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Category: Grassroots

  • Lagos empowers 85,000 youths with tech, vocational skills

    Lagos empowers 85,000 youths with tech, vocational skills

    Demonstrating its commitment to youth development, the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development has empowered over 85,000 young people across the state in the last one year through leadership, entrepreneurship, digital, and vocational training initiatives.

    Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, said this during the Ministerial Press Briefing held to commemorate the second anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.

    Speaking on the ministry’s digital empowerment efforts, the Commissioner highlighted the LAG-UP Project—a tech-driven youth empowerment initiative in partnership with GFA Technologies.

    He said that 45,806 youths have enrolled in training covering over 84 marketable tech and creative skills, while 23,305 participants have successfully completed the program and earned certifications. On vocational skills development, Ogunlende noted that 4,042 youths, comprising 3,200 females and 842 males, were trained in various trades such as shoemaking, tailoring, carpentry, tiling, software development, and more. The training was carried out in collaboration with private sector partners.

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    He also emphasized the Ministry’s continued focus on leadership development through the IBILE Youth Academy, which recently trained 500 participants as part of efforts to re-orient and groom young leaders across the state.

    In the area of entrepreneurship, the Commissioner announced that 10 young entrepreneurs received business grants totaling N10 million under the Amplifier Business Clinic, following a competitive pitch session held during the 2024 International Youth Day celebration.

    Additionally, he said that 12 youth ambassadors have been selected for a study tour to Queen’s University, Canada, aimed at enhancing their leadership skills, international exposure, and global competitiveness.

    “These achievements align with the expanded THEMES+ Agenda, which emphasizes social inclusion, youth engagement, and economic empowerment. Our youths are not just the future; they are the present, and we are equipping them to lead Lagos and thrive on the global stage,” he said.

  • Philanthropist holds competition for schools

    Philanthropist holds competition for schools

    A philanthropist, Gbenga Owolabi, has organised the second edition of the Ife North Annual Scholarship and Essay Competition (NASEC) in Asipa town.

    The competition, held at the Asipa Community High School Hall, marked a significant milestone in the history of the town.

    Welcoming the guests, the host principal of the school, Mrs. Ajayi Olubunmi,  expressed her gratitude for the generous contributions made by Owolabi, acknowledging the positive impact of the competition on his alma mater.

    The philanthropist, who is a former student and past Senior Prefect of Asipa Community High School, shared his lifelong dream of giving back to society. He expressed gratitude for the realization of this dream and emphasized that his aim in sponsoring the competition is to inspire young individuals in Origbo Mejeeje to achieve higher educational goals.

    Osun State Commissioner for Education, Dipo Eluwole, praised Owolabi for his contributions to the education sector and expressing confidence that the initiative would foster continued growth in Osun’s educational landscape.

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    The Deputy Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Oyewusi Akinyode Ireyode, also commended the initiative, praising Owolabi’s dedication to shaping the future of students in Ife North Local Government.

    Among the guests were Alasipa of Asipa, Oba Mufutau Oyekanmi, and Olulamokun of Yakooyo, Oba Mesach Oyediran, who offered prayers for Owolabi’s continued prosperity and longevity.

    The competition saw participation from 94 students across 24 schools, both public and private. In the essay writing category, Asipa Community High School emerged victorious, winning N200,000. Origbo Community Unity School, Ipetumodu, secured second place with a cash prize of N150,000, while L.A. Grammar School, Ipetumodu, took third place with N100,000.

  • Monarch appoints chiefs

    Monarch appoints chiefs

    The Orijeru of Igbooye Kingdom, Oba AbdulRasaq Akanni Musa, has appointed chiefs who will serve as pillars of traditional governance and cultural stewardship within the kingdom.

    The appointment of the traditional chiefs followed his induction into the Epe Council of Obas and Chiefs.

    He stated that every ruling house and quarters of the kingdom has been duly represented to ensure fairness, equity, and inclusiveness in the traditional governance structure.

    The newly appointed traditional chiefs are: Chief AbdulBariu Olugbenga Quadri  as Olisa; Chief Moruff Oluwadare Salami as Egbo; Chief Rufus Adedipe as Aare; Chief Yinka Oguntimehin as Balogun and Chief Rasaq Sanni as Otun.

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    They also include Chief Oluranti Adebanjo as Eleku; Chief Adegbenro Otunnowo as Oluti; Chief Silifatu Amadasun as Iyalode; and Mrs. Olusola Odusanya-Omotoso as Erelu.

    In his address, Oba Musa emphasised that the selection of the chiefs reflected the cultural traditions and official declaration governing Igbooye Kingdom.

    He noted that, in addition to the foundational appointments, there were positions for honorary chieftaincy titles to be conferred on distinguished and reputable indigenes and none-indigenes of Igbooye.

