The Nation Newspaper

Category: Grassroots

  • Apapa inspects five projects

    Apapa inspects five projects

    Apapa Local Government Area administration, led by Chairman Idowu Senbanjo, on Monday inspected five ongoing projects in the council area to assess their progress and quality.

    The projects inspected include a rehabilitated AstroTurf mini stadium at Caucrick, the renovated Pelewura Road, another AstroTurf mini stadium under renovation in Ijora Oloye, a 20,000-gallon micro waterworks, and renovated Child Avenue and Central Avenue roads, among other infrastructures.

    Speaking about the ongoing rehabilitation of the Astro-turf mini stadium at Caucrick, Senbanjo emphasised that the project aims to boost sports development and keep the youths off social vices.

    She said: “We have a lot of youths in Apapa who are very energetic and we have in the past won several accolades for the state in tennis and football. The Astro-Turf redevelopment is our way of encouraging sports among the youth and in their schools, such that they have designated days for sporting activities and to keep them away from social vices.”

    Senbanjo stressed that all projects are executed with quality materials that can withstand the test of time, no matter the cost, emphasising that the administration prioritises quality in infrastructural development.

    During a courtesy visit to the palace of the Oba of Ijora Kingdom, Oba Abdulfatai Aremu, he commended the chairman’s administration on the multiple development in the community, particularly the water works.

    “To be sincere, the chairman of Apapa Local Government is doing a great job in the welfare of Apapa, If you look at the roads, you will notice it. We have been having water problems but now, we have water works, I am confident that after the commissioning of that place, Ijora will have healthy and pure water to drink.”

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    According to the Vice Chairman, the increasing need for a stable, clean, and sanitised water supply in the community necessitated the construction of the 20,000-gallon micro waterworks to distribute 20,000 gallons of water daily to the residents.

    Speaking to the press, the Head of Works and Infrastructure Development, Damilola Oyegbami, said that the ongoing reconstruction of Pelewura way is intended to ease traffic flow in the area.

    While expanding on future plans of her administration, Senbanjo announced that the maiden edition of the Apapa cleanup exercise will hold on July 4, a sanitisation exercise for all residents of the community.

    Stressing that hygiene is one of the most imperative cultures she wants to establish and maintain in her administration, Senbanjo urged the residents to troop out en masse to support the initiative and make a change in their environment.

    “We will hold an Apapa Cleanup exercise on July 4, a sanitisation for the residents. I want to urge everybody, both business owners and home owners to come out and clean up our environment. We hope that this exercise becomes a statement of intent and sustainable practice for years to come,” she urged.

    The chairman revealed that her intent to seek re-election is hinged on the successful continution of her administration’s initiatives in schools and other areas contributing to the development of Apapa local government area as a whole.

  • I remain committed to growth, development of Orile-Agege, says council boss

    I remain committed to growth, development of Orile-Agege, says council boss

    The Chairman, Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Akinola Idowu, has reiterated his commitment to advancing the growth and development of Orile-Agege residents.

    He spoke after casting his vote over the weekend in the local council polls. Hon. Akinola emerged victorious with 40,993 votes.

    Hon. Akinola became the first unopposed chairmanship candidate in Orile-Agege LCDA since its creation.

    Arriving at Polling Unit 24, Ward E, alongside his elderly mother, Hon. Akinola first cast his ballot before assisting his mother to do the same.

    Hon. Akinola, while speaking on how he intends to build upon the legacy of his predecessor, Hon. Johnson Babatunde, expressed readiness to deliver impactful leadership aimed at improving the lives of residents.

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    He praised Hon. Johnson’s impactful leadership, acknowledging the high standards and numerous projects executed during his tenure.

    Hon. Akinola expressed confidence in his ability to not only match but exceed those achievements, citing his experience and the confidence the party has placed in him.

    He said, “I wasn’t surprised to emerge unopposed. “I am a grassroots man, deeply connected to the people of Orile-Agege.

    “I’ve built relationships through our schools, community events, religious gatherings, and political engagements. That connection is what led others—across party lines—to step down and support my candidacy.”

