The Nation Newspaper

Category: Grassroots

  • Aspirant hails Senator Adebule on Women Assembly

    Aspirant hails Senator Adebule on Women Assembly

    By Fahd Bagbansoro

    A councillorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC) at Ward D in Iba Local Council Development Area LCDA), Lagos, Shakiru Omolaja Sanni, has hailed the senator representing Lagos West Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Dr  Idiat Adebule, for her foresight and commitment to women empowerment.

    Sanni, a Masters Student at the Lagos State University (LASU), described the successful hosting of the maiden edition of the Lagos West Women Assembly put together by Senator Adebule as a watershed in the annals of politics in the area.

    According to him, the event was “timely and visionary intervention” aimed at fostering unity, capacity building, and leadership among women across the Lagos West Senatorial District.

    “This initiative is a clear testament to Senator Adebule’s passion for grassroots development and her belief in the transformative power of women,” Sanni noted.

    He emphasised the importance of the platform, which brought together leading female figures in Lagos politics and governance, including the wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Chief, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo and Convener, Women in Successful Careers, Mrs. Amina Oyagbola.

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    Highlighting the empowerment of 250 women and the distribution of business-support tools such as generators, bags of rice, ovens, and mini-buses, Sanni said: “These are not just gifts; they are tools of transformation. Senator Adebule has shown once again that true leadership lies in giving people the resources they need to thrive.”

    Sanni pledged that, if elected as councilor, he would work towards replicating such impactful programmes within his ward, ensure women have a voice in decision-making, and drive initiatives that promote inclusive development, noting that his aims for Ward D is beyond local.

    He appealed to party members and stakeholders to rally behind visionary leaders like Senator Adebule, whose efforts continue to inspire hope and progress across Lagos West.

  • Educationist vows to prioritise people, declares for Agege chairmanship

    Educationist vows to prioritise people, declares for Agege chairmanship

    Determined to usher in a new era of people-centered governance, renowned educationist and President of the Agege Renewed Hope Movement, Mr. Taiwo Olasunkanmi Samuel, popularly known as TOS, has vowed to transform Agege by prioritising the welfare of its people.

    TOS, who has declared his candidacy for the Chairmanship of Agege Local Government in the upcoming 2025 elections, said his mission is anchored on giving Agege residents better access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

    “I want to make sure that the people of Agege have access to better opportunities, healthcare, and education,” he said. “It’s time to put the people first.”

    At the heart of his campaign is a robust five-point agenda that focuses on economic empowerment, quality education, community development, improved healthcare, and transparent governance. These priorities, he said, reflect the true needs and aspirations of Agege residents.

    As the leader of the Agege Renewed Hope Movement, TOS has grown into a formidable voice for the grassroots. He is admired for his passion, credibility, and deep understanding of the community’s challenges, having grown up in Agege himself.

    “I know what it’s like to live in this community,” he said. “I’ve lived here, and I’m committed to making it better for everyone.”

    With a solid academic and professional background, TOS combines passion with competence. He holds a Higher National Diploma in Business Administration and Management from Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, a B.Sc. in Business Administration from Joseph Ayo Babalola University, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA).

     His experiences in both private and public sectors have shaped his strategic approach to governance.

    Professionally, he has served as Business Development Manager at Dujex Global Services Limited and CEO of Samdol Global Resources Nigeria Limited, where he honed skills in project coordination and business strategy. Notably, from 2017 to 2021, he served as Principal Executive Secretary to the Executive Chairman of Agege LGA—a role that deepened his familiarity with the inner workings of local government and the everyday concerns of residents.

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    TOS is also the founder of SAMDOL Private School, where he has provided access to quality education for underprivileged children in Agege. Through the Agege Renewed Hope Movement, he has led impactful campaigns promoting unity, peace, and social development.

    “Education is the key to lifting people out of poverty, and that’s why I’m passionate about providing better education for our children,” he added.

    His economic agenda includes empowering small businesses, promoting entrepreneurship, and creating jobs—especially for youth and women. Already, his initiatives have led to improved access to education and rising household incomes in some parts of Agege.

    As the election draws near, TOS is receiving growing support from political leaders, youth organizations, market associations, religious groups, and other stakeholders across Agege. Many within the All Progressives Congress (APC) view his candidacy as a unifying force with a clear path to victory.

