The Nation Newspaper

Category: Grassroots

  • Eshinlokun awards scholarships to 261

    Eshinlokun awards scholarships to 261

    The Senator representing Lagos Central at the National Assembly, Wasiu Eshinlokun, has reiterated his commitment to youth empowerment and educational support, as he awarded scholarships to 261 students across 13 local government areas during his 7th Town Hall Meeting held at Glover Memorial Hall, Lagos Island.

    With the theme: “My Strategic Progressive Stewardship in the 10th Senate Thus Far,” the event served as both a platform for constituency engagement and a continuation of the scholarship scheme instituted by his predecessor, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

    Eshinlokun said the scheme was designed to ease the financial burden on parents and ensure that no child is denied education due to poverty.

    He described his journey in the 10th Senate as “eventful,” while acknowledging the influence and legacy of his predecessor, the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

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    “We thank God for His mercies and protections over the years, and we must also thank my predecessor, the First Lady of the Republic, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for laying this impactful path. The town hall meeting has become a well-accepted tradition in Lagos Central, and we are building on the foundation she set”, he added.

    Highlighting what made this year’s edition particularly significant, Eshinlokun noted that the number of scholarship beneficiaries had more than doubled from the previous year.

    “Last year, we supported about 120 to 130 students. This year, we are doing 261. It is a remarkable increase, and we can only thank God for the ability to do this,” he said.

    Each student received a scholarship worth N100,000, aimed at easing the financial burdens of tuition and educational materials.

    According to the senator, the selection process was competitive and transparent.

    “The selection cuts across the various 13 local governments and we formed a screening panel, headed by Honourable Kabir Adekanbi and they were the ones that did the interview. They were invited, they collected form, which we advertised, and they invited them for interview, and they gave them criteria.

     You bring your results, you are doing well. You are at least in 200 level. If you are above 18, you have your INEC card. It is not just about giving money—it is about supporting committed students and encouraging civic responsibility”, he explained.

    In his advice to the beneficiaries, he urged them to focus on their academics. “Read your books, be smart, and continue to pass your exams. We wish you all the best there is,” he said.

    Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Prince Tajudeen Olusi, commended Eshinlokun for the initiative.

    He described the initiative as a laudable demonstration of responsible leadership and commitment to human capital development.

    According to him, ‘Eshinlokun’s act of generosity’ would go a long way in reducing the financial burden on parents and giving hope to bright, underprivileged students.

    “This is what leadership should look like—impacting lives directly and helping to build a future generation through education,” he added.

    Member representing Lagos Island Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Princess Lara Oyekan-Olumegbon, emphasised the value of the initiative, which she noted has been passed down through committed leaders.

    “This is not a one-off. It is a legacy initiative that Senator Eshinlokun inherited from Senator Oluremi Tinubu. And I also do something in that line. It’s not just about the money. You’re making an impact in their educational life. There’s a saying: if you think education is expensive, try ignorance”, she said.

    She also stressed the need for young people to take ownership of their roles as citizens. “Every time you say ‘Nigeria is this, Nigeria is that,’ remember: we are the government. The change starts with you.”

    One of the beneficiaries, Lawal Mutiat, described the experience as encouraging and the process as fair. “The forms were shared via WhatsApp platforms. We submitted our documents at the Yaba office, and then we were invited for interviews. The N100,000 is going to help with my school fees and other important things,” she noted.

  • I’ll reduce out-of-school children, says aspirant

    I’ll reduce out-of-school children, says aspirant

    A councillorship aspirant in Ward D, Iba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State, Shakiru Omolaja Sanni, has said the reduction of out-of-school children will be one of his priorities.

    Sanni, a native of Igboelerin, promised to ensure more children are back to the classrooms if given the chance by the leadership of his All Progressives Congress (APC).

    According to him, the initiative would ensure more responsible citizens at the grassroots.

    “I plan to help reduce out-of-school children in my community. I already am doing that but I plan to do more because I believe that it is my responsibility to save the future of the community. I have been doing it and I will continue to do it,” he added.

