The Oba-elect of Isheri-Oshun in Igando-Ikotun Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos, Alhaji Shamsudeen Amao Mojeed has denied allegations of sponsoring cultists made by a company chief.
The traditional leader emphasized that he knows nothing about cultist activities in the town and has always maintained a peaceful relationship with the community members.
While speaking on the recent allegation, the Oba-elect noted that the community under his leadership frowned at the unlawful extortion and exploitation of resources belonging to occupants in the community as perpetrated by some scrupulous entity.
He said: “I was surprised to hear on the radio that someone claiming to be Michael Fatoye accused me of parading thugs. As the head of this town, everyone knows I don’t interfere in matters that don’t concern me. I have no knowledge of cults or their activities. I urge the Nigerian and Lagos State governments to come to my aid, as none of my children are involved in cultism.
“We’ve been trying to advise Fatoye regarding the land in Isheri-Osun, which Chief Adewumi purchased from our forefathers a long time ago. After Chief Adewumi’s death, Almarouf was put in charge, but he died five years ago. Fatoye does not have documents proving his authority over the land.”
The community leader appealed to the Lagos State government to intervene.
He also accused Fatoye of engaging in illegal acts.
Alhaji Mojeed urged the people of Isheri-Osun to remain calm; emphasizing that everything Fatoye said in the media is not true.
He noted that the matter is currently being investigated at the Isheri-Osun Police Station.
He urged the security agencies to expedite action on the matter.
Secretary to the Idowu Aso Royal family, Alhaji Yahyah Bankole Dada, explained that the report of cult activities in Isheri-Oshun came as a rude shock, as nothing of such was ever recorded or reported by security force in the community.
Reacting to the allegation, the Youth Leader in Isheri-Oshun, Musiliu Akinrinlo said the traditional leader’s hatred for criminality has sustained his initiative to improve security in community and the allegation has been reported to the Nigeria Police for further investigation.
The Local Government Service Commission, Lagos State has organised a sensitisation programme for procurement officers in the Unified Local Government. The theme of the programme was Strategic Procurement Planning as an Impetus Towards Achieving Value for Money.
The sensitisation programme aimed to enhance the capacity of procurement officers in the Unified Local Government to strategically plan and execute procurement processes effectively. By focusing on the importance of strategic procurement planning, the initiative sought to emphasise the significance of achieving value for money in procurement activities.
Chairman of Local Government Service, Lagos State, Kamal Bayewu, in his address, emphasised on the imperative of strategic procurement at the grassroot level, noting that the participants should use the opportunity to learn, unlearn and relearn on procurement process aimed at value for money.
Director-General, Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, Mr Fatai Onofowote engaged the participants in a comprehensive lecture, interactive sessions, workshops, and presentations that covered various aspects of strategic procurement planning, including market analysis, risk management, supplier relationship management, and performance evaluation, noting the valuable insights and best practices in the field.
Another Speaker, a retired Permanent Secretary, Mrs Olatokunbo Emokpae, highlighted the importance of equipping procurement officers with the necessary knowledge and skills to drive efficiency, transparency, and accountability in procurement processes.
She emphasised that strategic procurement planning is essential for optimising resources, reducing costs, and ensuring the delivery of quality goods and services to the citizens.
The sensitisation programme received positive feedback from participants, who expressed appreciation for the opportunity to enhance their procurement competencies and contribute to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of procurement practices in the Unified Local Government.
The Chairman of Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Rasaq Ajala, has reiterated the council’s commitment to promoting the talents of local youth through initiatives that highlight their skills and provide career opportunities.
Speaking during the Walk for Sustainable Development to Discover and Promote Hidden Talents in the council area, Ajala said his vision is to create platforms that showcase the area’s many talents and encourage positive, productive energy among the youth.
He noted that the walk aimed to raise awareness about the upcoming annual sports fiesta and its focus on discovering and promoting local talent.
He added that it also served to engage the community and highlight the importance of providing opportunities for the youth to shine in sports and other areas.
According to him, the council hoped to create excitement for the fiesta and encourage others to support these initiatives by participating in the walk.
