The Nation Newspaper

Category: Grassroots

  • Mushin launches ‘Stop TB’ Campaign

    Mushin launches ‘Stop TB’ Campaign

    By Ebube Ojukwu and Rofiat Aderounmu

    Mushin Local Government has kicked off a day sensitisation campaign against tuberculosis.

    The campaign with the theme: Stop TB, featured free x-rays and free screening exercise which was held at the council hall.

    Wife of the council chairman, Dr. Olajumoke Bamigboye, stated that tuberculosis remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases worldwide and does not discriminate as it affects people of all ages, genders and backgrounds.

    She noted that the campaign aims to create awareness, promote early detection and encourage access to treatment of tuberculosis.

    Bamigboye emphasised that the campaign serves as a means to abolish the myths and stigma surrounding the disease, which often prevents individuals from seeking the help they need.

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    “Through education and collective efforts, we can ensure that everyone has access to information and healthcare services required to fight against tuberculosis,” she said.

    Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer of General Hospital, Mushin, Dr, Taiwo Oluyemi, praised the council boss for the laudable initiative to eradicate tuberculosis and collaborating with them to provide a zero cost prevention method to the entire community.

    “Tuberculosis is a public concern, so bringing up this project in the community is to endeavour that we eradicate it. To ensure that we create awareness and educate people about the prevention and control against (TB),” she said.

    Medical Officer for Health and the Head of Primary Health Care and Disease Control, Mushin Local Government Dr Odufuwa Adekunle, expressed deep concern about the growing threat of tuberculosis affecting numerous Nigerians.

    Adekunle emphasised on the crucial role of free screening programmes on addressing the issue.

    “Tuberculosis remains a significant health concern and transmission occurs in overcrowded, poorly ventilated areas. Early detection through screening is crucial which is why we are conducting this campaign, tuberculosis is free to test, treat and manage. We have free drugs and services in all our primary health centres and general hospitals.

    Supervisor for Health, Femi Nuga, urged residents to utilise the seven primary health centres offering free screening and prevention.

    “Tuberculosis is a harsh reality, and we are here today to spread awareness and ensure our community members understand the risks.  Our goal is to eradicate tuberculosis by 2030 as part of the broader movement to end TB, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he said.

  • Olusi gives cash to 1,000 residents

    Olusi gives cash to 1,000 residents

    The Chairman of Lagos Island Local Government, Adetoyese Tijani Olusi, has disbursed cash palliatives to 1,000 residents.

    The distribution of cash palliatives was initiated to alleviate the economic hardship faced by residents and to also offer immediate financial relief to recipients while highlighting the importance of sustained support.

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    The distribution exemplified the local government’s commitment to welfare, emphasising the need for continued support. The council boss went all out alongside his cabinet members to distribute the cash gifts to market men and women and also the vulnerable people across the council.

  • GAC hails Ayobo-Ipaja council council boss

    GAC hails Ayobo-Ipaja council council boss

    Chairman of Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area(LCDA), Mrs Bola Shobowale has been commended for embarking on people-oriented projects.

    Members of Governance Advisory Council (GAC) gave this commendation during their assessment visit.

    This came after Shobowale, represented by the council’s Vice Chairman, Ladi Oluwaloni, led the GAC delegation on a tour of the council projects.

    Leaders praised her performances and encouraged her to keep up the good work, stressing that her initiatives align with community needs.

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    The team, led by former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Otunba Femi Pedro, highlighted the Lagos State Government’s commitment to grassroots development and community engagement.

    “This visit will add more credibility to the achievements of Shobowale’s administration, and the feedback from stakeholders will definitely inspire her and the team to do more,”

    Pedro stressed the need for party leaders to unite.

  • NGCARES lifts 5,000 in five councils

    NGCARES lifts 5,000 in five councils

    The Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NGCARES) Lagos State Livelihood Support Delivery Platform 1.3 has empowered about 5,000 vulnerable persons in five local government areas of Lagos State.

    The empowerment, which was done in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), was set up by the Federal Government to assist indigent persons across the country.

    Speaking at the event held at the Women Development Centre, Agege, the Head of the Livelihood Delivery Platform, Lagos Cares, Toyin Salami, said it was part of the programme established to eradicate poverty and as well strengthen small and medium enterprises as the sector is the bedrock of the country’s economy.

    Salami noted that the previous editions have impacted over 3,000 beneficiaries and the ongoing edition is targeted at 5,000 beneficiaries, with about 3,300 trained on Day one of the event.

