The Nation Newspaper

Category: Grassroots

  • Oladunjoye kicks off campaignin Ikoyi-Obalende

    Oladunjoye kicks off campaignin Ikoyi-Obalende

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship candidate for Ikoyi-Obalende, Bola Oladunjoye, has expressed confidence in securing victory on July 12, incoming Local Government Election, urging residents to come out en masse and vote for the APC.

    He officially launched his campaign on Friday, promising to elevate the local government area through a comprehensive agenda focused on environment, livelihood, education, access to infrastructure and togetherness.

     Oladunjoye, who has multiple degrees in business computing, international business, and computer networking from London universities and the CEO of a construction company, addressed the press alongside his running mate, Sulaiman Salawe; the Director-General of his campaign, Dr. Oluwaseun Michael Akapo; LGA Chairman, Akorede Bernard and Deputy Youth Leader, Vincent Adukwu.

    Oladunjoye shared insights into his entry into politics, stating, “Politics found me. I come from a family of politicians, and it was inevitable that at some point, I would find myself in politics.”

    Read Also: Lagos taskforce arrests 22 suspected criminals in Obalende, TBS raid

    Responding to questions about his strategy for the upcoming July 12, election, Oladunjoye outlined a multi-pronged approach. “We’ve actually done several engagements, door-to-door, civil societies, and numerous town hall meetings. We’ve also had ongoing engagement and the regular efforts of encouraging people to come out and vote on that day, particularly for our party.”

    When pressed on whether the strong showing of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election posed a threat, Oladunjoye expressed confidence and a commitment to fair competition. “We welcome free competition. We are not contesting against any particular individual party. As APC, our goal is to ensure that on July 12, our party emerges victorious. Our purpose is to take Ikoyi-Obalende to the next level. So, we are not perturbed at all about the Labour Party or any other party for that matter.”

    Oladunjoye said he had successfully reconcile with other aspirants in line with the party’s directive.

    “We’ve done exceptionally well, especially in our local government. We’ve had several meetings and engagements with our co-aspirants. As you can see, the vice-chairmanship candidate, and my campaign DG, Dr. Akapo, were co-aspirants.

  • Association honours retired councils internal auditors

    Association honours retired councils internal auditors

    The Association of Local Government Internal Auditors in Lagos State, (ALGIALS), has hosted a get-together to culminate the activities of its 6th annual lecture.

    The gathering, which was held at Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area, served as both a celebration of the association’s achievements and a retirement ceremony for 12 internal auditors who had served across various local government councils.

    According to the Chairman of the association, Mogaji Oluwole, the association has been in existence since 2007 and continues to serve as a professional community for all internal auditors across Lagos State.

    “Association of Local Government Internal Auditors in Lagos State was founded in 2007 and has since served as a community for all auditors in the state,” he said.

    “Today, we honour those who have dedicated their career to integrity, accountability and progress. This celebration is a testament to hard work, commitment and camaraderie that define our profession,” he added.

    Chairman of Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area, Rekiyah Hassan, who hosted the association, praised the auditors for their transparency and commitment to institutional development.

    “The role of internal auditors is very crucial to the growth of any agency, parastatals, government administration or industry. I think you are doing an excellent job at executing your roles, I want to commend you and I want to urge you to continue being transparent, dignified and committed at your work,” she said.

    Read Also: Lagos PDP fields candidates in only 20 councils

    President of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Lagos State, Ogunfowora Sunday, applauded the association for honouring its retirees for their contribution during service.

    “I want to congratulate all the retirees on the conclusion of your service. I also commend the association on this laudable initiative of celebrating you all. On behalf of NULGE, each retiree will receive N20,000 as a token of appreciation for your years in service,” he said.

    He said the union is advocating for civil servants in Lagos State to receive their retirement benefits within six months of retirement.

    He said: “We are actively pushing for your comfort. We have made a request to the governor so that every civil servant who retires in Lagos State start getting their benefits within six months of retirement. Myself and other union leaders are pushing for this, and we believe that Mr Governor will deliver on his promise”

    Also speaking, the Head of Local Government Administration, Dr Ade Adekoya, commended ALGIALS for recognising its retired members, urging the auditors still in service to continue upholding the ethics of the profession.