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    Sanni urged the residents to recognise that Iba LCDA’s progress is only achievable with their support, urging them to support the candidate who shares their vision.

    He said: “The growth of Iba LCDA is very personal to me because it’s my origin, so I will do all within my power to see it move to greater heights. I am intentional about the growth and development of the people.

    “I know that anything is possible, with the support of God, our leaders in the party and the Iba people.”

  • Ikosi-Isheri inaugurates 19 projects

    Ikosi-Isheri inaugurates 19 projects

    By Chidinma Nnamdi

    • Empowers 500

    The Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has inaugurated 19 projects and empowered 500 residents with business tools and start-up support.

    Chairman of the council, Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada, thanked Allah and acknowledged the collective efforts that made the feat possible.

    She described the projects a Launchpad towards an even brighter future for Ikosi-Isheri.

     “There was a time when many said it couldn’t be done, but we chose to respond with action,” she said, recounting the challenges faced and the determination that powered her administration’s transformative journey.

    Among the projects commissioned were road rehabilitations, drainage constructions, renovation of healthcare facilities, educational upgrades, and new civic infrastructure including the Legislative Building and Customary Court blocks. The projects span communities like Shangisha, Magodo Phase 2, Agiliti-Mile 12, and various streets in Ikosi.

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    Princess Bada also teased an upcoming landmark project: the biggest Primary Healthcare Centre in the country, located within the LCDA, soon to be opened and promising to redefine grassroots healthcare delivery in Lagos and beyond.

    Beyond infrastructure, the event also marked a robust empowerment initiative where over 500 residents received life-enabling tools such as tricycles, sewing machines, barbing kits, popcorn machines, and POS machines with startup capital.

     “Today, we are giving you not just fish but fishing nets because development without human empowerment is incomplete,” she said.

    Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, lauded Princess Bada’s achievements, noting that they reflect positively on the party’s values and its commitment to grassroots development.

     “This is what dividends of democracy should look like,” he said, urging beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity and encouraging voters to choose capable leaders peacefully during the upcoming local elections.

    Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Bolaji Cecilia Dada, also hailed Princess Bada, emphasising the significance of her accomplishments for women in leadership positions.

    “She has delivered over 104 projects. It’s massive and inspiring,” Dada said, encouraging more women to aspire for political leadership.

    A member of Lagos State House of Assembly, Femi Saheed, described the projects as clear evidence of developmental governance.

    “The initiative of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in creating this LCDA has really helped grassroots development in Lagos State and that is what we are celebrating today,” Saheed said.

    The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, commended Princess Bada’s accountability and alignment with the THEMES+ agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

    Beneficiaries of the empowerment programme, including Idowu Bola Dada and Oyewole Ayobami, expressed profound gratitude.

    They emphasised that the provided tools would not only boost their income but also offer a sustainable means of livelihood, urging fellow beneficiaries to use the equipment wisely rather than sell them.

  • Commission seeks second term for Iba chair

    Commission seeks second term for Iba chair

    The Chairman of Lagos State Local Government Services Commission, Kamal Bayewu, has commended the Chairman of Iba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Jubril Yisa, for his welfare programme.

    Bayewu spoke during the commission’s visit to the council.

    Praising the workers for their unity, the commission boss noted that there is a show of love among them.

    He also observed that the council secretariat has changed drastically under the leadership of Yisa while praying for his return in office for a second term.

    “He has shown empathy to staff welfare and commitment to the development of Iba Local Council Development Area as a whole,” he said.

    Yisa, represented by the Leader of the Legislative Arm, AbdulRahman Obanla, thanked the commission for their regular visits.

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    The visit, he said, has really put workers on their toes in discharging their duties efficiently.

    He also thanked the council workers for their perseverance in adjusting to the new development in the council.

    Director of Establishment, who represented the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Abosede George, advised the Head of Administration to imbibe the culture of Knowledge Sharing Section (KSS) among staffs so they can be up to date on their day-to-day activities.