    With this historic win, Hon. Akinola is poised to begin a new chapter of leadership in Orile-Agege LCDA, carrying the expectations and goodwill of a united and hopeful community.

  • Oto-Awori LCDA bids council boss farewell

    Oto-Awori LCDA bids council boss farewell

    Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has bid farewell to the late council chairman, Prince Musibau Adekunke Asafa.

    The council leaders , workers, family and friends attended the final burial which held recently

    Acting Chairman of Oto Awori LCDA,  Azeez Kareem, and the Council Manager, Mr. Salam Adeyemi, reflected on the life of the deceased.

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    Kazeem noted that human beings have limited time on earth. He attested to the indelible legacy of Asafa.

    Asafa was commended not only for his leadership qualities but

    also for his commitment to community development. His legacy of kindness and

    passion for public service resonated among those gathered to honour him.They shared stories about Ashafa’s contributions to the LCDA and outside it.

    Personalities at the event included the All Progressives Congress (APC) state Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, Senator Idiat Oluranti Adebule; and Olusegun Ege, Member of the state House of Assembly representing Ojo Constituency.

    1,Tijani Surajudeen Olatunji, member of the Lagos State House of Assembly for Ojo.

  • Yaba opens health centre at Abule-Oja

    Yaba opens health centre at Abule-Oja

    • By Busola Akinyoade

    The Chairman of Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Kayode Adejare Omiyale, has opened the newly constructed and fully equipped Primary Health Centre (PHC).

    The health centre, named in honour of Alhaji Kolawole Osho, was unveiled as a major boost in grassroots healthcare delivery

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    The council boss described the project as a fulfillment of his administration’s promise to bring quality and accessible healthcare to the grassroots.

    “This facility is not just a building. It is the realization of a vision — one centered on the health and well-being of every resident, regardless of status or means,” he said.

    According to him, the centre is a 15-bed facility, designed and equipped to meet modern standards. It includes a diagnostic unit, an emergency ward, maternal and neonatal care units, and a fully functional laboratory.

    Some of the installed equipment include automated chemistry and hematology analyzers, pulse oximeters, defibrillators, infant radiant warmers, and ophthalmologic tools such as an auto-refractor and tonometer. A dedicated eye clinic and a modern labour ward were also highlighted among the key features.

    Omiyale also used the occasion to pay tribute to those who laid the foundation for the project, including Adebola Shabi, who initiated the land acquisition over two decades ago, and Jide Jimoh, who started the first construction phase.

    Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, praised the chairman’s commitment to healthcare reforms.

    “The commissioning of this centre is not an isolated achievement but part of a deliberate investment in the health system. It supports our goal of equitable, affordable healthcare and contributes to reducing preventable diseases across Lagos,” he said.

  • Abiru delivers road, PHC, classroom

    Abiru delivers road, PHC, classroom

    Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru has handed over five completed projects he facilitated to the residents of Igbogbo-Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

    Residents, community and the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), leaders in Igbogbo-Baiyeku, commended Senator Abiru for his exemplary leadership and performance since he got into the saddles as the Senator representing Lagos East.

    The projects that were handed over to the people of the LCDA, through the leadership of the Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA, led by Olusesan Mayokun Daini, were: Fully reconstructed 1km Agunfoye Road, equipped with drainage; a newly built Primary Health Centre at Igbe Laara, bringing quality healthcare services closer to residents; Rehabilitation of classrooms at Methodist Primary School, Ibeshe; A new block of classrooms at UAMC Primary School, Eleja, Igbogbo and Renovation of a block of classrooms at Local Government Primary School, Igbe Laara.

    Senator Abiru, who was represented by the former member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mrs Adebimpe Akinsola, emphasized that the projects reflect his unwavering commitment to people-focused and impactful representation.

    “These interventions are not just about infrastructure. They are about restoring dignity, improving access, and creating opportunity,” the Senator stated.

    The lawmaker urged the community to take full ownership of the facilities, stressing the importance of maintenance and sustainability for future generations. The Senator also called on local leaders to ensure the proper use and management of the newly delivered assets.

    While assuring residents that more developmental projects were in the pipeline, Senator Abiru reaffirmed his focus on initiatives in education, health, youth empowerment, and infrastructure development across the Lagos East Senatorial District.

