No fewer than 250 residents, mostly women and youths, have benefitted from a training programme facilitated by Kayode Moshood Akiolu, representing Lagos Island II in the House of Representatives.
The five-day capacity-building programme, aimed at equipping participants with skills in food processing and small-scale catering, is part of Akiolu’s ongoing effort to promote economic self-reliance and reduce unemployment in his constituency.
The Director-General of the Moshood Akiolu Campaign Organisation, Fatai Adeshina, said the initiative was inspired by the lawmaker’s passion for community development.
“We thank God we have a good representative from our local government who understands the needs of our people. Today’s programme is about food processing. They’re being trained in how to prepare local dishes, and after this training, they will receive startup funds and equipment to begin their own businesses,” he said.
He stressed the importance of self-sufficiency in today’s economic climate.
“Even those in white-collar jobs are looking for side hustles now’’.
The outgoing Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Mojeed Balogun, has stated that his administration has not incurred any debt while executing projects during his tenure of eight years in office.
Balogun stated this during a media parley to review his administration’s performance, highlighting the complete refurbishment of the council secretariat as his most significant achievements.
He said: “We do not owe any external party or government agency a dime in executing our projects. The money used was the taxpayers’ money and the revenue generated for the local government.”
He added that among the revenue generation initiatives his administration has established is a paid parking space opportunity for the residents of the area within the council premises.
Balogun mentioned that his administration has made an impact across key sectors, including infrastructure, education, culture and even health, with particular emphasis on the rehabilitation of roads and drainage within his purview.
He credited the area’s security stability to effective collaboration with the Nigerian police command and other security operatives.
“If you observe Ikeja and its environs, you would notice low rate of crimes. That is because our security operatives are effective, and we appreciate them for that. This administration prioritised the vulnerables. We empowered them to live a better life. We have taken care of 95 per cent of our roads. There is no local government road in Ikeja right now that we have not taken care of, and we do not owe any government agency or external body a dime in implementing our projects,” he added.
He also commended the efforts of his team members, stating that their commitment to excellence is the backbone of his administration’s success.
The Lagos State Government yesterday launched Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy Roadmap.
The initiative, unveiled at the Shell Hall, Muson Centre, Onikan, signifies a robust commitment to gender equity and inclusive economic growth in a state where women comprise nearly half the population but often face significant barriers.
Speaking at the launch, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the roadmap as a pivotal step towards changing the narrative for women in Lagos.
He acknowledged the pervasive challenges women encounter in education, skill acquisition, access to finance, and participation across various industries despite the state’s economic vibrancy.
“Empowering women economically does not only lift individual households, it strengthens our communities, grows our economy, and secures a prosperous future for generations to come,” he stated.
Governor Sanwo-Olu pledged his administration’s continued collaborative efforts with all state ministries, partners, the private sector, and civil society to ensure successful implementation.
“We will ensure that this is not just a policy on paper, but a living instrument that transforms lives across Lagos,” he assured.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Mrs Bolaji Dada, explained that the WEE Policy Roadmap offers a well-defined strategy to address systemic challenges limiting women’s economic participation. These challenges, she said, range from restricted access to finance and skills to gender-based constraints in both traditional and emerging sectors.
President Bola Tinubu has hailed the performance of Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Rasaq Olusola Ajala.
The Senate Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (MOB), made this known last Friday during the opening of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Legacy Building in the council.
The event also featured the unveiling of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu Football Arena, nine solar-powered cubicles for phone and laptop charging, inauguration of 9.2km of roads, and the donation of 12 vehicles to some stakeholders.
Senator Bamidele described Ajala’s tenure as exemplary and said the President was particularly pleased with his commitment and service delivery.
“This is a proud moment for all of us. Ajala has made us extremely proud. To vote for someone is like giving them a job. But once someone gets a job for you, you need to be smart because nobody will do the job for you unless you work hard. I’m happy he worked hard. This is how to end an administration, eight years in the saddle and what a way to bow out,” he said.
He added that Ajala’s performance was not only worthy of commendation but a solid foundation for future growth. “By the grace of God, this will be the end of his tenure as council chairman but the beginning of greater things to come,” he added.
Bamidele, who also praised party leaders and stakeholders for their unwavering support, acknowledged that Ajala had proven his mettle even beyond the council, having served in sensitive political capacities including Director-General for senatorial campaigns.
He described Ajala as “a child of honour” and called on party faithful to support leaders who have shown commitment to service delivery.
Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, also lauded the achievements of the council boss, noting that the level of infrastructure delivery by councils sets the state apart.
“Yesterday, we were in Mushin to commission the first local government-owned radio station in Nigeria. Today, we’re here again in Odi-Olowo. Lagos local governments are performing beyond what some states can do,” he said. He said Ajala’s achievements over his eight-year tenure were both laudable and impactful.