He said: “It is one thing to have potential and another to provide a platform for the world to recognise it. This is our aim with the annual sports fiesta to show the world what we have and to assure others with similar potential that their local government is ready and prepared to support and promote them, projecting them to a global audience.
In the recently concluded National Games, boxers representing Lagos State were from our LCDA. Also 3-4 months ago, some of our footballers represented Nigeria in Sweden. This is what we want the world to know: Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA is full of talents across various sports”.
Rasaq implored Nigerians to continue believing in the country and stay hopeful despite the current economic challenges.
“We must all recognise that we don’t have any other country to call home other than Nigeria. The challenges we are facing are common for a developing country like ours. However, because we have the potential, the manpower, and a capable leader, I see light at the end of the tunnel”, he advised.
The council boss urged residents to eshew any act of violence and embrace the season festivities.
He disclosed that the council has made plans to stimulate the local economy through grants and loans aimed at empowering youth.
“Our various interventions, especially in the area of loans, are aimed at providing the infrastructure needed for economic growth. Once the economy is stimulated, more people will choose Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA as a destination for investment. Increased investment will reduce the number of unemployed youth in our LCDA” he said.
Chairman of Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Ahmed Apatira has distributed official vehicles to members of the council’s management team.
This, according to him, is to affirm his administration’s commitment to enhancing community safety and development.
Apatira said that by providing these vehicles, he aims to facilitate effective service delivery, improve relationships and drive progress in the LCDA.
While presenting the keys to the beneficiaries, comprising departmental heads and units, the council boss said that each department head will use these resources to ensure that community projects and services, from healthcare outreach to sanitation, are implemented without delay.
He said: “This distribution underscores our commitment to strengthening the capacity of our workforce,” the chairman stated. “Our goal is to ensure that every member of the management team can execute their duties efficiently, supporting the overall mission of improving community well-being.”
The management team lauded the chairman for the gesture and pledged to utilse the vehicles responsibly noting that this development promises a more active and visible council presence across the area.
An aide to the Kosofe Local Government Chairman, Dennis Joseph, has lauded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s government of inclusiveness.
Joseph said the governor has done well for the non-indigenes in Lagos State.
He highlighted several key initiatives that have positively affected non-indigenes. These include the Sunday Market initiative, which provides subsidised food items, the Red Line Rail, and reduced public transport costs.
He said: “The governor’s initiatives have been wonderful and recommendable. The non-indigene community has benefited immensely from his policies, particularly in areas such as food, transportation, healthcare, housing, security, and road infrastructure.
In transportation, Lagos is the best in Africa. The Red Line Rail has been launched and the Non-Indigene community in Lagos is using the Red Line Rail. You can agree with me that transportation accidents have drastically reduced in Lagos State. The traffic light is working; the roads are good and maintained regularly.
In the health care, I can attest to you that the non-indigene community benefits immensely from the government’s healthcare initiative. The non-indigene community is law abiding; we abide by the laws of Lagos State government. We also often organise free medical care for the eye, blood sugar, Genotype etc.”
He praised the governor for ensuring social inclusion, youth development, and cultural vibrancy across board.
“We are grateful for Governor Sanwo-Olu’s listening ear and commitment to our well-being. The governor’s initiatives have fostered a sense of belonging among non-indigenes, demonstrating his dedication to inclusive governance,” he added.
Joseph, however, called on the governor to address the specific challenges faced by the community as contained in their letter and reminder letters to the governor’s office.
Member representing Oshodi/ Isolo II Constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Oladipo Ajomale has shared his achievements in the constituency since elected.
Ajomale spoke at the 9th Constituency Stakeholders’ meeting held recently at the Hillcrest Hall in Isolo.
According to him, this is to highlight his commitment to improving the lives of residents in the constituency.
He noted that he oversaw the rehabilitation of roads in the Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II, specifically the traffic lights section of Asa Afariogun Street, Okota Road, and Oke-Afa Link Bridge
In addition to infrastructure development, Ajomale added that he supported education and empowerment initiatives.
“We distributed free JAMB examination slots to residents, providing access to higher education opportunities. To alleviate economic burdens, we provided 25kg bags of rice and cash gifts to widows in the constituency.
As Chairman of the House Committee on Public Petition, Human Rights, LASIEC, we addressed over 200 petitions, demonstrating my commitment to serving my constituents”, he said.
