The Nation Newspaper

Category: Grassroots

  • Schools get First Aid boxes in Epe

    Schools get First Aid boxes in Epe

    The Chairman of the Epe Local Government Area, Lagos State, Surah Animashaun, has begun the distribution of 200 first aid boxes to public primary schools in the LGA.

    The chairman, who inaugurated the distribution on Thursday in Epe, said the development was for the public school students to have easy access to first aid medical treatment, when there is an injury, before being taken to the hospital for proper treatment.

    “Students are prone to physical contact during play, as part of their extracurricular activities.

    “Therefore, first aid is essential for palliative treatment before being taken to the hospital for proper medical attention,” she said.

    The chairman emphasised the importance of safety and health in learning environments, stating that the council was committed to prioritising the welfare of school children.

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    She said proactive health measures such as this would help to reduce complications from minor injuries.

    According to her, the first aid boxes are well-equipped with essential medical supplies such as antiseptics, spirit, bandages, cotton wool, gloves, and other items necessary for administering immediate care.

    “Health officers from the local government were also deployed to educate school staff on how to properly use the materials, ” she said.

    Animashahun stated that the initiative was part of a broader health and safety campaign being carried out in collaboration with the local education authority.

    She called on the schools’ management and teachers to handle the items with care and ensure that the contents are replenished when necessary.

    Speaking on the initiative, the Head Teacher of RCM Primary School, Mr Ayomide Ayeola, expressed gratitude to the local government council for the thoughtful gesture.

    He described the development as timely and beneficial, especially as schools resume full academic activities.

  • Foundation offers free medical outreach to women in Ibadan

    Foundation offers free medical outreach to women in Ibadan

    The Yinkakenny Girls Care Foundation, led by its founder, Yinka Kenny, has provided free medical outreach to over 100 women in a rural community in Ibadan as part of activities marking International Women’s Month.

    Targeted at women aged 40 and above, the outreach featured screenings for breast cancer, blood sugar, and other health conditions. The initiative was aimed at bridging the healthcare gap in underserved areas.

    Speaking during the event, Kenny said the programme was born out of the need to provide grassroots women with access to preventive healthcare and education.

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    “Many of these women have never had basic health checks. We are empowering them with knowledge and tools to take charge of their health,” she said.

    Kenny thanked all partners and volunteers, reaffirming the Foundation’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of women particularly those in marginalized communities.  She also called for more collaborative efforts to sustain such impactful initiatives. The medical team was led by a retired senior medical officer with the Oyo State Hospital Management Board, Dr. Mojisola Bolaji, supported by nurses Ige Adeniyi and Lola Sanda, and a team of volunteers.

    Beneficiaries were educated on how to conduct self-examinations and referred to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, for further evaluation where necessary.

  • LASIEC assures opposition parties of level playing ground

    LASIEC assures opposition parties of level playing ground

    Chairman of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile (Rtd), has called on opposition parties to actively participate in the upcoming local government elections, assuring them of a level playing field.

    Speaking yesterday during the opening of a three-day training for LASIEC officials ahead of the July 12, 2025 elections, she said the commission is committed to conducting elections that are free, fair, credible, and transparent.

    “We’re not going to deny anyone his or her electoral victory. When opposition parties work hard, they can win at the poll,” she said.

    Justice Okikiolu-Ighile noted that during observations of local elections in other states, LASIEC noticed a troubling trend where opposition parties withdrew from elections out of fear that the ruling party would automatically win.

    She said: “That is not the way to go. Withdrawal only ensures you’re not part of the process. Political parties must mobilize, create awareness, and engage voters. That’s how democracy works.”

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    She added that voter apathy is often worsened by a lack of engagement from political parties, and encouraged them to step up their participation to give Lagosians real choices at the polls.

    She stressed that elections will be held across 20 constitutionally recognized Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), in accordance with state electoral laws.

    Jusice Okikiolu-Ighile emphasized the commission’s commitment to improving upon the shortcomings of the 2021 council polls.

