No local government can grow without strong infrastructure. We will prioritise road rehabilitation, street lighting, and public utilities that make life easier for our residents,” he stated.

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    He also listed Sanitation and Environment, including proper attention to waste management and drainage improvement; Youth Empowerment and Education; Health and Social Welfare, with special attention to improved access to quality healthcare, maternal services, and care for the elderly and the vulnerable; as well as Inclusive Governance and Transparency, as areas he will be giving premium attention.

    “This is a new beginning of progress and I promise: I am not here to rule. I am here to serve. Every ward will be carried along.

    Every voice will be heard. Every budget will be transparent. We will lead with accountability and integrity,” he concluded.

  • Ejigbo begins polio vaccination exercise

    Ejigbo begins polio vaccination exercise

    • By Aishat Ahmed, Misturah Yusuf, Mojisola Adegoke

    In a renewed effort to safeguard the health and future of children within the community, the Chairperson of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, Mrs Aishat Taiwo, has kicked-off the Polio Outbreak Response (OBR) exercise at Jaiye Alabi Primary Health Care Centre, Moshalashi, and Ejigbo Primary School Complex.

    The initiative, organised in collaboration with the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB) and the Lagos State Health District VI, aimed to ensure that every eligible child between 0-59 months receives the oral polio vaccine (OPV), strengthening the campaign to completely eradicate poliomyelitis within the LCDA and across Lagos State.

    Mrs. Taiwo emphasised the council’s commitment to delivering accessible healthcare and preventive medical services at the grassroots. She urged parents and guardians to ensure that no child was left unprotected.

    “Our children are the pride and future of this community. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that no child is left unprotected from vaccine-preventable diseases like polio. I urge parents and guardians to bring their children out for vaccination and to support the health workers throughout this exercise,” she said.

     Vice Chairman of Ejigbo LCDA, Mrs. Nicholas-Ike, commended the dedication of the health workers and partner agencies driving the campaign. She highlighted the council’s continued focus on promoting health and well-being across Ejigbo.

    She said: “Good health remains the foundation of every thriving community. We will continue to prioritise initiatives that protect our children and secure a healthier future for all residents of Ejigbo.”

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    The Medical Officer, Dr. Yetunde Ibrahim, delivered a health talk, sensitising parents and caregivers on the importance of the vaccination.

    She explained that the campaign boosts children’s immunity against poliomyelitis and prevents any resurgence of the virus within the community.

    Dr. Ibrahim urged residents to cooperate fully with health officials by allowing access to their homes and ensuring all eligible children receive the OPV, emphasising that vaccination is safe, free, and essential for protecting children from lifelong disability.

    The Disease Surveillance Officer in Ejigbo, Mrs. Amosu, also addressed the audience, detailing the dangers of poliomyelitis. She explained that the disease primarily affects children under five, cannot be reversed once contracted, and in severe cases may result in death.

    She stressed that polio was entirely preventable through timely vaccination, urging parents to ensure their children were fully immunised.

    A representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), Mr. James Agada, commended Ejigbo LCDA for its strong collaboration in advancing public health initiatives. He applauded the council’s efforts to sustain a polio-free environment and called for continued community participation to ensure that every child was reached and protected.

  • Sanwo-Olu, Obanikoro hail Akinlola-Hassan’s ‘achievements’

    Sanwo-Olu, Obanikoro hail Akinlola-Hassan’s ‘achievements’

    In a historic and emotionally charged ceremony, the Chairman of Oriade Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Ramotalai Akinlola-Hassan, inaugurated a series of signature legacy projects as her two-term tenure comes to a close.

    The event, which marked the culmination of years of people-oriented leadership, witnessed the unveiling of several community-driven projects that have significantly transformed the landscape of Oriade LCDA.

    The projects included Chief Yinusa Adisa Akinlola Ultra-Modern Administrative Block 2; Yusuf Amuda Buraimoh (Ateni) Legislative Building; Rehabilitation of Assembly Road; Rehabilitation of Town Planning Road; Rehabilitation of Dupe Otegbola Road; Rehabilitation of Ade-Oshodi Road; Facelift of Prince Saliu Adio Olatunji Sekoni Administrative Block 1 and Facelift of Chief Yinusa Adisa Akinlola Memorial Hall.

    The ceremony was witnessed by the Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government and Rural Development Kayode Roberts and Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, a member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC).

    Roberts, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, praised Akinlola-Hassan’s growth, resilience, and transformational leadership.