     However, he stated that all prospective honorees would undergo a rigorous screening process to ensure they possess outstanding moral character and are capable of upholding the honour and dignity of the kingdom.

  • Intervene in Oriade LCDA primary dispute, APC members enjoin Tinubu

    Intervene in Oriade LCDA primary dispute, APC members enjoin Tinubu

    Some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oriade Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State, have appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and party leaders to wade into a dispute over the outcome of the May 10 chairmanship primary.

    The concerned party members, including local executives and youth leaders, staged a peaceful protest at the APC State Secretariat in Ikeja yesterday, alleging that the declared results did not reflect the votes cast at the primary.

    According to them, 16 out of 25 accredited delegates voted for Moshood Olanrewaju Badmus (MOB), a former party chairman in the LCDA. However, the official result reportedly gave him zero votes, while another aspirant, Mr. Rasak Oloyede, was declared winner.

    “We’re not here to attack the party, but to seek fairness,” said Prince Olusegun Abejoye, Assistant Welfare Officer of Oriade LCDA. “We believe in the leadership of our party, and we want the process reviewed.”

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    Mrs. Esther Achidume, a ward executive, described MOB as a dedicated party member with widespread grassroots support. “He has served the party loyally and enjoys the backing of women, youths, and traditional leaders in the LCDA,” she said.

    The protesters carried placards with messages such as “MOB is the people’s mandate” and “We are tired of poor election results in Oriade LCDA.” They maintained order throughout the demonstration, despite being denied access to the secretariat by security personnel. APC Youth Leader in the LCDA, Tajudeen Yusuf, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to the party.

    “We voted in good faith, and we trust that President Tinubu and the party leadership will do what is right. We’re only asking for the mandate to reflect the will of the delegates.”

    The group emphasized their continued loyalty to the APC and called for internal reconciliation to strengthen unity ahead of upcoming local government elections.

  • Ayobo-Ipaja chair disburses N2.5m grant to 10 CDAs

    Ayobo-Ipaja chair disburses N2.5m grant to 10 CDAs

    The Chairman of Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Ladi Oluwaloni, has disbursed N2.5 million grant to 10 Community Development Associations (CDAs), to strengthen grassroots development and community-led initiatives.

    Each CDA received a cheque of N250,000 during the monthly meeting of the Community Development Committee (CDC), held at the council secretariat, drawing applause and commendations from stakeholders.

    Speaking at the presentation, Oluwaloni described the initiative as part of his administration’s broader strategy to empower local communities and deepen citizens’ participation in governance.

    “This gesture is not just about the funds being presented today. It is a reaffirmation of our belief that sustainable development must be rooted in the active participation of our local communities.

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    “I am urging CDA leaders here today to use these funds judiciously and channel them into impactful projects that directly benefit your people,” he said.

    Reiterating his administration’s commitment to collective progress, the chairman called on community leaders to set aside political differences and prioritise unity.

    “To whom much is given, much is expected. The people of Ayobo-Ipaja have entrusted us with their mandate, and we must not let them down. Let us join hands, put politics aside and work together to transform our communities.”

    Oluwaloni said similar empowerment schemes would be rolled out in phases to ensure no community was left behind.

    The gesture received widespread commendation from the CDC leadership and representatives of the beneficiary communities.

    Speaking on behalf of the CDAs, the Chairman of the Community Development Committee, Elder Joseph Olokede, praised the council chairman’s proactive approach.

    She described the grant as a “lifeline” for stalled community projects.

    “We have never seen this level of responsiveness and support so early into an administration. This is truly commendable,” she said.

  • Epe council boss hails APC leadership

    Epe council boss hails APC leadership

    The Chairman of Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Princess Surah Animashaun, has commended the people of the Epe local government council for renewing her mandate at the just-concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) local government primary election, just as she said that “Power belongs to God.”

    Princess Animashaun described her victory at the APC primary election as heart-warming, and “further proof that no man can play God or stop what God has ordained.”

    The chairman, in her statement, said though the primary election was keenly contested, her emergence at the primary came to her as a sign of good faith and a vote of confidence in her administration by the people, assuring that her second term would usher in more goodies of democracy.

    She said her victory is a further challenge to deliver on the manifesto of the All Progressives Congress (APC), even as she promised that she would continue with the government of inclusiveness that has been the hallmark of her administration in the last four years.

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    Commending the delegates for conducting themselves in a peaceful manner during the primary, Princess Animashaun equally lauded the APC delegates, including its leadership, members, security agencies, the media and other relevant stakeholders for ensuring an atmosphere which enabled peaceful primary elections.