    On her part, the Facilitator, Bukky Femi-Ajala, explained that the beneficiaries were trained in business management skills, bookkeeping, and other managerial skills for a thriving business enterprise.

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    “They have to be empowered in terms of business management skills; how do I keep my books; how do I expand my businesses, and how do I even manage this grant that I have been given”, Femi-Ajala said.

    A beneficiary, Aratu Bamidele-Ige, a person with disability and a pastry vendor from Ojokoro in Ifako -Ijaye Local Government Area, hinted at incorporating the training she has acquired into her business and also reinvesting her capital into her business for growth.

    “I have learned a lot from what the facilitator trained us about; I am very neat with my business and I believe this will help my business to grow”, Ige said.

    Another beneficiary and an aluminium manufacturer, Olamilekan Sonde, from Alimosho Local Government Area, said that the grants would help him acquire more equipment for his business and this would enhance work productivity.

    “There are some tools that are spoilt, like some machines that are heavy, I will use the money from here to buy the little ones I can get so that when I get a job, I can use the tools to maintain my shop”, Sonde said.

    Uchegbu Chinyere Gift, who is into garment production, from the Alimosho Local Government Area, said: “We will have to maximise whatever money the government is going to support us with so as to have profit”.

    The empowerment programme was held in five centres across the state namely Alimosho, Somolu, Badagry, Ibeju Lekki, and Ojo. Grants were distributed to all 5,000 beneficiaries, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to provide sustainable support to vulnerable individuals across Lagos State.

  • Agboyi-Ketu showcases achievements at forum

    Agboyi-Ketu showcases achievements at forum

    Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has successfully held its Year 2025 Budget Stakeholders Consultative Meeting on Sustainable Economic Development.

    The stakeholders meeting with the theme: Budget Of Advancement, was marked as the last stakeholders meeting presided over by the Chairman, Dele Oshinowo, before his tunure ended  since 2017.

    The forum highlighted the administration’s commitment to sustainable economic development, with key initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability, while fostering collaboration between government, NGOs, and the community.

    Oshinowo expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their continued support and engagement throughout his tenure. He outlined the 2025 Budget of Advancement as a roadmap for progress and development in Agboyi-Ketu.

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    He said: “ This administration has been serving the people, we are intentional in all what we have been doing, supporting our community, I know we are not there yet, but I can assure you that we have made meaningful strides across all sectors of the Agboyi-Ketu economy.”

    The council boss emphasised that he was glad that his administration, with the support of the community, had achieved a lot.

    He enumerated the administration’s achievements, ranging from the rehabilitation of roads, construction of 271 units of apartment buildings of housing estates(Greenwich Gardens, Raymond and Sterling Heights Estates), Ultra modern markets(Madella market), supported the health sectors, empowered youths, women, and the aged.

    The administration, he said, also initiated sporting activities by building  mini-stadia, upgrading and building schools, scholarships, disbursing of free GCE forms and bursaries, funding and maintenance of Primary Health Centres, building an ICT Hub yet to be launched and a lot more.

    He  spoke of the plan to start building an Ultra Modern Primary School in Agboyi town next week  and urged the people of Agboyi to own the project.

    He said the school would take about three  to four  months to complete and would be one of the best in the community, as it comes with laboratories, ICT facilities, libraries and comfortable classrooms and offices.

    He reiterated that in the course of 2024, over N125 million has been expended on the WeLift Initiative. And he announced that to close the year, another 1500 residents would benefit from another WeLift programme coming up in December, which would sum up the total amount of the initiative to N200 million, so far.

    Key initiatives include road construction starting with Irawo roads, expanded healthcare services with mobile health initiatives, and 24-hour operations at Agboyi Primary Health Centre. ‘‘In education, schools will be modernised to prepare students for the future, and eco-friendly practices will be promoted for environmental sustainability,’’the council chief  said.

    He emphasised transparency, accountability, and collaboration, urging residents to participate in interactive sessions to shape the budget according to community needs. Feedback from these sessions will guide the administration’s proposals.

    A diverse group of stakeholders, including community leaders and business owners, attended the forum, commending Mayor Dele’s administration for its open dialogue and commitment to inclusive governance

  • Apatira distributes N100m cash palliative to residents

    Apatira distributes N100m cash palliative to residents

    Chairman, Itire Ikate Local Council Development Area(LCDA), Ahmed Apatira has distributed N100,000 each to 1000 residents.