    The Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, notable leaders across Ikorodu division, including the apex leader in Ikorodu, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe and the Chairman of Igbogbo Baiyeku LCDA, inagurated the projects.

    At the commissioning of the Methodist Primary school, Ibeshe, Olubeshe of Ibeshe, Oba Richard Abayomi Ogunsanya, thanked Senator Abiru for providing desired leadership across the district.

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    Lagos State House of Assembly member, Gbolahan Ogunleye, who represented his father, Prince Ogunleye, said the Lagos East was proud of the performance of the Senator.

    The former Head of Service in Lagos State, Otunba Adesegun Ogunlewe, who commissioned one of the blocks of classrooms on behalf of Senator Ogunlewe, and the Odofin of Igbogbo, High Chief Tajudeen Onasanya, eulogized Senator Abiru as a silent performer, whose good works are speaking for themselves.

    Also Senator Abiru recently delivered health centres and blocks of classrooms to the residents of  coastal communities in Lekki Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

    The projects, commissioned and transferred to the leadership of Lekki, include the newly constructed and fully equipped Primary Health Centre in Akodo-Ise and the rehabilitation and upgrade of an existing health centre in Folu community. In addition, rehabilitated and fully furnished classroom blocks at Lepia Primary School and Olomowewe Primary School were also delivered to the local government authority.

    The Epe Division, which includes Ibeju Lekki, Lekki, Eredo, Ikosi Ejirin, and Epe, has been a significant beneficiary of Senator Abiru’s development strides. Projects in the area include modern markets, youth centres, and the ongoing SAIL Innovation Lab and Sports Complex in Orimedu, Ibeju-Lekki, set to become a hub for digital and sport talent development.

  • Megida hails Bello, predicts APC victory in Yaba, Mainland

    Megida hails Bello, predicts APC victory in Yaba, Mainland

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Alhaji Ibrahim Alao Megida, has commended the former Lagos Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources and current CEO of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Tunji Bello, for his consistent support ahead of Saturday’s local government elections.

        Megida, who is also the Coordinator of the Mainland Independent Group (MIG), praised Bello’s commitment to the APC despite his demanding national assignment, noting that his moral and material backing has played a pivotal role in galvanising grassroots mobilisation across Yaba and Mainland.

    “Despite his busy schedule as Chairman of FCCPC, Tunji Bello has remained constantly in touch with us, offering strategic advice and ensuring we remain focused on securing victory for the party.

        He reminds us regularly that Lagos is the political base of our leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and that we must fortify the party at the grassroots to keep it unshaken ahead of 2027”, he said.

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    As the LG polls draw closer, Megida expressed optimism that the APC would record a landslide in both Yaba LCDA and Mainland Local Government, noting that there was “no vacancy for the opposition.”

        He urged eligible voters in Yaba to turn out en masse and vote for APC’s chairmanship candidate, Bayo Adefuye. He made a similar call to residents of Mainland L.G. to support Jubril Emilagba, the incumbent Vice Chairman, who is contesting for chairman under the APC platform.

     “We have done virtually all that need be done,in terms of a sustained and intensified mobilisation of the electorates…. We had organized rallies, embarked on intensive door-to-door campaign

        For those in the opposition party who had been looking forward to the prospect that they would cash in on the temporary differences in the party to coast home to victory,they have the entitlement to indulge themselves in futile day dreaming”, he said.

        Reacting to speculations about internal wrangling within the APC, Megida acknowledged there were grievances during the party primaries but maintained that all factions have since reconciled.

     “It’s natural for disagreements to arise, even within families. But maturity demands we resolve such issues and move forward. That is exactly what we’ve done. Every existing factions and caucuses have since closed ranks. Over the past few weeks,we had worked round the clock, holding series of meetings to discuss and strategize on the path to a resounding victory”, he explained.

  • Onigbongbo chair hosts wellness retreat for elders

    Onigbongbo chair hosts wellness retreat for elders

    • By Evelyn Udoh

    To celebrate and support the senior citizens in the council, the Chairman of Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Rekiya Hassan, has held One-Day Elders’ Community Retreat and Wellness Programme at the Dr. Abayomi Finnnih Recreational Park 3.