    She urged the council to embark on computer training programmes for the workers.

    The commission enjoined workers to be conversant with the Public Service Rule (PSR) and other documents that guide the operations of the Civil Servants to keep Staff abreast of the guiding principles.

  • Lagos seeks Smart Farming to enhance food sustainability

    Lagos seeks Smart Farming to enhance food sustainability

    Lagos State government through the State Agricultural Development Authority, LSADA has called for the need to embrace technology-driven agricultural production processes towards enhancing and sustaining food security.

    The agency made the call during the 2025 Pre-Season training organised for agric extension agents, enumerators, farmers’ group representatives, among others, with the theme “AI Powered Urban Agriculture in Lagos State: Enhancing Agricultural Extension Services for Increased Food Production.”

    While declaring the training open, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, said the training was designed to equip field officers with knowledge on the objectives and methodologies of management training plots, demonstrations, and on-farm adaptive research planned for the year

    Olusanya who acknowledged the pivotal role the extension officers play in the agric space, canvassed for their adequate welfare packages and enjoined them to explore the social media platforms to push their numerable activities to the world.”

     AI or not AI, what is the most important for me is the people who are supposed to be the one to deploy whatever technology that will be required by our farmers. The people must be in the right frame of mind” she said

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    Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, Dr Oluwarotimi Fashola, said the gatherings offerred opportunity to strengthen the backbone of Lagos State’s agricultural sector, the farmers as well as extension officers.

    Fashola maintained that Lagos is building a future where technology and tradition work hand in hand to feed the growing population.

    He said: “Agriculture is no longer solely about manual labour and traditional methods; it is about intelligence, efficiency, and adaptability. In a fast-changing world, the integration of Artificial Intelligence into agriculture is no longer a choice it is an imperative.

    “Today, smart agriculture is driving food systems globally. Technologies such as Al are enabling predictive farming, climate-resilient crop management, and optimised resource use. In Lagos, a state defined by its energy, dynamism, and innovation, it is only fitting that we lead Nigeria’s transition into a new era of agritech-driven food production.

  • Ex-deputy governor hails Ikorodu West chair

    Ex-deputy governor hails Ikorodu West chair

    By Busola Akinyoade

    The former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, has hailed the Chairman of Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Otunba Sulaimon Kazeem, for his  impactful programmes.

    Prince Ogunleye stated this at the opening of the new council chairman’s office and event centre in Ikorodu.

    “I want to commend the efforts of Otunba Sulaimon in ensuring that he fulfills his duty. You have achieved a lot of things, carrying on the legacy left behind by your predecessors and improving on it. I am happy and impressed by the extension of the council premises,” he said.

    According to him, There is a saying that the performance of any organisation depends on the facilities provided for the staff to work, and he has managed to provide an enabling facility for members of his staff. I want to acknowledge that you have done very well,” he added. Otunba Kazeem said the new office was constructed in response to the growing need for more working spaces for the staff.

    He said: “The new office building will provide more space for the staff and political officeholders, creating a more enabling environment and enhancing productivity. I have managed the old structure for three years, and this new complex, I believe, will also be remembered by generations to come as part of our efforts towards tackling the lack of space.”

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    He mentioned that the event centre, developed in collaboration with West End Centre Nigeria Limited, is a part of the administration’s strategy to boost Internal Generated Revenue (IGR).

    “The ultimate impact we want to make from this is to generate revenue for us as a council. We want to expand our revenue sources because we have limited funds. The aim is to use that revenue to improve our healthcare, education, roads, and youth development, among others,” he explained.

    He promised to execute more projects while urging members of his community to sustain their support and trust in his leadership.

  • Iba holds free medical screening for workers

    Iba holds free medical screening for workers

    The Chairman of Iba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Jibril Yisa, has begun free monthly medical check-up for members of staff and non-pensionable workers.

    Yisa said the exercise was to ensure wellbeing of the workers.