    Princess Animashaun also thanked the party leaders, stalwarts and members of the APC in the LG and state, who worked assiduously for the party primary election, assuring them that she would continue to keep the flag of the party flying, by continuing to deliver good governance across the local government council.

    She said, “To God be all the glory for the divine grace and favour that granted me victory at the APC primary election, securing my candidacy as the party’s flagbearer for the forthcoming local government elections in Epe local government council area.

    “This triumph is a reflection of our collective desire for continuity, progress, and the unwavering trust reposed in me by the good people of Epe and its environs.

    “I want to thank all the good people of Epe for this mandate, all my appointees, all my personal friends for their consistent support and prayers, particularly as we prepare for local government election in the state.

  • Agbado/Oke-Odo inaugurates three roads

    Agbado/Oke-Odo inaugurates three roads

    • Distributes school materials to pupils

    The Agbado/Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), under the leadership of David Famuyiwa, has inaugurated three roads aimed at improving transportation in the area.

    The roads are Lawal Street, Oki, Iyana-Ipaja; Olawale-Cole Street, Abule-Egba; and Old Otta Road/ Owodunni Street, Moshalashi, Alagbado areas within the LCDA’s purview in Alimosho Local Government Area, Lagos.

    Speaking during the ceremony, Famuyiwa acknowledged the growing concerns about road conditions in the community prompted the project.

    “It is not news to all of us in Agbado/Oke-Odo Council Area, that our major challenge has been a lack of good roads in all the seven wards of the council. The three roads we commission today are among the numerous access roads that have been crying for government attention for many years,” he said.

    The chairman emphasised the critical role of the community members in maintaining the roads and ensuring its longevity.

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    “While It is the government’s responsibility to construct roads, it is the responsibility of the community where the road is to manage it and ensure that it does not turn into a refuse dumping site,” he added.

    Also, as part of the administration’s corporate social responsibility efforts, the council donated school supplies to pupils in 13 of 24 public primary schools in the area, hoping to complete the others if reelected into office.

    “We distributed school bags and exercise books to pupils in 13 of our council area’s 24 public primary schools. this implies is that we have just carried out the phase one of the distribution exercise. We will have a phase two if re-elected into office,” he assured.

    Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to grassroots development, the Chairman urged residents to continue supporting the council’s vision for sustainable urban growth and empowerment.

  • Lagos builds 10,000 housing units in six years, says Commissioner

    Lagos builds 10,000 housing units in six years, says Commissioner

    The Lagos State Government has increased the state’s housing stock by delivering an impressive 9,970 home units in the last six years, the Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, has said.

    Speaking at a ministerial press briefing to commemorate the second year in office of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s second term, Akinderu-Fatai highlighted the administration’s commitment to tackling the state’s housing deficit amidst global and local challenges.

    The commissioner acknowledged the pressing global affordable housing crisis, exacerbated by rapid urbanisation, a trend particularly evident in Lagos, one of the world’s most populous cities with over 23 million residents.

    He noted that Nigeria faces a massive housing deficit estimated at over 22 million units, a situation compounded by rural-urban migration and infrastructure limitations.

    “Despite these challenges, the Sanwo-Olu administration has adopted a multi-pronged approach to boost housing delivery. This includes direct budgetary allocations for construction projects targeting low-income earners and fostering Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) by offering incentives and streamlining approval processes for real estate developers.

    “The impact of the economic shock waves across the world is affecting the low and medium-income earners and rendering many homeless as a result of the huge surge in construction costs, materials, as well as a hike in housing rentals,” Akinderu-Fatai said. He emphasized that the government recognizes housing as a crucial pillar of economic development.

    Highlighting the ministry’s achievements, the Commissioner said “9,970 new home units delivered through direct government funding and PPP initiatives over the past six years.

    “Inaugurating of 21 housing estates across Lagos State’s five administrative divisions since 2019.

    “Ongoing construction of 4,052 additional units in five housing schemes, expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2026, bringing the total delivery to 14,022 units.

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    “The Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC) completing 12 housing projects (710 homes) with 25 ongoing projects expected to add another 2,415 units.

    “The Lagos State Mortgage Board (LMB) assisting over 20,000 residents with mortgage and Rent-To-Own policies, resulting in 312 individuals achieving full homeownership. A new policy allows Rent-To-Own participants with six years of payments to take full ownership under specific conditions.

    “The Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) registering 925 practitioners, successfully mediating 1,243 of 1,580 disputes, and recovering over N295 million and 20 properties.

    “Creation of approximately 13,749 direct and indirect jobs within the housing sector in the last six years.

    “Retraining of over 500 artisans to enhance construction quality.

    “Implementation of estate sustainability and facility management strategies, generating an additional 900 direct and indirect jobs.