    “We’re taking all the shortcomings and shortfalls into consideration and working very hard so they do not repeat themselves. We are learning from the past, and this training is to ensure we are fully prepared.”

  • Ayobo-Ipaja council boss warns against illegal waste disposal

    Ayobo-Ipaja council boss warns against illegal waste disposal

    The Chairman of Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Otunba Oladipupo Oluwaloni, has taken decisive action in the fight against indiscriminate waste disposal, leading a large-scale environmental sanitation exercise across key areas of the LCDA.

    In an interview with The Nation, Otunba Oluwaloni stated that the initiative stemmed from continued non-compliance by residents despite previous stakeholder engagements.

    “When I was the acting chairman, we organised a stakeholders’ meeting where we urged residents not to dump refuse on the roads. Unfortunately, many have refused to comply, which is why the executive and legislative arms of the LCDA decided to take matters into our own hands,” he said.

    The clean-up exercise, which kicked off at Church Bus-stop in Ipaja and ended at Ijamoney, involved over seven trucks and the active participation of local authorities, including the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ayobo/Ipaja.

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    The council boss reiterated his seriousness to keep the council tidy.

    “We are serious about this. Ayobo/Ipaja must be clean. Enough is enough. This is not business as usual,” he said.

    He said there’s ongoing efforts to collaborate with community leaders to strategize on sustained compliance.

    “I’m a good manager, and I believe we can manage ourselves. But this unhealthy behavior must stop,” he warned

    The Chairman reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining a clean and healthy environment and called on all residents to take responsibility for proper waste management.

  • Ayobo-Ipaja council chair declares war on illegal waste disposal

    Ayobo-Ipaja council chair declares war on illegal waste disposal

    The Chairman of Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Ladi Oluwaloni, has launched a crackdown on environmental law violators, vowing to prosecute anyone caught dumping refuse indiscriminately in the area.

    Oluwaloni spoke yesterday during a clean-up exercise carried out in collaboration with Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), the police and community leaders.

    The operation targeted the removal of refuse dumped on road medians across Ayobo.

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    The chairman said the council had held several stakeholder meetings and would no longer tolerate the unhealthy practice.

    He said: “We have held stakeholders’ meetings with various sectors in the community, and we have made it clear that the council will no longer tolerate indiscriminate dumping of refuse on road medians.

    “This is why we are collaborating with the police, LAWMA and community leaders to put an end to this menace.”

  • Lagos empowers 250 women-focused NGOs

    Lagos empowers 250 women-focused NGOs

    • By: Chidinma Nnamdi

    Lagos State Government yesterday empowered 250 women-focused Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Agege.

    Speaking at a capacity-building event organised by the Ministry Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), the Commissioner for WAPA, Mrs Bolaji Dada, emphasised the need for increased funding for women-focused Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to enhance the welfare of women.

    Represented by Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Jibike Onigbanjo, Mrs Dada highlighted the essential role the organisations play in addressing challenges faced by women.

    She particularly emphasised their importance in the area of economic empowerment.

    Dada identified funding as one of the primary obstacles NGOs face in carrying out their initiatives.

    She stated that the training aimed to bridge the gap by equipping participants with the necessary skills to attract and secure funds for their programmes.

    “This training is a testament to our unwavering commitment to empowering women-focused non-profit organisations with the knowledge and skills needed to access funding and expand their impact in society.

    “NGOs play a vital role in addressing social challenges and advancing the welfare of women in our society,” Dada said.

    She added that the training aligned with the THEMES Agenda of Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and would help participants identify, apply for, and secure funding opportunities both locally and internationally.

    Dada further noted that the Lagos State government continued to create an enabling environment for women-focused NGOs to thrive and drive positive change.

    To make the most of these opportunities, she stressed that organisations must be well-informed, strategic, and proactive in their approach to funding.

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    The commissioner encouraged participants to take full advantage of the programme in order to contribute meaningfully to the lives of women across Lagos and beyond.