    He said: “This morning when I came here, she took me round, and I want to tell you — I shed tears. Look at her — the way she talks, the way she plays, the way she does many things — nobody would have thought she could grow to this extent. If anyone says Ramota is stubborn, then you don’t know her father. Her father, during his time, would challenge even Asiwaju (President Bola Ahmed Tinubu) and say ‘No, this one, we are not going to do it.’ She inherited that strength. I am proud of you. I am happy.”

    He added that while the governor could not attend due to being out of the country, he would personally deliver Akinlola-Hassan’s message to him.

    Addressing the political class in Oriade LCDA, Roberts emphasized the need for unity and acceptance of political outcomes.

    “In politics, you win some, you lose some. The game must continue. A policy that favored you in the past, if it turns against you later, you have to accept it,” he said.

    The thanked all those who made the projects possible and praised the legacy the council boss is leaving behind. Former Minister and Senator, Musiliu Obanikoro, hailed Akinlola-Hassan, for her developmental strides.

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    Senator Obanikoro described the newly constructed secretariat as a legacy project that has permanently etched her name in the history of Oriade.

    “This is a landmark achievement,” Obanikoro said.

    Akinlola-Hassan expressed gratitude to the legislators, executive team, management, staff, and community stakeholders.

    She reiterated that the projects were designed not as monuments, but as meaningful improvements in the lives of residents.

    “These are not just buildings and roads – they are legacies of progress for every resident of Oriade LCDA,” she said.

  • Lagos steps up monitoring of infraction in estates

    Lagos steps up monitoring of infraction in estates

    Lagos State Ministry of Housing has stepped up monitoring of physical and environmental state of the state-owned estates to detect infractions, ensure situations capable of causing unwholesome damage to infrastructure, aesthetic and general livability are quickly nipped in the bud.

    The ministry through the deployment, training and provision of work tools to environmental health and monitoring officers in the ministry, said it is ready to enhance its oversight on all estates to achieve a safe and sustainable environment.

    Commissioner for Housing Moruf Akinderu-Fatai stated this while inspecting vehicles provided for the Monitoring and Enforcement Unit of the Ministry to boost monitoring of compliance to physical and environmental regulations in government estates. According to him “the sustainability of all our estates is a task we take seriously and the provision of these vehicles for patrol of Lagos State Government estates is a deliberate action to prevent deterioration as a result of deliberate infractions by residents of government estates”.

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    He stated that the allottees of government estates are required to observe strict adherence to physical planning laws and obey all laws as regards safety and environmental sustainability.

    He reminded residents of government estates that “the obligations of allottees are clearly stated in the letters of allocation and other subsequent documents shared afterwards, ensure total compliance to sustain the infrastructural values of the estates”.

    Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing, Abdulhafis Toriola, explained that the vehicles are assigned to the Monitoring and Enforcement units to make monitoring operations easier for the staff.

    He pointed out that the ministry has government estates spread across the five divisions of the state and the vehicles are meant to ensure enforcement personnel cover more ground in real time.

  • Obasa lauds legacy projects in Agboyi-Ketu

    Obasa lauds legacy projects in Agboyi-Ketu

    The Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Mudashiru Obasa, has praised the outgoing Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Dele Oshinowo, for delivering impactful and enduring infrastructure as he commissioned 24 legacy projects to mark the end of his tenure.

    Obasa, who spoke during the inauguration of five major projects, commended Oshinowo for his visionary leadership and described the projects as a testament to the effectiveness of grassroots governance under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    “These projects are not only functional, but they also symbolise purposeful governance, Oshinowo has surpassed expectations and left behind a legacy that provides a strong foundation for future administrations and a solid platform for our party,” Obasa said.

    The commissioning, which marked the beginning of a three-day rollout of completed projects, included three rehabilitated roads – Thomas Laniyan Road (800m), Irawo Okunbadejo Road (460m), and Abayomi Owoade Road (490m), spanning a total of 1.75 kilometres.

    Other facilities unveiled were the Tunde Braimoh Model Market formerly Mandela Market and the Chief Stephen Oyedele Sports and Recreational Center, both described as symbols of community renewal and economic empowerment.

    A major highlight was the renaming of Mandela Market to the Tunde Braimoh Modern Market in honour of the late lawmaker who died in July 2020.

    Obasa described the tribute as “deeply symbolic” and praised Oshinowo for ensuring Braimoh’s legacy remains visible within the community he served. Speaking at the event, Oshinowo noted that the projects were conceived to stand the test of time and serve the needs of residents beyond his administration.

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    He said: “These are not just projects; they are legacy initiatives built on the foundation of service, integrity, and community trust. We have remained committed to our people until the very last day.”

    Oshinowo reiterated that the remaining projects would be commissioned in the following days, reaffirming his commitment to serve the people of Agboyi-Ketu to the end of his administration.