    For TOS, his bid for chairmanship is not just a political ambition—it is a response to the call to serve.

    “It’s not just about politics,” he said. “It’s about service, and I’m ready to serve my people.”

    As Agege prepares for the 2025 elections, residents are rallying around a candidate they believe combines competence with compassion. With a clear vision and an unshakable commitment to the people, TOS is poised to become the transformational leader Agege has been waiting for.

  • Surulere residents join Fanti Carnival

    Surulere residents join Fanti Carnival

    •Council unveil plans for Surulere Day

    The vibrant and historic streets of Lagos Island came alive on Sunday as the popular Fanti Carnival drew thousands of culture enthusiasts and revelers. This year’s edition took a unique turn as residents of Surulere Local Government joined the festivities in a show of unity and cultural solidarity.

    Leading the Surulere delegation, Chairman of Surulere Local Government Area, Sulaiman Yusuf, explained the historical connection between the two communities.

    He said: “We decided to join the Fanti Carnival because the majority of us in Surulere were relocated from Lagos Island. When the Eko Bridge was about to be constructed, some affected people were moved to Surulere. So, we cannot celebrate Surulere Day without involving the Olowogbowo people in Lagos Island.”

    Yusuf emphasised that the Fanti Carnival is a celebration of cultural heritage that transcends geography.

    “Carnivals bring us together and help us express our joy and identity. They also offer economic benefits – small-scale businesses thrive during events like these, and even hotels enjoy increased patronage,” he noted.

    As Surulere gears up for its own cultural showcase later in the year, Yusuf used the occasion to appeal to Nigerians for continued support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s programmes.

     “My message to everyone is to support the present administration so we can all enjoy the benefits of current policies. I urge our people to be patient and stay united,” he said.

    Member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Desmond Elliott, said the event was meant to showcase cultural diversity and spirit of Lagos.

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    Adding to the excitement, the Secretary to the Local Government and Chairman of the Surulere Day Organising Committee, Kehinde Agbo, revealed plans for the forthcoming Surulere Fiesta 2025.

    “This is our third edition of Surulere Day. Back in 2005, we branded it the ‘Surulere Festival’. It’s all about showcasing what we’ve been doing in Surulere to promote culture and community spirit. Joining the Fanti Carnival, which is the biggest in Lagos State, gives us a platform to connect and also unveil our Surulere Fiesta 2025.”

    The main Surulere Fiesta will take place in December and promises a rich blend of cultural displays, entertainment, and communal celebration.

    Sunday’s joint celebration served as a symbolic bridge between Lagos Island and Surulere, reminding residents of their shared heritage.

  • Lagos subsidises fares by N14.9b

    Lagos subsidises fares by N14.9b

    With over 60 million passengers moved in less than six years, the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has subsidised the public transport fare by N14.9 billion to ease commuters’ burden.

    Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said this during the ministerial briefing to mark the second year of the second term in office of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at Alausa, Ikeja.

    Also present at the briefing included, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, among others.

    Lagos Bus Service Limited, (LBSL) is established by the State Government to save commuters’ time and money and enhance socio-economic development of the state.

    Osiyemi said: “LBSL has moved total of 60,882,000 passengers from May 2019 till February 2025. LBSL currently moves over 42,266 passengers daily with an average of 1000 bus trips per day.

    “LBSL average fare for February was N542.66 while informal public transport fare was N1,097.73.

    “Since inception, the LBSL average fare has been N261.67 cheaper than the average fares in Lagos. LBSL has implicitly subsidised fares for the Lagosians transported to an estimated sum of N14.9 billion.

    “LBSL Driving School produced an additional 144 drivers to make a total of 3,537 certified high-capacity bus drivers as of 18th March 2025.”

    According to him, public transport is safer than private cars in terms of accident rates and severity.

    He added that public transport moves more people with fewer vehicles, reduces congestion and travel time.

    “Public transport saves energy; one bus can replace up to 40 cars and has less fuel consumption and emission up to 95 per cent,” he said.

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    While commenting on bus reform initiative of the state government through Lagos Metropolitan Transport Authority, LAMATA, Osiyemi said with the increasing number of passengers on the Blue Line Rail, additional three rolling stocks are expected in May to enhance service delivery.

    The state governor had in December, 2022 inaugurated the Blue Line Rail in the state.

