The Nation Newspaper

Category: Grassroots

  • Ajala unveils talent-hunt

    Ajala unveils talent-hunt

    • By Naimat Dauda

    The Chairman of Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Razaq Ajala, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing grassroots’ needs through a bursary scheme and a talent-nurturing sports initiative.

    The bursary, Ajala said, targets students in tertiary institutions, with N50,000 financial assistance to each beneficiary to help them achieve their academic aspirations.

    “Today’s initiative focuses on supporting our students, ensuring they can continue their education without undue hardship,” he said.

    Ajala outlined the selection process, which prioritized merit, and assured residents that selection was based on fairness and transparency, with no special connections required to qualify.

    He said: “Eighty percent of the beneficiaries were chosen based on a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.5. The remaining 20 per cent were allocated to key community stakeholders, whose contributions to our programs have been invaluable,”

    The council boss unveiled a sports initiative aimed at discovering and nurturing young talents in primary and secondary schools.

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    “This initiative goes beyond financial assistance. We are creating opportunities for students to channel their energy into productive ventures through sports. It is our goal to support inter-house sports activities and academic programs, ensuring every child in our community is empowered to thrive,” he added.

     Encouraging students to prioritize their education, Ajala described it as an essential tool for achieving success.

    “Whatever field you choose, education is the foundation. We will continue to support you in every way possible,” he said.

    A beneficiary, Azeez Oguntoyinbo, said: “This initiative will go a long way in helping students, especially in these tough times. Many of us struggle to pay our school fees, and this support is truly appreciated.”

  • Iba presents scorecard to stakeholders

    Iba presents scorecard to stakeholders

    The chairman of Iba Local Council Development Area, Yisa Jubril has shared his achievements in the council since elected.

    Jubril spoke during the year 2025 budget Retreat held at Crown City Hotel & Suites taggged: “BUDGET OF SUSTAINABILITY”.

    According to him, this is in fulfilment of the responsibility of the administration and its resolve to ensure that positive impact of government is being felt by the citizen of council.

    “This year retreat is expected to bring sustainability of our achievements and completion of all on-going projects and we will endeavour to fulfilled all the electoral promises as this administration tenure winds up Next Year.

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    Let me also inform you that this government is a governmnet of inclusive and sensitive to yearning and aspiration of its people”, he said.

    He noted that he oversaw the construction of roads (interlocking) at Gospel Avenue Road, Isashi, Construction of Primary Health Care Centre, Okokomaiko, Adewale Twin Drainage, Eleda Street Road Construction Interlocking, Construction of Isashi Primary School (Completed).

    Construction of a twin drainage of Ifelodun Street, Kemberi and Interlocking Road, Construction of a twin drainage at Seriki Street and Road Interlockings Okokomaiko, and 95% completion of administrative building at the secretariat amongst others.

  • ‘Local government autonomy will reduce security threat’

    ‘Local government autonomy will reduce security threat’

    • Sanwo-Olu wins Best Governor award

    The National President of Association of Ex-Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (ASELGON), Albert Asipa, has said that local government autonomy would reduce crimes in the country.

    Speaking during ASELGON Annual Retreat/Award at Golfview Suites & Conference Centre, Lagos, Asipa hailed Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for aligning with the association on local government autonomy.

    He noted that the autonomy will drive grassroots development and curtail the insecurity bedeviling every state.

    “The challenges of insecurity will be eradicated as every local government will have the financial capability to engage security personnel to fight the menace,” he said.

    At the event, Sanwo-Olu received Best Governor in Support of Local Govt Autonomy award.

    The governor, represented by Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bolaji Robert, said local government autonomy is essential for bringing government and economic development closer to the good people.

    He said by devolving power and resources to the third-tier of government, government can unlock the potential of various councils and create opportunities for sustainable development.

    He said that Lagos State, which is the case study, is a shining example of what can be achieved when councils are empowered to take charge of their own development.