    “This market is not just brick and mortar, it is a tribute to a man who gave so much to our people, and every project we’re unveiling is a chapter in the story of service, sacrifice, and progress.”

    Daughter of the late legislator, Oyinkansola Tunde-Braimoh, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the council. “This gesture means a lot to my family. It is not just about a name, it is about preserving the values and excellence my father stood for,” she said.

    Also present was former Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Gbenga Ashafa, who commissioned the road projects and called on the incoming administration to continue from where Oshinowo stopped. “A solid foundation has been laid. It’s now up to the next leadership to build on it and keep the momentum going,” he said.

    Former Chairman of the council, Otunba Yetunde Arobieke, described the market as a vibrant commercial hub set to enhance local trade and support economic growth. She urged residents and traders to take ownership of the facility and maintain it for future generations.

  • Iba inaugurates road, drainage

    Iba inaugurates road, drainage

    •  By Eniola Akinwande

    The Chairman of Iba Local Council Development Area (LCDA),  Jubril Yisa, inaugurated the newly constructed interlock paving stone and drainage system at Hassan Muhammad Road, Mebamu, Cele-Nica Bus Stop.

    Speaking during the event, Yisa described the project as more than a physical infrastructure, but a symbol of progress, resilience, and collective achievement.

    “Today, we gather not just to commission a road project, but to celebrate a collective achievement, a symbol of progress, development, and our shared commitment to a better tomorrow,” he stated.

    He noted that the project is a direct response to long-standing challenges faced by the community, including poor road conditions, flooding, and limited accessibility. According to him, the successful delivery of the road and drainage demonstrates his administration’s dedication to delivering motorable roads across Iba.

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    “We all know how essential a good road is to daily life. It connects us to schools, hospitals, markets, places of worship, and one another. But even more importantly, it reflects the dignity we deserve in our communities. With this project, we are affirming that Mebamu matters. Cele-Nica matters. The people here matter,” he said.

    Yisa further emphasized the importance of the newly installed drainage system, describing it as a testament to the council’s forward-thinking and commitment to sustainable development.

    “We are not just building for today, but for the rainy seasons to come, for the safety of our children, and for the continued growth of our environment,” he added.

    He extended his gratitude to the engineers, contractors, and especially the community members for their cooperation, patience, and support throughout the duration of the construction.

    The council boss called on residents, particularly youths, to take ownership of the infrastructure and ensure its maintenance for the benefit of future generations.

    “As we commission this road and drainage today, let it serve as a reminder that with unity, vision, and dedication, we can transform every corner of our community,” he said.

  • Ejigbo unveils ultra-modern secretariat

    Ejigbo unveils ultra-modern secretariat

    By Busola Akinyoade

    The Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Monsurudeen Oloyede Bello (OBE), has opened  the newly constructed council secretariat, marking a historic milestone for the council.

    The building, named Nurudeen Obe Complex, stands as a tribute to his late father’s legacy.

    Bello described it as a significant moment in the history of the council

    He specially acknowledged the Lagos State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, for his unwavering commitment to grassroots development and his consistent support for the growth of local government administration across the state.

    Reflecting on the journey that led to the construction of the edifice, Bello noted that the secretariat’s history dated back to 2003 during the creation of LCDAs under the then Governor, now President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He explained that Ejigbo LCDA operated from the inherited NRC building, which, though used by four successive administrations, was unsuitable for governance.

    According to him, the structure, originally meant for party activities, could not support effective administration. Offices were scattered due to space limitations and infrastructure decay, which hindered service delivery. Upon assuming office on July 27, 2017, Bello said it became clear that the NRC structure had to be replaced completely.

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    “In collaboration with the Department of Works and Infrastructure, we developed a modern design that conforms with the institutional and operational demands of a Lagos State Model city governance,” he said, adding “This is not just another building but a symbol of hope, unity, and inclusive governance. It is a structure that regulates and represents the interests of the Federal Government, Lagos State, Oshodi-Isolo Local Government, and Ejigbo LCDA. “This secretariat is not only a seat of governance; it is a catalyst for economic growth. Its strategic location, nestled between Ajao Estate and the Oshodi-Isolo axis, provides a natural flow of commercial activities and positions Ejigbo as a fertile ground for investors.”

    He lauded religious bodies across all faiths for their continuous prayers, moral guidance, and support. He also thanked stakeholders and residents for their trust, patience, and support throughout his administration.

    He acknowledged his political personal assistants and paid tribute to his late parents, especially his father, a pioneer politician in Ejigbo Land.

    Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, praised the project as a landmark achievement. He said the ultra-modern secretariat reflected visionary leadership, purposeful governance, and a strong commitment to the people of Ejigbo and Lagos State.