    “Digitalization of work processes in key departments to improve efficiency. “A rebate program enabling 770 civil servants to access homeownership, with 120 units allocated to teachers and health personnel in remote areas,” he stated

    Looking ahead, the Commissioner announced plans to release over 1,600 more homes as ongoing projects reach completion. He also highlighted the government’s commitment to exploring a monthly rental scheme to ease the burden of yearly rent payments for low-income earners and to promote transparency in home allocation through balloting.

    Akinderu-Fatai acknowledged the challenges faced by the ministry, including land encroachment, litigations, and inflationary trends, and outlined strategic initiatives being deployed to address these issues, such as revitalized joint venture partnerships and a focus on research and innovation in building materials and technology.

    He expressed gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support and to various stakeholders and agencies for their collaborative efforts in achieving significant strides in the Lagos State housing sector.

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, while responding to questions regarding the escalating cost of renting accommodation in the state, clarified that existing regulations stipulate that agents should not charge more than 10 percent as agency fees, in addition to legal fees.

    However, she acknowledged a critical loophole in the current tenancy law.

    “The present tenancy law does not explicitly state the maximum amount agents can charge, creating an ambiguity that many agents are exploiting by imposing exorbitant fees,” Odunuga-Bakare explained.

  • Why I want to be Island Council chair, by Coker

    Why I want to be Island Council chair, by Coker

    All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Biodun Coker, has said he is motivated to run for the chairman of Lagos Island Council by his desire to serve the community.

    He clarified that the Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) in Lagos State, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, was not against the right of anyone to contest.

    Stressing that his legacy, leadership and commitment to Lagos State remained a guiding light for many public officers, Coker said his remarks on the council polls were misrepresented and selectively quoted by individuals who were uncomfortable with the growing support for his candidature.

    He said rivals, who had failed to present a credible vision and could not show any evidence of contribution to development, indulged in a campaign of calumny.

    Coker said rather than face the people with ideas and solutions, they hid behind faceless publications and whisper campaigns.

    He added: “Let them come forward and show us their record—what have they built, improved, or transformed in our community? Leadership is not declared in backrooms or headlines; it is proven in the streets, markets, schools, and in the lives of the people.”

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    Coker said in a statement that it was not a sin for the children of public officers to run for public office, adding that “there is no shame in legacy when it is rooted in service, values and impact.”

    He said: “I am proud of my father’s record in public service, just as I am committed to forging my own through integrity and hard work.

    ‘’In any case, let it be known that my father, Yemisi Coker, has not held any political office since the start of the Fourth Republic in 1999. So, the question must be asked: how then is Biodun Coker “feeling entitled”? There is no automatic pathway, no inheritance, and certainly no shortcut.

    “What I bring to the table is not legacy—it is preparation, hard work, and a commitment to serve.

    Let me be clear: I am not running because of my name—I am running because I believe in public service, and because I have prepared for this role through community engagement, leadership development and transformative, innovative empowerment initiatives that speak directly to the needs of our people.

    “This campaign is not about entitlement; it is about impact, capacity and integrity.

    ‘’We will continue to campaign with dignity, focus and truth—and leave the politics of fear, distortion and desperation to those bereft of ideas or the courage to lead.”

  • Group urges APC to address marginalisation

    Group urges APC to address marginalisation

    A Socio-Political Organisation in Ikorodu Division of Lagos State, Ikorodu Renaissance Group (IRG), has urged the leadership of the party in the area to ensure fairness in the choice of candidates in the forthcoming local government elections.

    The group in a statement signed by its Chairman, Mr. Dele Olofin, said this had become expedient, to ensure justice, fairness and equity among stakeholders, through intervention of its leaders led by Chief Abiodun Ogunleye, an ex-Deputy Governor of Lagos State

    It said this was in view of the fact that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikorodu needed to balance elective and appointive offices across board in all areas of control

    According to the IRG, it was unfair that while some zones have had a fair share of political Offices, others have been relegated so far in the Scheme of things

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    It noted that the scenario had negatively impacted some parts of Ikorodu, especially Ward E4, Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area (LCDA), where Liadi Zone had yet to produce a political office holder, despite polling the highest number of votes since the creation of Ikorodu North LCDA in 2003

    The statement reads:”We are writing to express our deep concern and disappointment over the consistent exclusion of Liadi Zone from representing Ward E4 in local government elections despite polling the highest number of votes for the party severally since 2015.” being a significant contributor to the party’s success, with Liadi Zone producing the highest number of votes in all elections, we have been denied the opportunity to present a candidate for councilor or supervisor.

    “This exclusion is not only unfair but also unjust, considering that other zones within Ward E4, such as Mojoda, Araro, Olorunda, and Gbaga, have all had representation in elective and appointive positions.