    “From the innovative solutions we have provided to traffic management and waste disposal, to the investments in education and healthcare in tandem with the THEMES PLUS Agenda of the State Government, Lagos State has demonstrated the impact that effective local governance can have on the lives of citizens,” he said.

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    Vice President of ASELGON, Abiodun Mafe, reiterated the need to sensitise Nigerians about the autonomy of the local government, noting that Lagos State benefited immensely from council autonomy for the past 20 years.

    “We are saying it boldly to states that are contesting the local government autonomy that, we have practised it in Lagos State and we are successful. If you go around state, you will see numerous infrastructural developments achieved through local government autonomy.’’

    He noted that the retreat is to educate other states on how to implement the autonomy to gain immensely from it.

    Chairman, Organising Committee and Chairman of Lagos State Local Government Service Commission, Kamal Bayewu, said Lagos State is enjoying autonomy and that is why there is growth and development at the grassroots.

    “The government of the grassroots is being felt in Lagos State and that is why we are imploring our colleagues in all other states to come around, make Lagos a case study, so that when they get back to their various states, they can let the people know what Lagos is enjoying.

  • Ayobo-Ipaja refutes fraudulent allegations

    Ayobo-Ipaja refutes fraudulent allegations

    • By Chidinma Nnamdi

    The Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area (LCDA) yesterday refuted the recent allegations of fraudulent transactions amounting to N7.2 million as reported in some media outlets.

    A statement by the council’s Public Affairs Officer, Abidemi Gbinigie, said the claims were misleading and do not reflect the true state of events.

    She said: “We wish to clarify that the funds in question were legitimate disbursements approved by the Chairman, Chief Bola Shobowale, for the following:  N5,964,102 for political office holders’ salaries; N1,141,140 for the salaries of the chieftaincy council, and  52,500 for adult literacy teachers staff salaries.

    “These transactions were processed with the full knowledge and approval of the Chairman, who personally signed off on the payment documents. It is also important to note that these payments were necessitated, ensuring that all council workers and political office holders received their due salaries without undue delay.

    According to her, ”The report alleging that the Chairman’s signature was forged is entirely false and malicious. Contrary to claims of her prolonged absence, Chief Bola Shobowale was active in her official duties as recently as October 4, 2024, when she chaired the Monthly Community Development Committee (CDC) Stakeholders Meeting. The Chairman has been away for few weeks, and there is no leadership vacuum in the council.”

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    She added that Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA operates a system of strict financial oversight, and all transactions are performed in accordance with established guidelines.

    The council, she said, remains committed to upholding the principles of integrity, transparency, and accountability in all its dealings.

    “We urge the public to disregard these baseless allegations, which are clearly aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the council and its leadership,” she stated.

  • Foundation holds free Diabetes screening in Iba

    Foundation holds free Diabetes screening in Iba

    • By Rofiat Aderounmu

    The Gokeville Diabetes Foundation (GDF) has held a free screening in Iba Local Council Development Area, Lagos to mark the World Diabetes Day.

    According to its President, Goke Adesanya, Isashi Town was venue for this year’s event.

    Adesanya said it was to improve the lives of people living with diabetes by providing free access to doctors, medication, education, A1C testing, and support groups.

    “The foundation’s vision is to increase life expectancy for individuals affected by diabetes and to reach 5,000 people by the end of 2025. GDF focuses on creating programmes for the uninsured or the underinsured, offering short-term and long-term medication assistance,” he said.

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    GDF Secretary Damilola Balogun said: “We launched our very first outreach on November 14, at Isashi Town Hall, connecting with hundreds of people to test and educate them about diabetes. This will be the first of many outreaches and I’m looking forward to many more in the near future.”

    The foundation’s Vice President for Market and Operations, Ayoola Nana, assured Lagosians of more outreaches in the coming months.