    The training facilitator, Dr Ayodeji Abdul-Rauf, urged NGOs to be resilient, consistent, and focused in their efforts to attract the right funding.

    He highlighted that a lack of funding was a major hindrance to NGOs making a social impact and advised them to target organisations, foundations, or individuals with similar interests.

    Director of the Non-profit Organisation Unit at the ministry, Mrs Gbemisola Babatunde, mentioned that the training was held annually and was aimed at engaging registered women-focused NGOs in the state.

    She reiterated that the ministry was committed to continually partnering with NGOs to improve the welfare of women in Lagos.

  • ‘Why we’re building modern museum, e-library in Epe’

    ‘Why we’re building modern museum, e-library in Epe’

    The Epe Local Government has explained the rationale behind the construction of a new Epe Ultra-Modern Museum and e-library project embarked upon by the Chairperson of the council, Princess Surah Animashaun.

    Speaking on the new Epe Ultra-Modern Museum, e-library, the Chairman, Princess Animashaun said her administration is committed to preserving cultural legacy and promoting educational development.

    She added that her administration was determined to deliver a facility that meets the highest standards of excellence, saying that she was excited to see the project taking shape in the council area.

    “Indeed, I am committed to ensuring that we have a local council that is safe, beautiful and ready for business, and upon completion, the museum and e-library will serve as a vibrant hub for learning, cultural preservation, and community engagement.

    “It will also enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike. The facility will feature state-of-the-art amenities, including interactive exhibits, a comprehensive library, and multipurpose spaces for educational programmes and community events.

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    “As we move forward, we remain committed to transparency and accountability, ensuring that the project is completed on schedule and within budget, so, we look forward to celebrating the successful completion of this iconic facility, which will undoubtedly become a source of pride for our community.” Princess Animashaun stated.

    The Chairperson said that the Epe Local Government is ready to leverage the strategic location/area of the council for maximum commercial benefits, saying the ultra-modern museum and e-library will turn Epe to the commercial hub of Lagos state when completed.

    According to her, the present administration is committed to ensuring that Epe Local Government looks like a 21st century council in Lagos state as whole.

    She urged tourists, visitors, learners and educationists across the state and its environs not to nurse any fear as the government will ensure a “smooth running of the museum and e-library when completed.”

  • Sanwo-Olu’s wife, Hamzat’s wife rise for Adebule’s Women Assembly

    Sanwo-Olu’s wife, Hamzat’s wife rise for Adebule’s Women Assembly

    Wife of 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, Convener, Women in Successful Careers, Mrs. Amina Oyagbola and hosts of other eminent personalities yesterday turned out in large number for the maiden Lagos West Women Assembly put together by the senator representing Lagos West Senatorial District, Dr Idiat Adebule.

    Women from all local governments within the senatorial districts attended in large number.

    The event held at an expansive hall along Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja, was also witnessed by former Lagos State Deputy Governor, now Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs) Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, now member of the Federal Civil Service Commission Princess Sarah Sosan; former deputy speakers of Lagos State House of Assembly Adefunmilayo Tejuoso and Bola Badmus-Olujobi; National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Dr. Mary Alile-Idele; APC Lagos Women Leader Jumoke Okoya-Thomas; House of Representatives member, Ganiyu Ayuba and Secretary of Conference of 57 Local Councils in Lagos State Rasaq Ajala among others.

    Dr Sanwo-Olu commended Senator Adebule for coming up with the initiative.

    She described the Lagos West Women Assembly as an inspiring and visionary platform designed to unite, uplift, and empower women across the district.

    She said: “Let me begin by appreciating the thoughtful leadership of Senator Adebule. This initiative is a testament to her enduring passion for women development and grassroots impact.

    “Indeed, the strength of every thriving society is anchored on the unity, resilience, and active participation of its women. When women are given the opportunity to rise, they become unstoppable forces of change—in homes, communities, markets, boardrooms, and government institutions. Here in Lagos State, we are proud to witness a dynamic wave of female leadership and collaboration, driving transformation from the grassroots to the corridors of power. The Lagos-West Women Assembly is both timely and strategic—it provides an inclusive platform for connection, capacity building, and citizen-government synergy.”