    The first phase of the infrastructure works for the rail project (Marina to Mile 2) has commenced operation.

    The Blue Line is one of seven Lagos metro rail lines, spanning from Marina to Okokomaiko.

    He said: “The first phase has already commenced full commercial passengers operation and has transported more than two million passengers to date.

    “The full Line is set to be 27km: Marina to Okokomaiko. Construction of phase 2 from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko started in December expected to carry 500,000 passengers a day.

  • Sanwo-Olu, others wade into Owutu residents, LASBCA/Osholonge land crisis

    Sanwo-Olu, others wade into Owutu residents, LASBCA/Osholonge land crisis

    Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Babafemi Hamzat, Chairman Ikorodu West Local Government Development Council, Kazeem Sulaimon and the Baale of Owutu Town, Pa Joseph Olátúnjí Aluko have waded into the crisis that led to the demolition of about 200 houses of residents by alleged land grabbers allegedly hiding under the guise of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), with a view to solving the crisis and unravel those behind the demolition.

    Sanwo-Olu met the residents lastThursday through his Special Assistant on Rural Development, Dr Nurudeen Agbaje when they embarked on a peaceful protest to the State House, at Alausa Ikeja on the activities of an alleged notorious land grabber, Mr Jimmy Sholaja of Osholonge family.

    The Deputy Governor, Obafemi Kadiri Hamzat who similarly received the protesters and received their petition, said the state government will not allow anyone to be deprived of his or her rights in Lagos, and promised to get to the root of the matter with a view to seeking solution to the lingering crisis.

    In the same vein, the Chairman of Ikorodu West LCDA and the Baale of Owutu Town in Ikorodu have both dissociated themselves from the demolition of their houses, purportedly carried out by the staff of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA).

    The Chairman, while addressing protesters at the Local Government Secretariat on Friday, said while he was neither aware nor informed of the demolition which took place at about 200 meters away from his office, he promised to make effort to unearth those behind the dastardly act.

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    The Baale, Pa Joseph Olátúnjí Aluko, also dissociated himself and the palace from the activities of the alleged land grabber, Jimmy Sholaja, who he said, does not have the blessings of his palace in the crisis being orchestrated by Sholaja and the Osholonge family, noting that no good monarch will support the demolition of residents of his subjects.

    Some people who wore Lagos State Building Control Agency jacket, accompanied with KAI vehicles, gun-weilding uniformed men, and thugs who were believed to be cultists besieged Agric, Owutu Town on Wednesday, March 26.

    Consequently, the residents embarked on a series of protest to all stakeholders to save them from Mr Sholaja who they alleged connived with LASBCA to demolish their houses.

    The residents who had been sleeping on the rubbles and the ruins of their homes for over a week since the bulldozers of LASBCA visited their community, lamented that the demolition was carried out, despite the court orders restraining the Lagos State government and LASBCA from demolising their property; and in spite of the fact that the case is also at the Appeal Court.

  • Mushin invites NBC for inspection of broadcasting station

    Mushin invites NBC for inspection of broadcasting station

    • By Sophie Ochia

    The Mushin Local Government Area (LGA) has taken a significant step towards enhancing local media and community engagement with the launch of its new broadcasting station. The station, which will operate on Isokan 106.7 FM, was recently inspected by directors from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), marking a crucial milestone in its development.

    Chairman of Mushin Local Government Emmanuel Bamigboye, expressed delight at the NBC directors’ visit, highlighting the importance of this initiative for the local community.

     “We are very delighted to see the NBC representatives here. This is just the starting point. We’re doing something, and the people in charge are committed to ensuring we follow due process and start as soon as possible,” he said.

    Bamigboye emphasised the potential of the broadcasting station to generate revenue, create employment opportunities, and support developmental projects within the local government.

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    The NBC Lagos Director, Charles Ebuebu, expressed his admiration for the facilities and equipment installed at the broadcasting station.

    He commended the council boss and his team for their ‘exceptional work and issued a pass mark, indicating the station’s readiness to commence operations.

    The director also presented the National Broadcasting Code to the chairman, outlining guidelines for various aspects of broadcasting, including news coverage, religious, and political content. He encouraged the local community to utilise the station as a platform to share their thoughts and opinions.