  • Coker-Aguda holds consultative forum on budget

    Coker-Aguda holds consultative forum on budget

    • By Rofiat Aderounmu

    Coker-Aguda Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has held a Budget Stakeholders Consultative Forum.

    The event bringing together key representatives from political parties, Community Development Committees (CDC) and residents to discuss and review the local government’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The forum considered    the needs and concerns of the people. This ensured that feedback from all corners of Coker-Aguda was properly captured and considered in the formulation of the upcoming budget.

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    Several key stakeholders, including party leaders, CDC representatives, and local residents, contributed valuable insights during the forum. Many expressed appreciation for the chairman’s efforts in advancing key projects whole block of the Organising Committee and the others calling for continued collaboration by the government and the community to address emerging challenges.

    The forum concluded with a commitment to further engagements and consultations as the chairman continues to prioritise the welfare and development of Coker-Aguda. Stakeholders expressed optimism about the potential for continued progress, with a unified effort to build a better and more prosperous community.

  • Iba to get transnational market

    Iba to get transnational market

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday  laid the foundation stone for an ultra-modern Alaba-Rago Transnational Market in Iba Local Government Council Development Area (LCDA).

    The governor was represented by Dr Olajide Babajide, his Special Adviser  on EGIS and Urban Development.

    He said that the re-development of the market  was in line with market transformation moves of his administration’s THEMES Plus Agenda.

    He said that the state government would work together with the Alaba-Rago community on the revitalisation, re-development and renewal of the market.

    According to him,  the market has been for a long time and is deteriorating.

    Sanwo-Olu said that after series of stakeholders meetings, the government conceived renewal of the market.

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    “We have just laid the foundation stone for the new Alaba-Rago Transnational Market.

    “This market belongs to Alaba-Rago people,” he said.

    The governor said that there was need for all parties involved in the project to remain true.

    He said that the  re-development  would involve the state and local governments,  market leaders,  the community and the  land owners.

    The governor assured traders, whose shops were demolished for the re-development, that they would be  allocated spaces on completion of the project within the next 24 months.

    Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Kayode Robert, who oversees market managementt, thanked the governor for the gesture.

    Chairman of Iba Local Council Development Area, Yisa Jubril, expressed gratitude to Sanwo-Olu  for further bringing development to the grassroots.

    The new Alaba-Rago Transnational Market, when completed in 24 months, will comprise more than 5,000 shops, an event hall and banks, among other facilities.

    The other facilities include a hotel, fire station, abbatior, place of worship, sewage treatment plant, police post, recreation centre and parking arena.

  • Retirees urged to embrace healthy, active lifestyle

    Retirees urged to embrace healthy, active lifestyle

    Lagos State Head of Service (HOS), Bode Agoro has warned retirees of the Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB) to beware of fraudsters in investing their money.

    Agoro spoke at the weekend during a retirement ceremony for 28 staff members of LASTVEB in Ikeja, Lagos.

    The HOS, who was represented by Mrs. Ebun Aina, highlighted the importance of post-retirement engagement and assured the retirees of continued support.

    Agoro encouraged the retirees to embrace a healthy and active lifestyle.

    “Now that you are retiring, you are not to sit at home. Engage in daily exercise, even if it is just a little in the morning. Watch what you eat and avoid consuming fizzy drinks like coke,” he advised.

    Agoro cautioned retirees to approach new ventures with care, saying  “As you receive your benefits, ensure you research thoroughly before investing in any business. Look before you leap.”

    To support retirees, the HOS announced the availability of wellness and recreation centres in all local government areas, equipped with facilities to encourage physical activity.

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    He also introduced skill acquisition programmes such as soap-making and fisheries, noting that participants in the soap-making initiative would receive starter kits to help them begin their ventures.

    “We believe you can still achieve great things after retirement,” he said, adding that fisheries, in particular, had become a lucrative endeavour for many.

    Agoro revealed that from next year, the Lagos State Post Service Department would send birthday gifts to the retirees as part of its ongoing welfare initiatives.