He urged residents to take ownership of the facilities and use them responsibly for the greater good.
Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, applauded Ajala’s contributions not only to the LCDA but to the broader Lagos APC family, especially in his coordinating roles.
“I thank you for what you have done in the coordination of Conference 57, and for accepting to lead the largest senatorial district in Nigeria, 38 local governments. You delivered. You came, you served, and you have succeeded”, he said.
The party chairman urged residents to reciprocate APC’s developmental efforts by preparing for the 2027 general elections.
Vice Chairman and Chairman-Elect of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA, Seyi Jakande, promised to build upon the foundation laid by Ajala. Jakande thanked the residents, stating, “Your unwavering faith in our leadership inspires our commitment.”
He praised all religious and traditional leaders for their immense support, saying, “Together, we will continue to build a brighter future for everyone in Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA!”
•Over 24 per cent turnout recorded, says LASIEC chair •Ojelabi: Mechanisms in place to monitor elected officials
The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) yesterday presented Certificates of Return to the Chairmen, Vice-Chairmen and Councillors-elect from the Saturday Local Government elections.
The ceremony, held at LASIEC Headquarters in Sabo, Yaba, Lagos, marked the official affirmation of the public’s mandate to those who will take over the new leadership in 57 local councils in the state.
The ceremony was witnessed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State Exco-led by Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi; his predecessor and Chairman APC Canpaign Council, Alhaji Babatunde Balogun; Party Secretary Adeola Jokomba; Women’s Leader Jumoke Okoya-Thomas and host of others.
LASIEC Chairman, Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile, described the event as a monumental ceremony and a hallmark of democratic culture.
She expressed profound gratitude to God and all Lagos residents for their active participation and support throughout the electoral process.
“This event is more than a ceremony as it is the hallmark of democratic culture culminating in the actualization of resilient months of strategic planning, civic participation and institutional efforts,” Justice Okikiolu-Ighile stated.
The commission boss stated that over 24 per cent voters’ turnout was recorded in the poll as against 10 percent recorded in 2021.
This, she said, is unprecedented and a substantial improvement from the past editions.
“This is unprecedented, meaning that people came out more than they did in 2021. The increase is due to our robust voter awareness campaigns that utilized public transport branding and billboards across the state. Favorable weather conditions, with no excessive heat or rain, also contributed to voters’ comfort on the Election Day. Despite some initial difficulties for voters in locating their units, LASIEC provided vehicles to transport them to the correct polling stations after verification, ensuring all eligible voters had the opportunity to cast their ballots,” she said.
According to her, the number of polling units from about 8,000 in 2021 to 13,325 in 2025, helped reduce crowding and streamline the voting process.
She lauded the collective efforts of various stakeholders, including the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), candidates, security agencies, civil society organizations, traditional institutions, youth organizations, market men and women, faith-based organizations, persons living with disability (PWDs), the media, election observers, and the electorate.
She commended the professionalism and dedication of LASIEC staff and ad-hoc personnel, acknowledging the operational and logistical challenges encountered in the early hours of the exercise but praising their steadfast commitment.
Justice Okikiolu-Ighile highlighted the peaceful nature of the elections, noting that observers reported it as one of the very peaceful elections for local government polls.
“I personally visited numerous polling units and received video evidence confirming the increased participation,” she said.
The Chairman extended appreciation to the security agencies, including the Nigeria Police, Army, Navy, Air Force, DSS, NSCDC, and Operation MESSA, for their zero-tolerance approach and effective deployment that maintained law and order.
She noted that reports of issues were promptly addressed by the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh.
Justice Okikiolu-Ighile announced that LASIEC would not be resting on its laurels.
She said: “A post-election retreat for members, Electoral Officers (EOs), and Assistant Electoral Officers (AEOs) is scheduled for next week to critically evaluate the process, address challenges such as late starts and material distribution and discuss instances of hostility faced by officials.
“The commission has also drawn a year-round timetable for continuous engagement, emphasizing voter education and regular stakeholder meetings. The goal is to make LASIEC a household name and clarify its functions, often confused with those of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).”
The Chairman reiterated that Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) are not within LASIEC’s mandate, urging citizens to utilize INEC’s portal for PVC collection, transfers, or new registrations.
APC Lagos State Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, said the party was pleased with the outcome of the polls and pledged not to take the people’s trust and support for granted.
He said: “We thank the people of Lagos for believing in our party and giving us this victory. We worked hard for it and appreciate God for granting us strength and the wide acceptance shown by the people of Lagos State,” Ojelabi said.
He assured Lagos residents that the party would fulfill its campaign promises and its candidates would meet expectations across all local councils.