  • Chairmanship aspirant hails Tinubu’s launch of 8,000 PHCs

    Chairmanship aspirant hails Tinubu’s launch of 8,000 PHCs

    An All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairmanship aspirant for Surulere Local Government Area, Dr Bashir Oshodi, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the establishment of 8,000 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the country.

    Oshodi expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for what he described as a groundbreaking initiative aimed at revitalising Nigeria’s healthcare system and improving access to quality medical services.

    “This is a landmark achievement that clearly reflects the Tinubu administration’s sincere commitment to transforming the health sector and enhancing the well-being of millions of Nigerians,” Oshodi stated.

    He emphasised that the rollout of these PHCs is timely, especially for communities that have long struggled with limited access to affordable healthcare. According to him, the strategic placement of the centres will ensure that people in rural, semi-urban, and underserved areas can access essential medical services without the hardship of long-distance travel.

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    Oshodi also highlighted the broader benefits of the initiative, noting that the decentralisation of healthcare delivery will ease the pressure on general and teaching hospitals, improve service efficiency, and create thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities for medical personnel and support staff.

    “These people-centered projects reflect the kind of visionary leadership Nigerians yearn for,” he said, pledging his unwavering support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He further pledged that, if elected as Chairman of Surulere, he would work to replicate similar developmental strides within the local government.

    Oshodi called on party members, stakeholders, and citizens to support the APC-led administration in building a healthier and more prosperous Nigeria.

  • Mosan-Okunola affirms commitment  to youth empowerment

    Mosan-Okunola affirms commitment  to youth empowerment

    • By Chidinma Nnamdi

    The Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to youth development and empowerment during a dynamic symposium and awards organised by the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Mosan-Okunola Branch.

    The event brought together stakeholders from government, international development agencies, and youth bodies to address critical issues such as safe migration, skill acquisition, and leadership.

    Chairman of Mosan-Okunola LCDA, Princess Olabisi Adebajo, described youths as the “main orbit of any growing economy.”

    Represented by the Secretary to the council, Ayo Orimolade, Adebajo highlighted the local government’s consistent support for youth-led initiatives and underscored the importance of unity and positive thinking in achieving national development.

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    “Youth of our local government and Lagos State as a whole should have a positive vibe towards the fact that there’s a better tomorrow ahead. We need to come together as one body and contribute to the growth of Mosan-Okunola and Lagos State,” she said.

    She explained that since the third quarter of last year, the council has organised over 15 youth-focused programmes ranging from IT and digital literacy to entrepreneurship training.

    These efforts, she noted, aim to keep young minds engaged and empowered with practical skills that foster self-reliance.

    Head of Programmes at the Centres for Migration and Development under GIZ—Germany’s development cooperation agency, Mrs. Sandra Vermuijten-Alonge, explained GIZ’s partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Employment and its mission to provide Nigerian youths with access to reliable information about employment and migration opportunities, both locally and abroad

    She said: “We want to ensure that people know what skills are in demand and how to acquire them, whether they plan to work in Nigeria or migrate for study or employment. We’ve reached nearly 400,000 people since 2018, and our collaboration with local governments like Mosan-Okunola is critical to expanding that impact.”

    Highlighting the grassroots angle, Comrade Gbolahan Badru, Coordinator of the NYCN Mosan Okunola, emphasised the importance of educating young people on safe and legal migration.

    “It’s not about discouraging migration, but about doing it the right way. We don’t want our youth ending up abroad with fake documents and been locked up in jail or being sent back in disgrace. That’s why we’re educating them—so they follow due process,” he said.

     Badru also revealed plans for Entropy 2.0, a follow-up to last year’s anti-drug campaign. The initiative, he said, will focus on substance abuse awareness in primary and secondary schools across the LCDA.

    The Special Adviser on Special Duties to the Chairman, Afeez Yusuf, who received an award during the ceremony, credited his recognition to his efforts in driving ICT and entrepreneurial training among youth.

    He said: “Since assuming office, we’ve trained over 5,000 youths in areas like digital marketing, 3D animation, and drone photography. We don’t just train and let go. We put them into internship programmes to ensure these skills are put to practical use.”

    He added that more programmes are in the pipeline to further develop youths capacities and make Mosan-Okunola a hub of digitally skilled and self-reliant young people.