    According to him, the ongoing exercise aimed to check the vital signs of illness and detect any potential health issues early.

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    “The medical team is conducting thorough checks, including blood pressure, weight, and blood sugar screenings and provision of instant drugs with people diagnosed with high blood pressure, high sugar level was given drugs free of charge among others”. He added that the initiative demonstrates his concern for the welfare of staff members, recognising that a healthy workforce is essential for effective service delivery to the community.

    The workers hailed the council boss for the gesture.

  • Council gives Easter palliatives

    Council gives Easter palliatives

    Chairman of Ifelodun Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Olufemi Okeowo, has marked the Easter celebration with a generous distribution of food palliatives to no fewer than 2,500 artisans, petty traders, and individuals in the council area.

    The palliatives, distributed on good Friday, were part of the chairman’s gesture to celebrate Easter with his constituents and cushion the impact of economic hardship.

    He said: “Our people deserve to feel the joy of Easter, and this is just one of the ways we are showing love and support. Easter is a season of hope, and we want to reflect that hope in the lives of our people.”

    Okeowo emphasised the significance of the season, describing it as a moment of reflection, joy, and renewed faith.

    “Today is Good Friday, the symbolic day that Jesus Christ was nailed to the cross. We are feeling it, and we are also in a happy mood because we are sure of his resurrection,” he said.

     “We are coming here on Monday to welcome our Lord Jesus Christ after three days of resurrection. So, we are very happy.”

    Beyond the festive celebrations, the chairman used the opportunity to highlight the development strides under his administration, including ongoing road construction, healthcare upgrades, and administrative reforms.

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    “Our roads are being tarred and interlocked into neighbourhoods. You step out of your home and drive on a good road. The hospital is almost ready, it’s an ultra-modern facility that will soon be commissioned,” he said.

    He also noted the recent completion of a modern office complex for council operations, which he described as a major step forward in strengthening local governance.

    “Look at the edifice we put together for the use of the local government council officers, both political and administrative. They are fantastic. We are making use of them to develop the community,” he said.

    Okeowo reaffirmed his commitment to grassroots empowerment through consistent programmes such as the monthly palliative scheme designed to uplift the most vulnerable in society.

    “This is just the tip of the iceberg. We do that every month, and we will continue to empower people and make them happy,” he said.

    Looking ahead, Okeowo expressed confidence in his administration’s track record, declaring the 2025 election “a done deal,” while preparing the groundwork for 2027.

    He ended his remarks with a call for continued peace and unity among residents of Ifelodun LCDA.

    “I want them to remain good, to remain calm. In a peaceful environment, the economy will thrive. Everyone will be happy. That’s what we want to continue to enjoy in Ifelodun.”

    Former member of the Lagos State House of Representatives, Dr. Leke Kehinde, commended Okeowo, for what he described as “an exceptional performance” in office.

    Speaking on the sideline, Kehinde expressed satisfaction with the level of infrastructural development, financial empowerment, and community welfare projects carried out under Okeowo’s leadership.

    “What we have seen so far in Ifelodun is that the chairman has done very well. As a matter of fact, this is an exceptional performance. I have no doubt about it,” he said.

    He noted that Okeowo’s efforts have positively impacted the lives of residents and brought pride to the community. “He has done so much infrastructure. He has given money to people. He has taken care of people. We are very proud to go out and talk to people. I have not seen this kind of performance for many, many years since I have been in politics.”

    Looking ahead to the next election, Kehinde expressed confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would dominate the polls in Ifelodun LCDA.

    “There is no reason, when we go to the polls, I am sure that APC will sweep the polls,” he stated.

    He urged members of the community to remain peaceful and united, describing the current atmosphere in the LCDA as calm and conducive for development. “The message is that they should stay cool. There is peace in the local government.”

    Kehinde concluded by reaffirming his pride in the chairman’s leadership, stating, “There is no doubt that he has done us proud. I am very proud of him.”