    Ms Moronke Azeez, the Executive Secretary of LASTVEB, in her speech urged the retirees to stay mentally and physically active.

    “Keeping yourself busy prevents premature ageing and isolation. Engage in meaningful activities or join associations to maintain social connections,” Azeez said.

    She described the event as a modest gesture of gratitude, acknowledging the retirees’ dedication to the board.

    “This ceremony is only a small way to say thank you, as no gift can truly match your contributions. I pray that God grants you good health, long life, and happiness,” she added.”

    Ms Azeez reassured the retirees of the government’s efforts to ensure prompt pension disbursements and advised them to complete their paperwork to avoid delays.

    She noted that Lagos State is committed to improving the welfare of its retirees, which includes faster processing of pension benefits.

    The retirees were celebrated for their contributions to the advancement of technical and vocational education in Lagos State. They were reminded of the importance of staying productive to enjoy a fulfilling retirement.

  • Sanwo-Olu’s social protection policy excites Ikorodu CDA chair

    Sanwo-Olu’s social protection policy excites Ikorodu CDA chair

    Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Wasiu Adesina, has commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for initiating social interventions to alleviate poverty.

    He spoke during stakeholders’ sensitisation and advocacy programme tagged “Ibile Special Awareness Campaign.”

    Adesina advised extending social protection to other groups, such as market traders and artisans, and creating more awareness through the media.

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    Director of the Department of Social Protection Coordinating, Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Mrs Oluwakemi Adedeji, said the programme aimed to ensure that social interventions reached the right individuals at the right time.

    She emphasised that the policy sought to coordinate all social interventions, providing a holistic delivery system.

    “The Lagos State Government has established a social protection policy, approved by the executive council, to reduce poverty.

    “The policy implementation involves working with local governments and tracking social interventions.”

    Adedeji noted that the state and local governments would work together to ensure poverty reduction.

  • ‘We’ve delivered on infrastructure projects’

    ‘We’ve delivered on infrastructure projects’

    By Ebube Ojukwu

    The Chairman of Ikeja Local Government Area, Mojeed Balogun, said his administration has made a giant step on infrastructure.

    He made this known during Stakeholders Consultative Forum in preparation for next year’s budget.

    The event took place at the council hall, Ikeja.

    Balogun hailed residents for their involvement in the governing process and also in budget preparation which will guide the government in policy making.

    He stressed that the aim of the forum is to give account of the outgoing fiscal year and seek inputs for the coming fiscal year.

    The council boss highlighted the council’s achievements including the newly constructed legislative building, rehabilitation of roads across the six wards and the ongoing remodelling of the Ikeja House and administrative building.

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    “I am honoured to announce that we have achieved major milestones on several critical infrastructural initiatives. We hope to complete the many ongoing projects, spread across our various communities. We are committed to ensuring that they will be delivered before the end of this administrative tenure,” he said.

    He attributed many of the projects to suggestions by community members during previous meetings.

    He urged residents to persist in their support for governments at every level.

    “I employ you all to continue supporting and representing our party as we are all aware and witnesses to the development in our locality. And the ideology of our great party to always deliver the dividends of democracy to improve the well-being of our people,” he said.

    Director of Planning, Budget Research and Statistics for Ikeja, Yemisi Razak, emphasised that the forum is crucial as it enables grassroots participation, allows for a better understanding of their needs and measures the impact of past projects.

    The Iyaloja General of Ikeja, Mrs Adiatu Apena, lauded the chairman for his ‘cordial relationship’ with the community as well as the market women.

    “He is a listening chairman who truly values our inputs and takes the time to understand our needs and concerns. Whenever we express what we want, he does everything in his power to make it happen. And this speaks volumes about his dedication and commitment to our community,” she said.

    Coordinator of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ikeja branch, Blessing Omogafe, noted that the council has accomplished a lot for the community but more needs to be done.

    Omogafe called for the provision of job opportunities for the youth.