    Awards were also presented to exceptional youth leaders and local government officials who have contributed significantly to

  • ‘Why it’s Isheri’s turn to produce Ikosi/Isheri LCDA chair’

    ‘Why it’s Isheri’s turn to produce Ikosi/Isheri LCDA chair’

    With the release of the timetable for the conduct of elections into Local govt areas and local council development areas in Lagos State, Babatunde Adetunji, a chairmanship aspirant in Ikosi/Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA), has argued that it is the turn of Isheri to occupy the office of the Chairman.

    Adetunji, who is eyeing the office of the chairman under the umbrella of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming election, has been in active politics for over two decades. He explained the peculiarity of Ikosi/Isheri LCDA as a “twin” local government, arguing that Ikosi, one half of the communities that form the LCDA, has been at the helm of affairs since its creation in 2003.

    “Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a great master planner. If you look at what has been happening in Lagos State, the state has the senatorial districts and the President makes sure that the governorship rotates among the senatorial districts. Why? It is for equitable development and to make sure that one side does not feel cheated,” Adetunji said in an interview.

    “The agitation that we have in our local government is that it is a twin local government; Ikosi and Isheri. Like I have been saying, Ikosi have been doing it since the creation of the local government. That was in 2003 and we are now in 2025. My point is that we should allow equitable distribution, equitable representation, so at this time, I feel that Isheri should be given the opportunity to do it.

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    “But I will leave that to the leadership, I don’t have control over that. Now in the same vein in Ikosi/Isheri, the first chairman was Kunle Soname, he was a Christian, he did his two terms. At that time, it was three years per tenure, he did his three years. There were some extensions and so on and so forth. After that, Abdulfatai Oyesanya came in. He should have completed two terms, if not for the fact that he went to be with the Lord, that was why he didn’t complete his second term but his vice chairman who is also a muslim, took over and she did technically two terms. So if you look at it from that point of view, I think it would be fair enough to say we should co-exist”.

    Adetunji touted his reputation as the most qualified aspirant for the chairmanship election considering his longstanding political participation in the APC and wide consultations.

    Speaking further, he said, “I’ve been fully involved since 2006. I’ve contested the primaries for the House of Assembly, I did a lot of running around, I met a lot of people; made friends.

    And since 2006, I’ve remained consistent with the party. I’ve done everything possible to reach out to people that I know are involved in politics, since 2006, even until now.

    “And now, I just have that feeling that they are all waiting for me to emerge and I can tell you that the moment I’m the candidate, there will be a different political interest in Ikosi/Isheri. The enthusiasm for people to come out to vote will increase once I become the flag bearer of APC.”

    He, however, said he would obey the decision of the leadership of the party if its view of the matter is contrary to his.

    “If the leadership says there is a different person, leadership decision is sacrosanct. Whatever the leadership says, that is where I will go,” he noted.

    The politician boasts of his special connection with his constituents, who he said, cannot wait to have his name on the ballot in the upcoming chairmanship election.

    “I’m a grassroots man, who connects with the people, irrespective of background, religion and occupation. And that is one of the reasons that people have so much respect for me, because of my integrity.

    ‘‘That is why my campaign slogan or campaign nickname is ‘Omoluabi Pataki.

    “I will never tell you what I cannot do. Whatever I say is what I’ll do and I will stand by it. So I have a lot of people that are looking up to the time that Omoluabi will be given that opportunity and I believe “the time is now,”Adetunji said.

  • Iba council chief donates four buses to boost staff’s productivity

    Iba council chief donates four buses to boost staff’s productivity

    In a move to enhance staff welfare and improve revenue generation, the Chairman of Iba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Yisa Jubril, has donated four newly acquired buses at the council secretariat.

    The buses include one for staff commuting from Badagry and Iyana-Ipaja axes and three designated for revenue generation purposes by Area Officers.

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    Jubril, while addressing staff during the brief handover ceremony, said the initiative was a direct response to the request made during the Local Government Service Commission’s visit last year. “This gesture is aimed at easing transportation challenges faced by our staff. I urge you all to reciprocate this with increased dedication, punctuality, and efficient service delivery”, he said.

    He added that additional welfare packages were in the pipeline as part of broader efforts to boost morale and performance. Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Mr. Saheed Badejo, expressed appreciation on behalf of the staff and pledged their continued commitment to the growth and development of Iba LCDA.