    This, he said, aims to boost local businesses and ease the economic hardship faced by residents.

    Beneficiaries include people living with disabilities (PWLD), nursing mothers, healthcare providers, CDC & CDA members, youth organisations, students, Christian community, Muslim community, aged, widows, traditional institutions, small business owners, cultural associations such as Arewa, Indigbo (e.t.c), market women & men, political party affiliates and public servants.

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    Apatira reiterated his commitment to alleviating poverty in this challenging period and urged the recipients to utilise the funds wisely as this will not be the last empowerment programme.

    He urged them to continue paying their levies to support essential local government services and programmes.

    Further more, the female gender were not left out as the Executive Chairman presented certificates to trainees of the Queen Riders Initiative by Hon. Apatira  to empower the female riders.

  • Adebule empowers 1,000 in 26 councils

    Adebule empowers 1,000 in 26 councils

    • By Halimah Balogun and Zainab Olufemi

    The senator representing Lagos West Senatorial District, Dr Idiat Adebule, in conjunction with Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research (NIFFRI) have trained 1000 youths and women on different vocational skills such as fashion, barbing, confectionery, leather works and hairdressing. The trained indigents were also empowered with different startup packs for the vocational skills.

    Speaking during the distribution exercise of the empowerment materials, Sen. Adebule noted that the initiative was a fulfillment of the promise made during her engagement with stakeholders on August 27, 2024.

    She added that this demonstrated her commitment to empowering women and youths, aligning with the Lagos State Government’s initiatives to promote women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship.

    The former Lagos State Deputy Governor assured that more trainings and empowerment programmes are on the way for constituents in Lagos West.

    “Today’s event is therefore, to distribute work tools and equipment as starter packs to these one thousand (1000) participants. These tools and equipment include sewing machines, gas cylinders, burners and cooking wares, equator hair dryers, leather sewing machines, barbing clippers and generators”, she said.

    Read Also: Adebule takes constituency outreach to local councils

    The senator called on everyone to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the empowerment is all part of his initiatives.

    She said: “The significance of this training and empowerment programme is the fact that one thousand youths and women will be leaving the unemployment market to become self-employed, earn decent living, contribute to the economic development of our country and also employ other young people. To my mind, this is one of the practical means of creating gainful employment for youths and thereby gradually eradicating poverty as well as crime and other social vices from our country in consonance with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. I wish to remind us again that President Tinubu’s administration is doing a lot to build a resilient economy that will provide better and sustainable opportunities for all Nigerians. Reforms can be painful and difficult but with patience, persistence and hard work, the gains will definitely come and in bounties”.

    Sen Adebule urged the beneficiaries to recognise the life-changing opportunity provided and make the best of it.

    She emphasised the importance of business ethics, including integrity and delayed gratification, and encouraged them to be excellent in their endeavours.

    “I urge you to see this gesture as a life-changing opportunity which you must embrace and take advantage of to uplift yourself, your family and ultimately your communities. There are verified stories of people who started business with little or nothing but today are giants in the business world. What defines them is their ability to recognise and take advantage of opportunities like this one we are providing you, imbibe the ethics of business including integrity, delayed gratification as well as separating business from family and pleasure. This is your opportunity to actualise your dream, please make the best of it. I urge you to be the excellence you desire to see in our country as that journey starts with me and you”, she advised.

    She lauded the training partners and consultants for “their dedication to this programme”.

    Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Dr Abayomi Finnih and Cardinal James Odunmbaku lauded the Senator for the initiative.

    They urged the beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity, make good use of the equipment handed over to them and never consider the thought of selling them as it would defeat the essence of the training and empowerment.

    One of the beneficiaries , Habeebat Oladipo, expressed gratitude to the Senator and promised to make use of the cooking gas and equipments judiciously.

    Another beneficiary, Israel Adedoyin, lauded the initiative and expressed hope for more to come.

  • Iba brainstorm on budget

    Iba brainstorm on budget

    • By Ebube Ojukwu

    The Chairman, Iba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Jubril Yisa, has held the stakeholders’ Consultative Forum for annual budget.

    According to him, the forum is a brainstorming session on how the government can respond to the yearnings and aspirations of the people because “your interaction influences provisions in the Budget formation”.

    The forum, he said, would foster transparency and inclusiveness in the decision-making process of his administration.

    The Chairman reiterated his commitment to work collaboratively with both state and federal governments to fulfill the needs of the community and ensure that citizens’ concerns are addressed effectively.