•I’m highly honoured, says Prince Olusi •Osun monarch hails council boss •AIG: Akande-Mohammed’s love for security commendable
In commemorating the 88th birthday of Chairman, Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, the Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Alhaja Funmilayo Akande-Mohammed has named the newly constructed Ijora Badia Police Station in Prince Olusi honour.
The inauguration held on October 18 was attended by dignitaries, community leaders, security personnel, and residents.
The council boss reiterated significance of the station in improving the security architecture of the council.
The station, she said, would boost security and enhance community development.
She thanked Prince Olusi for providing quality leadership for Lagosians.
According to her, Prince Olusi has been a guiding light for politicians to emulate.
She prayed to Allah to grant the GAC leader long life and good health.
Alhaja Akande-Mohammed said she was glad to see the police station project seen the light of the day.
She emphasized its significance beyond being just a physical structure but being her administrations’ determination in improving the community through infrastructure.
“Today is not just about a new building; it’s about showing our strength as a community and our commitment to creating a safer environment for everyone in Apapa-Iganmu,” she stated.
According to her, the new police station replaces the old one, which was destroyed by fire, leaving the community vulnerable.
She stated that the initial replacement done by the Lagos State Government faced flooding issues, hindering police operations in the community.
The council boss said her administration was careful in planning and considered environmental challenges, particularly heavy rains, in the construction of the new facility to avoid the previous occurrences of flood destruction.
Alhaja Akande-Mohammed commended the Lagos state government and other partners who made the project a reality.
She urged police officers to judiciously utilize the modern, well-equipped station to serve the community effectively.
She said: “To the police officers who will work here, I believe this new station will give you the tools and space to do your job well. You have the full support of this administration and the community”.
She also called on leaders and residents to continue supporting the police, emphasizing that security is everyone’s responsibility.
“To our leaders and residents, I ask you to keep supporting the police. We must all work together to ensure this station meets its purpose. Security is everyone’s responsibility, and together we can achieve peace and safety,” she said.
While declaring the station opened for usage, Prince Olusi dedicated it to Allah.
He thanked the council boss for honouring him.
Prince Olusi said: “Police station is an essential office for security, the police must have a place, they require a place where they can detain criminals when necessary and you know they have to carry out a lot of investigation. We expect that the police will be up to the task and I will appeal to the all citizens to support the police in the administrations of their responsibility. They should give them the necessary information of any suspicious movement in the community.
“I congratulate the council chairman on behalf of our party. I thank her and God will continue to guide her on the right path.”
He enjoined Alhaja Akande-Mohammed and other council chiefs to continue to deliver dividends of democracy to the masses.
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2, Onikan, AIG Adegoke Fayoade commended the council boss for her courage in building the edifice.
He acknowledged the community’s partnership with the police.
“I congratulate the chairman and the community for this police station. If not for the love of security, the chairman would have spent this money on other projects that does not have direct bearing on the community but this one is having a direct bearing on the community.
“Security is very important in any community. Without adequate security, we cannot be able to go about our normal business or go about our various activities,” he said.
Fayoade assured residents that the facility would be utilized effectively to maintain security in Ijora Badia and its environs.
He said: “On behalf of the Inspector-General of the Police, IGP Kayode Igbetokun, my assurance to all of us here in the Ijora/Badia community is that we will with the kind gesture, security issues is this area like we have always done is given priority attention. our men will respond to incidents promptly and attend to matter very objectively and exhibit high level of professionalism”.
The Owaloya of Kajola Ajala in Ila Local Government Area of Osun State, Oba Basiru Adekunle Adeniji, praised council boss for the project, highlighting the benefits of local government autonomy in grassroots development.
Oba Adeniji while expressing his delight to grace the occasion, said the council boss is his ‘Yeye Oba from Ilaran Kajola Ajala, Osun State’, stating that he’s honoured to be present at the significant occasion.
“Alhaja Funmilayo otherwise known as Iyalaya is my daughter; I was very happy to be here to witness this gigantic project that she has done here in Apapa-Iganmu LCDA,” he said.
The Royal father, lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his efforts in making Nigeria a great country for citizens and for generations yet unborn.