    The convener, Senator Adebule, said the Lagos West Women Assembly was meant to bring women together and inspire them to realise their potentials.

    The former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, added that that the assembly would give the women the impetus to play their naturally endowed role as builders of great, strong and resilient communities as a catalyst for nation building.

    She said: “We are here today in recognition and celebration of the strength and resilience of women as well as the powerful force they represent in shaping the future of our communities, our state, and our nation.

    “As women, we are the heart and backbone of our society. From our homes to our workplaces, from our local markets to our schools, our influence on every facet of life cannot be ignored because without women, the world will be a boring and dangerous place to live. Wherever there are women, there is focus, balance, love, compassion, happiness, nourishment and purposefulness. It presupposes that the inherent qualities and virtues of women are indispensable and cannot be outsourced because they come with nature.”

    According to her, the theme of the assembly – ‘Building a Stronger Community’ – “calls upon women to recognise that collaborative engagement is the key to breaking all barriers limiting their ability to excel and be counted among the leading lights of our communities. If indeed we must build resilient communities with women being indispensable in the matrix, then empowering them intellectually, economically and politically to improve their capacity to engage at the community level is of utmost importance. These are the issues that are at the heart of this assembly.”

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    She thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; leaders of the APC, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Deputy Dr Kadri Hamzat, Dr Sanwo-Olu; Mrs Hamzat; Chief Tinubu-Ojo; Mrs Orelope-Adefulire; Mrs Sosan, Ajala and her constituents for their supports.

    Convener, Women in Successful Careers, Mrs. Amina Oyagbola, described as an honour and a privilege to speak at the historic event.

    Mrs Oyagbola, expressed sincere gratitude to Senator Adebule, for her foresight and leadership in convening the timely and vital platform.

    According to her, “This assembly is not just a conversation, it is a movement. A rallying call for women to rise, lead with intention, and shape the communities we live in. It is an opportunity to reaffirm a truth we know too well: that when women lead, communities flourish.”

    She stated that to build stronger communities, there is a need women in leadership at every level—from the family unit to the Senate chambers, from classrooms to boardrooms, from markets to ministries.

    The highlight of the event was the empowerment of 250 women with resources to support their livelihoods. Participants also had the opportunity to win prizes in a raffle draw, including generators, 50kg bags of rice, Ovens and two mini-buses aimed at bolstering the beneficiaries’ businesses.

  • Isolo agog as Prince Faronbi-Shekoni emerges Osolo

    Isolo agog as Prince Faronbi-Shekoni emerges Osolo

    • Monarch, leaders urged on reconciliation
    • Olasoju thanks State Government

    The ancient kingdom of Isolo in Lagos was thrown into excitement on Friday as Prince Isa Olakunle Abiodun Faronbi-Shekoni emerged as the traditional ruler succeeding the late Oba Kabiru Agbabiaka who joined his ancestors on April 10th, 2024.

    The formal presentation of Staff-Of-Office and Instrument of Appointment ceremony was held at the conference room of the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government Affairs/Chieftaincy/Rural Development, Alausa- Ikeja.

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs and Chieftaincy & Rural Development, Mr. Bolaji Kayode Robert, congratulated the Faronbi-Shekoni on his emergence.

    He urged him  to reconcile with those who vied the stool with him and other family members.

    In his address, Robert commended the state governor for ensuring that the process for the nomination of Obas in the state remains transparent, legal and devoid of bottlenecks which do not befit the state’s upheld democracy.

    The commissioner added that, as the custodian of the culture and tradition of his people, Oba Faronbi-Shekoni should be seen as a rallying point for the maintenance of communal peace and social development.

    He gave assurance that the Sanwo-olu administration isn’t going to rest on its oars in channelling infrastructural development to the people of Isolo.

    Robert urged the new Oba and leaders present to be magnanimous in victory.