    Head, Budget Department, Adeyinka Olomo, explained that the forum exemplifies the Democratic Principle of citizen engagement.

    He noted that the platform is vital in ensuring the voices of the people are heard, and that their feedback and suggestions directly influence government policies and actions.

    The Community Development Committee (CDC) representative stressed the need for a proper townhouse and dedicated CDC office within the LCDA.

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    He urged the chairman to seek government intervention to address issues with canals, roads, and public drainage systems.

    Marketplace stakeholders implored the chairman to ensure the establishment of modern trade centres and the improvement of drainage systems in existing marketplaces.

    Oniba Ekun of Iba Land, Oba Suliaman Raji Ashade expressed his satisfaction with the large turnout at the forum and commended the activities of the council. He assured the stakeholders that his office, in partnership with the LCDA, would make every effort to ensure that the requests of the people are acted upon, with tangible results to follow.

  • Lagos begins Project 10 million

    Lagos begins Project 10 million

    • By: Halimah Balogun

    Lagos State Health District IV, in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, has commenced Project 10 million, an initiative of the Nigerian governors’ forum.

    The nationwide outreach project started on November 1 across all Lagos State-owned primary health care centres and general hospitals in the state to screen and diagnose people with hypertension, diabetes, and body mass index.

    The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health District IV, Dr Abimbola Bowale, told The Nation that the turn-up for the project has been massive from the general public and other health care workers. 

    He said: “Project 10 million is an initiative of the Governor’s forum in Nigeria. They came together to think about how they could help Nigerians be aware of their health status, especially for diseases like diabetes, hypertension and body mass index.We are trying to reduce the mortality rate caused by these diseases.

    “The aim is to keep 10 million people aware and treat them if needed. The project started on November 1st, and we are just drawing the curtain on it. The project has been an encouraging one because the turn-ups we have gotten all over our primary healthcare centres has been massive.”

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    He urged Nigerians to leverage the opportunity to confirm their health status and get the needed medical attention if the need arose.

    “It is ongoing in all our primary healthcare centres and general hospitals. Once you get tested, you also get medications. Our facilities are ready to take care of people, so come and get treated”, he said.

    Director of Medical Disease Control, Lagos State Health District IV, Dr Oludolapo Sotunde, urged people to register for the Ilera Eko Insurance scheme with Lagos State, adding that the scheme helps them get more than their money’s worth.

     She stated: “We encourage people to enrol in the Ilera Eko Health Insurance programme. It is N15,000 annually and covers varieties of ailment. When our people register for the insurance scheme, they get the best treatment at an affordable price”

  • Igbogbo-Baiyeku appoints new Iya-Oloja General

    Igbogbo-Baiyeku appoints new Iya-Oloja General

    • By: Chidinma Nnamdi

    The Chairman of Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Olusesan Daini, in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, has named Mojisola Oyesanya as Iya-Oloja General of the council following the death of former Iya-Oloja, Chief Rachel Asabi Obayomi earlier this year.

    The announcement came after a deliberative session guided by the Director of Market Development at the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

    The chairman said: “We can not allow vacuum in IBLCDA so I hereby pronounced the Deputy Iyaloja General of Igbogbo Baiyeku LCDA, Chief (Mrs) Mojisola Oyesanya of Sosanya Market area of Ibeshe as the Acting Iyaloja General of Igbogbo Baiyeku LCDA until due process is followed and ratified by Local Government.”

    The Director of Market Development at the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, James Kakawa, emphasised the LCDA’s role in ensuring due process and fairness.

    He noted that under Lagos State law, the Deputy Iya-Oloja General automatically assumes the role in an acting capacity upon the death of the incumbent or being incapacitated, adding that the interim arrangement ensures stability within the market community while the market association’s executive body deliberates and proposes a substantive successor.

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    “The market association is an integral arm of the LCDA. A substantive Iya-Oloja General must meet key criteria, including active membership and participation in the LCDA Market Advisory Council. The nominee must have wide experience about the structure and management of the market. The association’s recommendation when forwarded is vetted by the LCDA and influenced by input from traditional institutions before final approval. Howbeit, the final decision of who becomes the Iyaloja General of Igbogbo Baiyeku LCDA rests solely with the local government, this is because the recommendation by the market council must be ratified by the local government”.

    Stakeholders lauded the appointment as a testament to the harmonious interplay of tradition, governance, and community values in the LCDA.