    “To the auditors still in service, continue to do your work diligently, in line with the expectations of your role in terms of accountability, honesty, probity and transparency so that you will have a successful run during your service,” he said.

    The retirees who received awards of excellence, among other gifts, expressed their appreciation to the organisation, encouraging them to uphold the community as a support system for internal auditors in the state.

  • Council poll: Eshilokun gives N105m to APC candidates

    Council poll: Eshilokun gives N105m to APC candidates

    Ahead of the upcoming local government elections in Lagos State, the Senator representing Lagos Central at the National Assembly, Wasiu Eshinlokun, has donated N105 million to support all Chairmanship, Vice Chairmanship, and Councillorship candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Lagos Central Senatorial District.

    Speaking during the cheque presentation at the Lagos Central Senatorial District Party Secretariat in Ikoyi,  Eshilokun described the gesture as a reflection of his commitment to grassroots democracy and the need to empower candidates to focus on their campaigns without being burdened by financial constraints.

     “This support is not just about funding; it is about ensuring that our candidates can focus on what truly matters; engaging with the people, sharing their vision, and securing victory for our great party,” he said.

    According to him, each of the 13 Chairmanship candidates received N2.5 million, while N2 million was presented to each of the 13 party chairmen across the local government areas. Additionally, the 93 councillorship candidates were each allocated N500,000. The funds were disbursed directly to the beneficiaries -chairmanship and party chairmen through manager’s cheques, and councillorship candidates via direct bank transfers.

    “I was assisted by many during my own campaigns. This is my way of giving back and supporting those now aspiring for public office. I know this is not enough, and they will still need to seek additional support, but it’s a worthy start, he added.

    He urged the candidates not to be complacent or overly reliant on the party’s dominance at the federal and state levels.

    READ ALSO: Sanwo-Olu at 60

    “We have the president, we have the governor, but that’s not an excuse to relax. Go out, work hard, and earn the people’s trust,” he said.

    APC Lagos State Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, described the donation as a “noble gesture” and commended the Senator’s commitment to party building and grassroots mobilisation.

    “This shows he’s with the people and wants to remove the financial burden from the backs of the candidates. It will energise them to meet the electorate and win their support,” Ojelabi said.

    He noted that the donation, coupled with the visible achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, would strengthen the party’s chances in the July elections.

    “From the student loan scheme to the coastal road project, the Renewed Hope agenda is yielding results. Now, it’s time to consolidate and ensure that those gains reflect at the grassroots,” he added.

    Chairman of the Lagos Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Prince Tajudeen Olusi, also lauded the gesture, describing it as a timely and commendable show of leadership by Senator Eshilokun.

    “This is a great example of party loyalty and support. It will boost morale and encourage others to do the same. We appreciate his unwavering commitment to the party,” Prince Olusi said.

    Vice Chairmanship candidate for Lagos Island Local Government, Olatunji Aru-folami, described the donation as a welcome and unprecedented move that reflects Senator Eshilokun’s deep commitment to the party and its grassroots candidates.

    “It’s a novel idea. We’ve not seen this before, and it shows our senator truly cares. Finance is usually a big constraint, so this support is commendable,” he said.

    He stressed the need for door-to-door campaigns to counter misinformation and boost voter turnout.

    “Turnout has been low in past elections. We must engage people directly and remind them that this government came in during a tough time but is making progress. There’s hope,” he added.

  • Apapa-Iganmu unveils campaign committees

    Apapa-Iganmu unveils campaign committees

    The political atmosphere in Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) surged with excitement as the All Progressives Congress (APC) officially inaugurated its 2025 Election Campaign Committees. The high-energy event, held at the bustling CZ Anago Complex, was a colorful convergence of party leaders, stakeholders, and enthusiastic supporters from all wards of the LCDA.

    The ceremony, chaired by the outgoing Chairman, Alhaja Funmilayo Akande-Mohammed, saw the formal introduction of Jimoh Olawale Saliu as the APC flagbearer for the forthcoming local council elections.

