The Nation Newspaper

Category: Grassroots

  • Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye council boss commissions Mushin Hospital Block

    Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye council boss commissions Mushin Hospital Block

    The Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Rasaq Olusola Ajala, has commissioned a newly renovated block at the General Hospital, Mushin, Lagos.

    Ajala at the commissioning, used the occasion to restate his administration’s determination and commitment to improving qualitative health care to residents in Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye.

    In his remarks, Ajala said: “My affection and dedication to use people’s resources for their general well-being, remains of paramount importance. We decided to invest in healthcare infrastructure so that our people in Odi-Olowo can start to benefit.

    “Odi-Olowo used to be part of Mushin, this is the only General Hospital for people to come to. We understand the facility is under that state government, but in partnership with the state govt. we have been able make this happen because those who will benefit are from the local council.

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    “I’ll continue to be at service of the people till the last minute, and we’ll continue to cover different areas.”

    Ajala further disclosed that efforts are ongoing by the state government to further give the hospital a beautiful facelift.

    The Medical Director of the Hospital, Dr. Oluyemi Taiwo in her remarks noted that the General Hospital is committed to the delivery of accessible and competitive healthcare services to its clients and entire community.

    Reeling out achievements under her leadership, Dr. Taiwo disclosed that an eye clinic was opened on September 1. The hospital also conducted its first successful surgery on October 17th.

    She said: “When I resumed some months ago, I engaged all stakeholders, and I was received well. The chairman also received me well, he promised and now, he has fulfilled.

    “The chairman is someone that is particular about the well-being of his community. He came along with his team and they resolved to help with the renovation of the block in the hospital. With this renovation, the Eye clinic and general surgery department unit was birthed.

    “We also look forward to expanding our services before the end of the year, with a lot of adaptability. We are also leveraging on technological know-how that will help the hospital growth.”

  • Itesiwaju Mainland to mobilise voters for APC

    Itesiwaju Mainland to mobilise voters for APC

    A new political pressure group, ‘Itesiwaju Mainland,’ in the Lagos Mainland Local Government Area, has promised to mobilise voters for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Hundreds of residents drawn from all the 11 wards in the local government attended the group’s inaugural meeting held at the Hubert Macaulay Primary School in the Adekunle area.

    The interim Chairman of the group, Prince Aliyu Momoh, said the purpose of forming the group was to mobilise residents of the ruling APC, especially in the coming local government elections.

    He also said leaders of thought in the local government mobilise themselves to engage in meaningful consultations.

    They visited party elders in the state to complain about marginalisation and the need to address grievances among people.

    “Our elders agreed with us. They gave us their support to go ahead with the mobilisation of people for active political participation.

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    Another purpose of forming the political group, according to him, is to cater for the welfare of the people by ensuring the delivery of meaningful dividends of democracy.

    Momoh dispelled the rumour of being sponsored by a certain lawmaker.

    “Nobody is sponsoring us. Leaders of the group have been pulling personal resources together to mobilise the people. They have suffered neglect for a long time in the scheme of things in Lagos State. These people are a new set of people that we are just grooming into politics and to better their welfare. We are sure that with the support of our notable elders in the local government, we will be able to attract democratic dividends to the area,’’ Momoh said.

    He assured that the formation of the group, would end the marginalisation and ensure the delivery of dividends of democracy at the grassroots.

    According to him, the group also emphasises the need to promote peaceful co-existence among all interest groups in the area.

    “We are against politics of bitterness and thuggery in the area. We are members of APC and we are for peaceful conduct.’’

    Mr Kola Atanda, who conducted attendance accreditation at the meeting, said members from all the 11 wards in the local government turned up en-mass for the first meeting.

    Atanda said about 850 residents registered and expressed solidarity for the group’s course of action.

  • Mushin, Ifelodun chairmen light up harvest thanksgiving

    Mushin, Ifelodun chairmen light up harvest thanksgiving

    • By Ebube Ojukwu

    Chairman, Mushin Local Government Area Emmanuel Bamigboye and Chairman of Ifelodun Local Council Development Area Olufemi Okeowo led the organisation of this year’s Adult Harvest Thanksgiving of Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Surulere District Headquarters (Ayo Ni O), Lagos.

    The duo spoke on the theme: Good Tidings.

    Bamigboye, a Special Apostle Pastor, who chaired the Harvest Committee, noted that the harvest was ordained by God.

    “A day is coming when God would harvest us and the good people will go to heaven while the bad people will go to hell. This implies that we should continue to remember about heaven and prepare for it,” he said.

    Bamigboye, lending his voice to the economic state of the country, stated: “Nigerians should continue to pray to God to equip our leaders with the wisdom and understanding to push the nation through the trying time.

    “We know a lot of things have been damaged and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is trying to repair them; we should be patient with him for I am sure that we will be liberated at the end of it all,” he said.

    Okeowo, the Vice Chairman Harvest Committee, enjoined members not to go to sleep when it is time to labour and plant their harvest, if not, they would have nothing when the time of harvest comes.

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    “I want to appeal to everyone for this is the time to turn to God; this is the time to labour hard, for the time of harvest is very soon. There is time for you to plant, time for you to labour and time for you to harvest,” he added.

    All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi urged Nigerians to maintain hope despite the current economic challenges facing the country.  Ojelabi emphasised the importance of faith and positivity in navigating the nation’s difficulties.

    “As regards the hardship, it is a phase we are passing through. I want everyone to believe that it is not limited to Nigeria alone.

    The economic meltdown is all over the world, and we have capable hands that are in charge of our economy. It is an injury that has been inflicted on us for a long time, and it is like performing a clinical surgery and it would take a while to sort that particular pain or injury,” he added.