According to him, the party has established mechanisms to monitor its elected council officials and ensure they contribute meaningfully to the state’s development.
“By God’s grace, we shall meet that expectation.
Commending LASIEC, Ojelabi described the election as a successful and historic exercise that reflected the will of the people.
Chairman-elect of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Seyi Jakande, thanked the residents for voting for him.
Jakande, son of the late first Executive Civilian Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, recallsedthat late Jakande, who govern Lagos State between 1979 and 1983, left many unmatchable and imperishable impacts in the state.
According to him, most of the programmes being initiated in the council are for the peoples wellbeing, which are the steps of late Jakande.
“We are going to key into the vision of Alhaji Lateef Jakande, organising people-centric programmes and policies. We are definitely going to sustain them (Jakande’s policies) in a way we are going to put in new innovations to move the council forward,” he said.
Appreciating support from the people, Jakande commended LASIEC for conducting a free, fair and credible elections.
Chairman of Isolo LCDA, Adebayo Olasoju, assured the electorate of more developmental programmes.
He promised to deliver governance every resident would be proud of.
“We have always delivered on all our campaign promises in the last four years. We will continue to do. It’s a continuity of all of the programmes that we have actually done in the past eight years as vice chairman of the council. We intend to sustain the people-oriented programmes that have impacted on the lives of people of the community. We are bringing in new innovations to impact on the people,” Olasoju said.
The lone PDP councilor-elect out of the 376 councillors in the state, Babatunde Dosunmu, said, his popularity and trust reposed in him by the people of Yaba Ward D, Abule-Oja gave him the victory.
Dosunmu said that the mandate was for the people, promising not to dash their hope.
The newly-elected Chairman of Olorunda Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mr Peter Kumayon, has promised to run people oriented policies aimed at improving the quality of life of residents.
He spoke yesterday at a news briefing organised by his media team in Mowo, Badagry.
The chairman-elect addressed party leaders, monarchs and supporters, following his victory in last Saturday’s election.
Kumayon, All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship candidate, polled 28,799 votes to defeat ZLP and PDP candidates, who scored 562 and 470 votes.
He promised to uphold the trust and expectations placed in him.
“I pledge before God and this community to uphold the trust and expectations you have placed in me. This mandate is a call to serve, not to rule. Our guiding principle will be a government that listens, serves and delivers. I reaffirm my commitments to the people of Olorunda, to provide access to quality basic education for every child.
“I will strengthen our primary health care system, enhance social welfare, empower youths and women through innovation, skills development and enterprise.
“I pledge to invest in infrastructure, sanitation, security and a sustainable local economy,” Kumayon said.
He promised to maintain a leadership style rooted in transparency, inclusion and accountability.
The chairman-elect thanked his party for the support and confidence reposed in him, acknowledging key figures, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for their leadership legacies.
He also expressed appreciation to Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, and Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) for conducting a peaceful and credible election.
He praised the outgoing chairman, Mr. Samson Olatunde.
Kumayon paid tributes to traditional rulers in Olorunda for their supports.
The Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Dr Mojeed Balogun, an engineer, has called on residents to remain committed to the ideals of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and support his successor, Akeem Dauda, saying continuity in leadership will guarantee sustained development at the grassroots.
Speaking at the just-concluded local government elections, Balogun described the exercise as an opportunity for citizens to shape the future of their communities through the ballot.
“Elections are about the people. When you come out to vote for credible candidates, especially at the local level, you are voting for progress and the dividends of democracy,” he said.
The council boss, who voted at Gbajobi Street, Allen Lane, said his administration has prioritised policy stability, infrastructure renewal, and people-oriented programmes.
He said: “My successor will build on what we have established—policy-wise, developmental-wise, infrastructure-wise and ensure that development is continuous,” he said.
He noted that Ikeja has remained a stronghold of progressives’ governance and expressed confidence in the people’s continued support.
“The people of Ikeja have always stood with the progressives, and I believe they will continue to do so. I pray and assure them that their loyalty will be rewarded with greater development and inclusive governance,” he added.
The Chairman of Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Otunba Ladi Oluwaloni, has opened the newly constructed culverts and asphalt road, at Revelation Street, Cosmos Bus stop.
According to Mr. Oluwaloni, this marked another significant milestone in his administration’s commitment to infrastructure renewal and grassroot development.
He added that the infrastructure development project, demonstrates the LCDA’s dedication to enhance connectivity, accessibility and inclusivity, within the community.
“This project was a direct response to the concerns and the needs expressed by the residents. The commissioning of this 6000 square meters road and culverts project, re-affirms our pledge to deliver impactful, people-focused governance.
“We are not just constructing roads, we are building the future, stimulating local commerce and strengthening public confidence in governance,” Oluwaloni said.