    Alhaja Akande-Mohammed urged party members to stay united and focused on victory.

    She described Saliu as a “tested and trusted son of the soil” who possesses the competence, vision, and grassroots connection to consolidate on the developmental strides achieved in the council.

    The unveiling of committee directorates was a key highlight of the event, featuring the presentation of heads of various campaign directorates, including strategy, mobilisation, youth engagement, women outreach, media, and logistics. The structure, according to party officials, is designed to deepen community engagement and deliver a resounding victory at the polls.

    READ ALSO: 2027 coalitions and collisions

    Stakeholders across the political spectrum took turns to deliver endorsement speeches, pledging their full support to the candidacy of Saliu. Ward representatives further fired up the atmosphere with electrifying chants and slogans, reinforcing their readiness for the campaign trail.

    In a show of goodwill and solidarity, respected community leaders—including Chief Oloyede, Sunfab Group of Schools, and other grassroots influencers, visited the committee shortly after the inauguration, donating campaign materials and offering words of encouragement.

     Saliu expressed appreciation for the overwhelming support and reiterated his commitment to running an inclusive campaign anchored on development, youth empowerment and improved service delivery.

    “This campaign belongs to the people. Together, we will build a stronger, more prosperous Apapa-Iganmu where no one is left behind,” he said.

  • Odi-Olowo empowers 148 with skill acquisition

    Odi-Olowo empowers 148 with skill acquisition

    By Busola Akinyoade

    The Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Ajala Rasaq, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling youth unemployment through sustainable skill acquisition initiatives.

    He said the initiative marked a shift from short-term interventions to more impactful, long-term empowerment schemes.

    He said this at the graduation ceremony for beneficiaries of a three-month vocational training programme.

    “You will agree with me that our communities are grappling with high levels of youth unemployment. Democracy should resonate with the people’s actual needs. That is why, based on our needs assessment, we designed a three-month skills acquisition programme to not only train our youths but also equip them with tools to start their businesses immediately,” he said.

    According to the council boss, the seven-day trainings with limited financial support was granted the top 20 participants.

    He added that this year’s initiative saw all 148 graduating students receive start-up equipment relevant to their acquired skills.

    READ ALSO: Sanwo-Olu at 60

    “This is a major departure from what we used to do. We are no longer just handing out certificates, we are setting our youths up for success with practical tools. They can begin their entrepreneurial journey as early as tomorrow without the burden of loans,” he said.

    Ajala described the programme’s impact as “highly encouraging” and affirmed that the government would continue to invest in youth development annually.

    “We are changing the narrative. People say nothing good can come out of Mushin, but we are proving them wrong,” he added.

    He stressed that the initiative was aimed at transforming beneficiaries into employers of labour who contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economy.

    While commending the efforts of the 148 committed graduates, he also expressed concern over the dropout rate, revealing that over 700 residents initially applied for the programme, yet fewer than 150 completed it.

    “As we approach the July 27 local council elections, I appeal to our residents: embrace government initiatives, believe in them, and participate fully. The whole essence of governance is to reduce the number of idle youths and create a platform for sustainable livelihood,” he urged.

  • Mushin General Hospital opens emergency unit

    Mushin General Hospital opens emergency unit

    By Busola Akinyoade

    The Mushin General Hospital has unveiled a state-of-the-art Accident and Emergency Unit—in a bid to push medical innovation and community-driven progress.

    The hospital’s Medical Director, Dr. Oluyemi Taiwo, said the project reflects a growing commitment to strengthening public health infrastructure at the grassroots.

    “This facility is more than a building; it embodies our unwavering dedication to emergency response and the sanctity of human life—available round the clock,” she said.

    She stated significant achievements under her administration, which include the renovation of administrative and clinical blocks, reconnection to the national power grid, and the establishment of a fully equipped diagnostic center with laboratory and blood transfusion services.

    Bed capacity has increased from 16 to 50, and the hospital now boasts new departments including general surgery and ophthalmology.

    READ ALSO: 2027 coalitions and collisions

    She also noted partnerships with traditional birth attendants and local government health units, which have broadened the hospital’s reach and improved outcomes for residents.