    The event, which drew elderly participants from across the LCDA, featured dancing, aerobics, painting, pottery, indoor games, wellness talks, recreational activities, free medical check-ups and light exercises. It was aimed at promoting the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of elders in the council.

    Welcoming the participants, Hassan described the elders as “the backbone of our community, the weavers of our culture, and the torchbearers of our traditions.”

    The council boss emphasized the need for intentional community building and prioritizing the mental health of the elderly.

    “This retreat is a reminder that your presence matters. You are cherished, you are respected, and you are needed. The well-being of our elders is paramount, not only for your own health but for the vitality of our entire community. Our physical, emotional, and mental wellness significantly impacts our interactions, our families, and our behaviors. Importantly, today is an opportunity to reaffirm the connections we hold with one another. In uplifting our elders, we illuminate the path for the younger generations. Your stories, your trials, and your triumphs serve as powerful lessons. You guide us ensuring that our community remains strong and united” she added.

    •Some elders playing game at the event

    A member of Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Dr. Abayomi Finnih, hailed the council chairman for a well thought-out initiative.

    Hassan, Dr Finnih said, has demonstrated capacity to initiate and nurtured good programmes.

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    According to him, the wellness initiative goes far beyond leisure, adding “it empowers the elderly with knowledge, health monitoring, and social connection, which are pillars of healthy aging.”

    The elderstateman advised the elderly to prioritize rest, healthy diets, regular exercise, and good relationships.

    “Avoid keeping malice or too many enemies. These things can destroy your health from the inside. At this stage in life, your bones weaken, so you must take care of what you eat, how you rest, and avoid isolating yourself,” he cautioned.

    A nurse from Oregun Primary Health Centre, Adedoyin Olaniyan, advised elders to be deliberate about their diet by choosing fish over meat, drinking lots of water, and ensuring their meals include vegetables.

    She recommended light physical activities such as walking, engaging in house chores, or playing games like Ludo with family members as effective ways to stay active.

    She further urged them not to skip medications and to report any adverse effects to their doctors promptly.

  • LASIEC set for Saturday’s council polls, says agency chair

    LASIEC set for Saturday’s council polls, says agency chair

    The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has declared its readiness to conduct a free, fair, and credible poll across the state’s 57 local councils.

    Speaking on a television, the LASIEC Chairperson, Justice Ayotunde Phillips (rtd), affirmed the Commission’s preparedness despite taking office only a few months ago.

    “Though it is tough, considering the fact that we just came into office a few months back, we have, however, moved on very quickly with the job at hand,” she said.

    According to her, LASIEC has undertaken comprehensive stakeholder engagements across the state’s 20 local government areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

    “We have visited all the LCDAs in the state. We had meetings with IPAC (Inter-Party Advisory Council). We had meetings with the security agencies, including the Inspector General of Police. Every stakeholder is aware of what we are doing,” she said.

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    Amid speculation about the deployment of biometric technology for the election, the chairperson clarified that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) would not be used at the polling units. Instead, LASIEC will adopt a simpler approach.

    “We are not using BVAS. We are using telephones for accreditation only. Voting would be manually done,” she stated.

    She added that LASIEC will rely on the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) voter register for accreditation and verification.

    “INEC gave us the register of voters. Only INEC can provide that. We would use the telephones to verify the names on the register,” she explained.

    On the ongoing legal disputes on the elections, the chairperson said: “We are not in breach of the law. Everything is done in line with the Electoral Act. What is happening is that some people are misinterpreting the law. I won’t go into the details of it because the matter is in court,” she maintained.

    Addressing concerns about low voter awareness, the LASIEC boss insisted that the Commission has implemented extensive public sensitization efforts across the state.

    “We have carried along all stakeholders. Every BRT bus carries the sticker. Every Danfo bus carries the sticker. Every Keke carries the sticker. We also have billboards in all five divisions of Lagos, so everyone is aware of the coming elections,” she noted.

    The election is scheduled to hold on Saturday across the 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas in the state.