    With a blend of festive cheer, direct community impact, and sustained development efforts, Okeowo’s Easter message underscored his administration’s focus on people-first leadership.

  • Coker-Aguda chair hails pupils’ performance

    Coker-Aguda chair hails pupils’ performance

    The Chairman of Coker Aguda Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Rasaq Ibrahim, has praised the pupils of Itana Private School for their brilliant performace.

    He spoke during the school’s Annual Inter-House Sports held at Femi Gbajabiamila Mini Stadium, Coker.

    Ibrahim stated that Itana Private School has been known for excellence and that the Inter-House Sports is to create more enabling performance for the students in sporting activities and not just reading all the time.

    “We shouldn’t forget the fact that it’s just ones in one or two academic sessions. So, the students should be encouraged to engage in sporting activities,” he said.

    Proprietress of the school, Mrs. Omobolanle Akinyemi-Obe, gave glory to God for the journey so far.

    She said many schools that they started together have folded up due to one reason or the other.

    She stated that the school had won various prices since inception.

    She added that the setting up of the school was with 45 pupils and now boast of over 200 pupils both in primary and college.

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    Akinyemi-Obe stressed that they introduced Nigeria, British and American curriculum in impacting knowledge to the students.

    “So, there is no area in what I have just mentioned that you tune our students to that they don’t respond very fine. I’m indeed very happy about how the school is progressing,” she said.

    She then highlighted the performance of the students in terms of state and national examination such as Junior Secondary School Exam, Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) and Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Exam as tremendous.

    She attributed the success to a well serene and conducive education environment.

  • Easter: Epe Council boss felicitates Christians

    Easter: Epe Council boss felicitates Christians

    The Chairperson, Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Princess Surah Animashaun has urged Nigerians, Lagosians and Epe indigenes to continue being confident and believe strongly in the efforts at making the country, Lagos and Epe council great.

    In her Easter message, the Chairperson noted that the season reminds humanity that the Almighty God can turn unpleasant situations round for good.

    Recognising that Easter is about renewed hope and a glorious future, Princess Animashaun maintained that it has been a rare privilege for her to serve as Chairman of the Council from 2021 to 2025.

    She advised Epe residents and Nigerians to celebrate the season with family members, neighbours and community members, in love, showing kindness, and forgiveness.

    She noted that the two great events in the Christian calendar – Good Friday and Easter, symbolise the triumph of good over evil, and prays that the season awakens in Christians, the spirit of dedication to public good and selfless service to the nation.

    According to her, the period should herald a rebirth and healing of the country and Epe in general, emphasising the need to use the period to pray for the success of the incoming local government election, scheduled for July, 12 this year.

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    Princess Animashaun urged Epe residents, particularly Christians to emulate Jesus Christ’s virtues of humility, perseverance and compassion, which made Him die on the cross for the atonement of our sins and reconciling us with God.

    The Chairperson also implored Epe residents, particularly, Christians to use the occasion to seek the face of God for continuous peace in Epe LG, Lagos State and Nigeria, especially as the state preparing for the LG elections.

    She said: “I wish all Epe indigenes, Lagosians and Christians across the country and other parts of the world a Happy Easter as we remember the sacrifice and love of Jesus towards mankind. The message of Easter is that of sacrifice, tolerance, harmony, perseverance, and undying love.

    “As we commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, I want Epe residents, Lagosians and Nigerians in general to make togetherness and unity of the country the central goal of our nationalities.

    “We should also use the period to pray for peace in Epe, Lagos State and Nigeria as the state prepares for the LG elections scheduled for July.

    “Let us all emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ by simply impacting the lives of friends, colleagues, associates, neighbours, and family members, as well as contributing to the growth and development of our dear Epe LG, Lagos State and Nigeria.”

    Princess Animashaun used the opportunity of Easter celebration to commend and thank Epe indigenes for their steadfastness, resilience, support and cooperation with her administration during her first term, while also reassuring residents of her government’s commitment to continued good governance and more people-oriented programmes during her second term in office if elected.