    Dr Taiwo stressed that challenges remain. “We still need essential medical equipment, and lighting must reach every corner of this facility,” she said.

    Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Emmanuel Bamigboye, urged Nigerians to look beyond partisanship and embrace a shared vision of progress.

    “Why should Nigerians continue to suffer when we are capable of building systems that rival those in America, the United Kingdom, or Canada?” he asked.

  • Experts challenge youths, entrepreneurs to stay competitive

    Experts challenge youths, entrepreneurs to stay competitive

    By Busola Akinyoade

    Entrepreneurs and young professionals have been urged to embrace continuous self-development and adaptability to remain relevant in today’s fast-paced economy.

    This call was made during the Uptown Conference hosted by Mushin Local Government, where industry experts shared strategies for sustaining relevance and excellence in business and career growth.

    General Manager of Havek Leadership Academy, Abdulwasiu Ayoola, said staying competitive demands intentional personal growth and awareness of global trends.

    “If you don’t upgrade yourself in six months, you begin to decline. Competence today is about learning, unlearning, and relearning,” he said.

    He advised participants to align their business models with technological innovations and market demands, stressing that relevance was not automatic but earned through effort.

    Town planner and environmental consultant, Roy Hakeem Layinde, highlighted the importance of purpose and lifelong learning in staying ahead.

    READ ALSO: Sanwo-Olu at 60

    “You must define your goals and push beyond comfort zones. Knowing what others are doing is good—but going a step further is better,” he said.

    Layinde noted that personal development remains key to success. He encouraged youths to explore free digital tools and international resources to upgrade their skills and expand their perspectives.

    “Many people fail because they don’t even know what they want. Exposure, reading, and clarity of purpose are game changers,” he added.

    The experts agreed that discipline, sacrifice, and consistency are required to avoid redundancy and unlock long-term impact.

    They urged attendees to see growth as a necessity, not a luxury, and to position themselves for emerging opportunities in a rapidly evolving world.

  • Epe chair promises better performance

    Epe chair promises better performance

    The Chairman of Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Princess Surah Animashaun, has promised to perform better in her second term in office.

    Princess Animashaun made the pledge during the kick-off of her second term campaign at her office in Epe area of Lagos State.

    She noted that her administration had put in place programmes, strategies, and policies for the betterment of the people in the local government area of the state.

    “In our first term, we worked tirelessly to improve infrastructure, enhance healthcare, empower our youth, and ensure reliable services at every corner of the council. These achievements are a testimony of our commitment to make Epe a place of comfort, opportunity, and shared purpose for all of us.

    “As we are working towards a second term in office, let us embrace hope, hard work, and unity. Together, we will continue strengthening our communities, creating opportunities, and making the council we are all proud to call home.

    READ ALSO: Sanwo-Olu at 60

    “This will present us with an opportunity to reflect on the strides we have made together and to renew our commitment to building a prosperous, united, and thriving Epe LG as well as strengthening communities by creating more opportunities for growth and development,” Princess Animashaun added. She said despite facing great economic uncertainty and limited resources, her administration weathered the challenges to post a good performance, noting that she had transformed the health sector and ensured accessible, efficient, affordable, and high-quality services, despite  paucity of funds.

    Princess Animashaun’s administration has completed new health care facilities and refurbished existing ones to improve health care provision across all the eight wards, and the council has also witnessed the construction of several culverts, and drainages, maintained several kilometres of drainage, and constructed additional networks.

    The council boss reiterated that her leadership was committed to the provision of social amenities for all the residents, adding that her administration did various projects which included drilling of boreholes, construction of classrooms, rehabilitation of roads, drainages, and the construction of staff quarters at the local government secretariat.

    She said the council has great potential and opportunities to create jobs for youth and other residents, promising to continue improving access to healthcare and water, support agriculture, and strengthen the cooperative movement.

    “Indeed, I am going to lead a dedicated team in the local government council in ensuring that we position our economy to grow quickly,” she said.