    Chairman of Isolo Local Council Development Area, Otunba Adebayo Olasoju thanked the state governor for helping the kingdom navigate the difficult terrain of Obaship’s successor seamlessly.

    He promised to ensure Isolo continue to be peaceful and witness more developments.

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    An elated Oba Faronbi-Shekoni thanked Almighty Allah for making the day possible.

    The Osolo of Isolo also specially thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sanwo-Olu, Robert, Olasoju and other dignitaries present.

    He promised to extend hands of friendship to other princes with whom he vied for the coveted stool.

    The new Osolo’s teeming admirers afterwards departed Alausa secretariat in a long convoy. Oba Faronbi-Shekoni joyously traversed Akinbaiye Street  amidst pomp and pageantry on foot en route the town’s ultramodern palace, acknowledging cheers from residents and bystanders alike who had besieged the street to catch a glimpse of the new king.

    Born on December 24, 1974 into the Family of Alhaji Kamorudeen Akanji Babatunde Shekoni and Alhaja Sariat Amori Iyabode Faronbi, Oba Shekoni-Faronbi completed his secondary school education at Ansar-ud-deen College, Isolo before proceeding to the prestigious University of Ilorin to study Civil Engineering. Oba Faronbi-Shekoni worked in several organisations locally and overseas including Hansmag Nig. Ltd., K. Foam Woofson Dublin, Republic of Ireland among others.

    He is the Chief Executive Officer of Ab Shakes Corporate Investment Ltd. Agro Allied Firm until destiny bestowed his new office upon him.

  • Conference 57 marks Tinubu’s birthday with distribution of palliatives

    Conference 57 marks Tinubu’s birthday with distribution of palliatives

    • By Chidinma Nnamdi

    Lagos political leaders gathered in grand style last Friday, to celebrate the 73rd birthday of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The event was attended by dignitaries in the state including Deputy Governor of Lagos State Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat and his beautiful wife, Oluremi;  widow of the first Executive Governor of Lagos State, Alhaja Abimbola Sikirat Jakande; Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, The Iyalode of Lagos State, Dr Bintu Fatima Tinubu, and many more.

    Amidst prayers, goodwill messages, and acts of service, the Conference 57—a coalition of the 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Areas chairmen under the leadership of Kolade Alabi and Rasaq Ajala marked the occasion with a large-scale palliative distribution aimed at supporting vulnerable citizens.

    Chairman of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada, who represented Conference 57 leadership,  said: “We are not just celebrating a man; we are celebrating a movement, a vision, and a legacy that has transformed politics in Nigeria.”

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    She highlighted Asiwaju’s commitment to grassroots empowerment, democracy, and good governance. emphasising that the true essence of celebrating Tinubu lies in touching lives, not mere festivities

    “We all know that Asiwaju has never been one to seek grand parties. Instead, he believes in uplifting the vulnerable. That is why we have mobilised to distribute essential items across our local councils, ensuring that the impact of his leadership is felt where it matters most,” she stated.

    Acknowledging the transformative influence of Tinubu’s leadership, Princess Bada reaffirmed the unwavering support of Lagosians ahead of the 2027 elections.

    “Lagosians love you, Daddy. You have built leaders like us, given us opportunities to serve, and made Lagos a model for development. The Renewed Hope Agenda is real, and we are seeing its impact daily.”

    Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, eulogised Asiwaju, describing him as a man gifted with wisdom and determination.

    “You can have a degree, but wisdom is not taught in school. Asiwaju is a thinker, a determined leader who envisions progress and pursues it relentlessly. Policies may be tough at the beginning—like fuel subsidy removal—but they are necessary for long-term economic stability,” Hamzat said.

    He urged Nigerians to be patient and give Asiwaju’s administration a chance to deliver on its promises.

    “ We cannot keep a system where subsidy payments exceed the budgets of the ministries of Works, Health, and Education combined. It was unsustainable. Now, we are redirecting funds to essential services—schools, hospitals, infrastructure. These policies will yield results, but they need time,” he said.