  • Adebule gives APC candidates N150m for council poll

    Adebule gives APC candidates N150m for council poll

    The senator representing Lagos-West Senatorial District, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule, has donated N150 million to support All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates contesting in the July 12 local government elections across Lagos-West.

    Speaking at a gathering tagged “Teaming Up Parley”, held at the Lagos-West Constituency Office in Ikeja GRA, Senator Adebule declared her full commitment to ensuring APC’s victory at the grassroots level.

    The event brought together party leaders, chairmanship and councillorship candidates, as well as other stakeholders. The parley reaffirmed APC’s commitment to grassroots development and underscored Senator Adebule’s rising influence as a key mobiliser in Lagos politics.

    Adebule announced that each Chairmanship/Vice Chairmanship ticket will receive N1.5 million, while each Councillorship candidate will be supported with N500,000. The funds, she said, are part of her personal efforts to empower candidates ahead of the polls and to ensure the party records sweeping success across the 28 LGAs/LCDAs in Lagos-West.

    “The responsibility of ensuring total and complete victory for our party rests on the shoulders of all of us. We can only claim true victory as a political family if we return 100 per cent success in the whole of the 57 LGAs/LCDAs of our dear state,” she said.

    Highlighting the strategic importance of Lagos-West, which accounts for more than half of the state’s population and polling units, Adebule stressed that a victory in the senatorial district would significantly strengthen APC’s dominance both in Lagos and nationally.

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    She also reminded attendees of the unique position Lagos-West holds as the senatorial home district of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging candidates not to disappoint the party’s national leader and founding father.

    “Governor Sanwo-Olu is looking up to you. Our father and national leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is looking up to you to carry the torch of the political movement of Lagos with courage and conviction. We cannot afford to let them down,” Adebule said.

    She further appealed to party leaders and members to close ranks, set aside internal differences, and rally behind all APC flagbearers to guarantee a united front going into the elections.

    Adebule encouraged the candidates to run issue-based campaigns, treat opponents with respect, and be magnanimous in victory.

    “We are looking forward to having your 2025 Class of Chairmen and Councillors continue the development strides of your predecessors,” she concluded.

    Lagos State Chairman of APC, Cornelius Ojelabi, directed the candidates to embark on vigorous campaigns.

    He cautioned that the council poll shouldn’t be taken lightly.

    He thanked Senator Adebule for the gesture.

    According to him, the initiative is rare among political office holders in the country.

    APC Apex Leader in Lagos West District, Prince Rabiu Oluwa, said Senator Adebule has once again demonstrated her commitment and love for the progress of the party.

    Prince Oluwa called on the flagbearers to reciprocate her gesture by ensuring that the party won all available seats.

  • Ajala champions campaign for successor

    Ajala champions campaign for successor

    • By Fahd Bagbansoro

    The Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA, Hon. Rasaq Ajala, has championed campaign for Seyi Jakande, his Vice Chairman and Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the council.

    The Friday event featured presentation of party flags to the candidates.

    The usually calm Ajegunle Street was transformed into a rallying ground, drawing residents from the community and beyond. Hundreds of party faithful stormed the venue, clad in branded T-shirts and face caps, waving brooms—the APC symbol—and distributing campaign flyers in a show of solidarity.

     Ajala, in a spirited address, hailed the candidacy of younger Jakande, describing him as the right man to sustain and elevate the council’s progressive momentum.

    “We have worked closely for nearly eight years. Jakande understands the workings of this council. I have no doubt his leadership will not only preserve our legacy but take it to greater heights,” Ajala said.

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    Jakande, expressed gratitude to the party leadership and the community for their unwavering support.

    He reiterated his commitment to the HEWA Agenda—a development blueprint focusing on Health and Environmental Sustainability, Education and Empowerment, Works and Security, and Agriculture, Tourism, and Culture.

    “This is more than a campaign launch. It’s a movement—by the people and for the people. I accept this flag not just as a symbol of candidacy but as a renewed pledge to serve, empower, and uplift every resident of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye,” he said.

    As each councillorship candidate was invited to receive the party flag, the atmosphere grew even more electrified. Supporters broke into songs and dances, with women’s groups and youth associations taking center stage in celebration.