The residents expressed gratitude to the council chairman and his team for bringing such connectivity to their community.
Epe Local Government Council Area of Lagos State Chairman, and All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairmanship candidate of the council, Princess Surah Animashaun, has promised that her administration will continue to embark on people-oriented programmes that will be of benefit and reward to the people of the council.
Princess Animashaun made the remarks when she visited the Oloja of Epe, Oba Kamorudeen Ishola Animashaun, in his palace in Epe alongside her campaign team.
She said her administration would continue to commit more of the council’s resources to developmental projects that would have direct impact on the lives of the poor and vulnerable persons in the society.
She said in the close to four years of her administration, there had been deliberate activities to make people the centre piece of the local government’s decision.
“In 2021, the people of this council made a significant decision in electing us to govern them. Over the years, we have been deliberate in reciprocating that decision. We have made the people and the vulnerable, the centre piece of our activities as a government.
“We have been deliberate in ensuring that every segment of our population gets their fair share of dividends of democracy. We have launched several schemes that are currently benefiting more than 20,000 indigents, including students of tertiary institutions of the council.
“We have established a safety net programme under which at least 10,000 vulnerable senior citizens, including aged people are benefiting.
“Every ward in the local government council area has benefited from our developmental interventions in road, health, drainage construction, culvert education, among other projects,” Princess Animashaun said.
She commended the monarch and other traditional leaders in the council area for their support for her administration.
Oba Animashaun commended the chairperson’s steadfastness and consistency in promoting peace and economic growth in the council area.
The monarch said the chairperson’s humility is a quality trait that endeared her to the people of the local government council area.
“When we saw the Chairperson in the palace, we were extremely happy because she has again exhibited humility. When someone shows that kind of humility, they will surely get reward from Almighty Allah. We are grateful to your service to humanity.
“In Epe, we are united and we are strategic to national and state growth and harmony.
I pray that this administration succeeds in its numerous and laudable efforts towards human capital development, innovations and infrastructures,” the monarch said.
Iyewo, a community-focused health initiative, has launched a market health plan designed to provide routine medical checks and accessible healthcare for traders and market women in Lagos State.
The initiative, which launched at Mile 12 Market, was led by Iyewo founder, Folake Idowu, in partnership with Lagos Business School, with support from market leaders and key stakeholders.
According to Folake, the initiative was inspired by her childhood experiences in Oke Arin Market and the challenges traders face in accessing affordable healthcare.
She noted that the name Iyewo, derived from the Yoruba word for “care”, reflects the initiative’s purpose and grassroot impact.
Under the plan, traders will pay a monthly fee of N4,000 for access to weekly medical care, including consultations with community health practitioners and basic health insurance coverage.
“We have developed the Iwosan Market Plan, which ensures that a certified community health worker visits beneficiaries weekly. We call this the Barefoot Clinic. The plan includes insurance coverage, aligning with the Lagos State Government’s mandate for access to basic healthcare for every resident. We’ve partnered with an HMO platform to make this possible,” Folake explained.
She emphasised that the program provides screening and support for different conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes, tailored to the specific health needs of the market traders.
“Iyewo is a technology-enabled health service provider targeting the informal sector. We want to meet people where they are and the aim is to reach as many market women all over Lagos state as possible, so we will be launching in different markets for the next few months,” she added.
Speaking at the launch, a representative of Lagos Business School, Olayinka Dada, stated that the project had been in development for over a year, noting that they conducted extensive research to understand and address the specific health challenges of market traders.
The Jagunmolu of Mile 12, Chief Sowande Adesina, who represented the Kabiyesi of Maidan, Oba Adelana Ogunjobi, described the project as timely and essential for the community.
“This intervention came at the right time. Iyewo reached out to us ahead of the launch to understand the local challenges. That’s what makes it different,” he said.
Also speaking, the Iyaloja of Orisumbare Market, Yeye Dupe Ojo, commended the initiative for focusing on underserved populations, urging the traders to maximise the opportunity.
“The most remarkable feature of this program is its grassroots impact. Many of our people cannot afford hospital visits. It is easier, accessible and conducive so we approve it and we love it,” she said.
She urged the traders to maximise the opportunity and prioritise their health.
One of the attendees revealed that she only discovered she had high blood pressure after participating in the free on-site screening during the event. Dasola Adebowale, a fish trader, who praised the idea, said that the nature of their job doesn’t often allow them to visit healthcare facilities or hospitals despite needing it.
“Iyewo is very good for us because we traders do not have to leave our businesses to visit any healthcare centre, and if they come to our stalls, it will reduce the stress of market women. When we are working, we often develop headaches and other health challenges,” she said.