  • Bariga partners Morocco to lift over 1,800

    Bariga partners Morocco to lift over 1,800

    No fewer than 1,820 beneficiaries have received financial incentives from the Bariga Local Council in partnership with the Provincial Council of Tiznit, Morocco.

    The intervention tagged: “Promoting Sustainable Solidarity” was aimed at boosting the local economy and community development.

    The initiative worth N250 million, according to the organisers, was also targeted at practically demonstrating the council’s determination to ensure inclusivity in programmes designed to drive economic growth from the grassroots.

    The progamme featured various skills training sessions in bead making, leather work, adire/batik, soap making, and hair crafting, baking.

    Chairman of Bariga Local Council, Kolade Alabi, explained that the grant from the Provincial Council of Tiznit, which required counterpart funding from Bariga Local Council made the empowerment programme possible.

    READ ALSO: 2027 coalitions and collisions

    Alabi noted that the initiative had not only provided financial incentives for artisans in micro-enterprises, but had also equipped them with latest skills to thrive in their crafts.

    He urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the opportunity to make positive changes in their lives.

    Alabi said: “When we came on board in 2017, we aimed to bridge the gap between dreams and reality… We have delivered modestly, and we’re still working.”

    He further assured that all ongoing projects would be commissioned before the end of his tenure.

    The beneficiaries include: youths, market women, cooperative societies, religious groups, CDC, CDAs, and artisans from various wards in Bariga.

    One of the beneficiaries, Ms. Christiana Awoyemi expressed her gratitude to the council for the financial support, noting that it would go a long way to boost her business.

  • Children’s upbringing, our collective responsibility, says Iba chairman

    Children’s upbringing, our collective responsibility, says Iba chairman

    By Evelyn Udoh

    Chairman of Iba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Jubril Yisa, has emphasised the importance of investing in the future of the community—its children.

    He spoke during the Children’s Day celebration at the Iba LCDA Hall.

    Yisa said: “the future of Iba LCDA, the future of Lagos, and indeed the future of Nigeria, lies in the hands of the children we raise today.”

    Reflecting on the theme, “Children, Our Future, Our Responsibility,” Yisa reiterated that nurturing and empowering children are a shared responsibility that must transcend the boundaries of the home, school, and community.

    He underscored the need for deliberate policies that support the growth, education, and well-being of children in Iba LCDA.

    “We must ensure that our policies, homes, schools, and communities reflect this commitment to safeguarding their well-being and unlocking their full potential. Every decision we make today, every action we take as leaders, parents, educators, and members of society, directly shapes the kind of future our children will inherit,” he said.

    READ ALSO: Sanwo-Olu at 60

    The council boss highlighted several initiatives his administration is pursuing to better the lives of children in the area. These initiatives include improvements in school infrastructure, ongoing teacher training, partnerships to provide scholarships, and skill acquisition programs for teenagers.

    He emphasised that the development of children extends beyond education, pointing to the critical need for safe neighborhoods, access to healthcare, clean water, and proper nutrition.

    “Education goes beyond the four walls of a classroom. Our children deserve to be raised in environments that support their growth and development in every possible way,” he added.

    Yisa also took time to acknowledge the roles of parents, teachers, and the wider community in shaping the lives of children.

    Addressing parents, he said, “You are the first teachers and the first examples our children see. Let us raise children who understand the values of honesty, kindness, hard work, and respect for others.”

    He expressed gratitude toward the community’s educators, recognizing their role in shaping futures.

    “Teachers, your work is the foundation on which futures are built. You deserve not just our respect, but our full support,” he stated.

    Yisa encouraged the young ones in attendance to dream big, while reminding them of their responsibilities, noting

    “You can be anything you choose to be—whether you want to become doctors, engineers, teachers, artists, scientists, leaders—even the future Chairman of Iba LCDA—know that your dreams are valid. But with dreams come responsibility. Study hard. Listen to your elders.

    “Be proud of your heritage. Be kind to one another.

     Work hard, and never give up—no matter the challenge.”

    He reminded the gathering that the true wealth of any community lies not in its physical structures but in its youth.

    “Let us build a legacy that future generations of Iba LCDA will look back on with pride,” he said.