He urged stakeholders to implement the autonomy of grassroots government for independence in discharging their responsibilities and duties to the poeple at the local level.
“We give our president the kudos and if the autonomy can come directly to local governments, people in the grassroots will benefit from the government which is a very good thing,” he noted.
He urged the Nigeria Police to work effectively now that a structure has been put together for effective output in discharging their duty.
“My advice to the police is that now there is an edifice, I want them to work with good faith so residents can benefit good security,” he added.
He said that the initiative was part of his broader mission to promote educational development and provide support to families within the Coker-Aguda LCDA.
He added that the gesture is aimed at alleviating the challenges faced by students and foster a conducive learning environment.
“Investing in our children is investing in our community’s future, these materials will help empower our students to focus on their studies and reach their full potential,” he said.
Ibrahim noted that the donation was met with enthusiasm from pupils and educators.
The schools’ representatives expressed gratitude to the council boss.
A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tunde Ogunmola, has said the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government has strengthened local government administration with the Supreme Court judgment on financial autonomy.
Ogunmola, who is an expert in local government administration, urged Nigerians to continue to support various reforms embarked upon by the Tinubu administration.
He added that the efforts of the federal government in strengthening local government would drive grassroots development.
Ogunmola called on the state governors to ensure the purpose of the Supreme Court judgment was achieved by abiding by the ruling of the Apex Court.
Ogunmola, a graduate of Local Government Administration and Development Studies, said: “Local governments are where government’s impacts are mostly felt in terms of infrastructural development and provision of basic amenities for the people at the grassroots. If funds are in short supply to them, developmental projects will definitely elude the local people because government is money, and without money, government at the local level will be helpless. Helplessness, it’s often said, leads to hopelessness”.
He appealed to governors to complement Tinubu’s efforts at changing the narrative at the grassroots, urging them to take a detour and implement the statutory Revenue Act of 1981 to the local councils under their jurisdiction.
“The governors are mandated by the law to give certain percentage of their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to the local governments monthly to augment their revenue to be able to discharge their responsibilities effectively. It is clearly stated in the Revenue Act of 1981 that state governments should allocate 10 per cent of their IGR to the local governments within their jurisdiction. Local councils need steady flow of funds to be able to respond to the needs and expectations of the people under their watch, and one of the pathways to steady flow of funds is revenue generation,” he maintained.
The event, with the theme:Lagos Miniature Art Exhibition (Affordable Art), held at Freedom Park, Lagos Island, focused on showcasing innovative artistes to redefine Africa’s cultural landscape.
The event hosted 28 artistes, presenting a maximum of four artworks each, to help the public learn about all forms of visual art and series of aesthetic African style.
LSCAC’s Head of Design Arts Department, Mudasiru Ayoola, said the exhibition was to present to the people series of quality artworks that are pocket-friendly and generally affordable.
He added that, this being the first of its kind by the council, they look forward to making the exhibition an annual event with the potential for growth.
“It is an exhibition that was born out of the fact that we, as a government, want it to be that art is seen not to be beyond the people’s reach. We want art to be something that people will love to acquire. But if it is too expensive, they will be shying away from it. If it falls within the reach of what somebody can really actually afford, they will be encouraged,” he said.
He explained that, although, the government has always been in support of the project, he wants more, to enable them get the kind of publicity they need.
“The government has actually been able to support in the sense that a vote was created for this particular project. Even though it was not an elaborate one, but it falls within the reach of being able to stage this type of exhibition,” he said.
One of the artistes, a sculptor, Folorunsho Enitan, expressed his gratitude to the government for creating the platform to showcase his artworks.
He stated that he uses his artworks to communicate something meaningful to the world, as they speak of African culture and tradition.
He urged young artistes to embrace African art to help promote cultural heritage and not fully dwell in the western world. “As an artist, coming from Africa, we’re supposed to be producing something that will promote our culture and tradition. We should not let all those western people think that all what we do here as artworks, are diabolical,” he said.
Another artiste, Painter and Graphic Designer, Kemi Opanusi, said although art is very lucrative, it is also very challenging.
She advised young artistes to be tenacious and passionate about their talents.