  • Olasoju leads sensitisation walk for immunisation

    Olasoju leads sensitisation walk for immunisation

    To support Nigeria’s national health goals of preventing Measles, Yellow Fever and substantially reducing Cervical Cancer rate, the Chairman of Isolo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Olasoju Adebayo embarked on a sensitisation walk in the council.

    The walk followed the flag-off of the massive vaccination exercise on October 19 by the council in conjunction with Lagos State Health District VI and Primary Healthcare Board.

    The exercise captured under the Supplemental Immunisation Activities (SIA) aimed at addressing vaccine-preventable diseases and to ultimately boost public health.

    The exercise which includes Measles Vaccination for children fromnine to 59 months, Yellow fever vaccination for individuals between nine months and 44 years and Human Palliomavirus Vaccination for age nine to 14 years is ongoing across the seven primary healthcare centres subsisting in the council area as well  as other designated places.

    Addressing people in the council, Olasoju stressed the importance of the vaccination which are aimed at effectively curtailing the deadly diseases.

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    The council boss cleared the various leftist remarks about the vaccines, adding that they are safe and effective for human health.

    He urged those within the eligibility age-bracket to make the most of free exercise.

    “We’ve come to inform you about the ongoing mass vaccination exercise against deadly viruses like measles, yellow fever and the cervical-causing human papillomas virus (HPV) because your health is important to us. The vaccination is to immunise and protect you against these diseases and we urge you to make the most of this free exercise. Visit any of our PHCs or anywhere of our temporary posts within the community where our health workers are stationed.

    Please, tell someone to tell somebody that the vaccination is ongoing at various designated stations. To our parents, please, encourage and allow your daughters to get the HPV Vaccine, it insulates them against cervical cancer”, he explained.  Earlier, the council boss hosted the leadership and members of Ward Health Committee Alliance across the Oshodi-Isolo LGA tasking them on the need to further domesticate the awareness exercise at the grassroots.

  • Ajeromi-Ifelodun lifts traders, CDC, others with vehicles

    Ajeromi-Ifelodun lifts traders, CDC, others with vehicles

    By Rofiat Aderounmu

    The Chairman of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government, Fatai Ayoola, has presented official vehicles to various groups in the council in a move to boost community development, market growth, and staff welfare.

    The local government staff received a brand-new bus to enhancing transportation and productivity. Market leaders were also presented with official buses to facilitate the transportation of goods and services, which is expected to improve trade and economic growth.

    Additionally, the Community Development Committee (CDC) chairman and executives received an official bus to support community activities.

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    The council boss noted that this initiative is part of the local government’s efforts to improve the lives of its residents.

    He reiterated the administration’s commitment to empowering residents and improving living standards.

    Adekunle added that this move reinforces the council’s dedication to community empowerment and development.

    Market leaders lauded the gestures noting that this would help improve trade and economic growth.

    CDC executives thanked the local government for enhancing community development and promised to ensure judicious use of the vehicle.

  • Council distributes vehicles to management team

    Council distributes vehicles to management team

    • By Halimah Balogun and Azeezat Okubajo

    The Chairman of Iba Local Council Development Area, Jubril Yisa, 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 productivity and efficient service delivery.

    Yisa said: “this strategic initiative aims to facilitate seamless mobility, reduce logistical challenges, and enable the team to discharge their duties effectively.”

    While presenting the keys to the beneficiaries, comprising departmental heads and units, the council boss said the official vehicles were carefully selected to meet the council’s operational requirements, “reflect the administration’s focus on prudent resource management and value for money”.

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    He added: “This distribution of official vehicles demonstrates our unwavering dedication to empowering our workforce and bolstering the council’s operational capacity. By providing our management team with reliable means of transportation, we are confident that their productivity and responsiveness to the needs of our community will significantly improve.

    “This investment in our team’s mobility will have a positive impact on our ability to deliver essential services to the people. We remain committed to prioritising the welfare and well-being of our citizens, and this initiative is a testament to that pledge”.

    Some members of the management team lauded the council boss for the gesture and pledged to utilise the vehicles responsibly and optimise their performance to drive progress in the council.

  • Ojo holds retreat on 2025 budget

    Ojo holds retreat on 2025 budget

    • By Ganiyat Mumuni and Chidinma Nnamdi

    Chairman of Ojo Local Government Area has expressed his commitment to completing ongoing projects in the community as well as initiating developmental ones.

    He made this known at the council’s budget retreat tagged: “Budget of Progressive Legacy”.

    Idowu said the theme encapsulates the council’s collective aspiration to create a lasting impact on the lives of its constituents.

    The council boss stressed the importance of transparency, accountability, and efficiency in resource allocation.

    “We must ensure that every naira spent delivers maximum value to our constituents. Let us strive to optimise resource utilisation, minimise waste, and maximise impact,” he said.

    According to him, government at the grassroots cannot afford to lose focus, activities that should be initiated towards better goals in realisation of the fulfillment of the promises of the administration must be seriously taken into consideration.

    “Our commitment as government was evident in all ramifications in the fiscal year of 2024, but you will agree with me that government is a continuum; as our primary task, we must continue to do our best in ensuring that residents reap the benefits thereof”, he said.

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     He urged participants to approach the retreat with innovation and excellence.

    “Let us engage in open and constructive dialogue, share our ideas, and work collaboratively to craft a budget that reflects the aspirations of our people,” Idowu advised.

    The council boss commended executive members.

    “I am aware of your tireless efforts concerning the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) but we need to cover many other loopholes so that there will be enough funds to use for more development”, he said.

    The retreat featured deliberations on six tripods on different facets which includes Women and Youth empowerment, Enhancing support for Education and Training, Road construction and rehabilitation, Information Communication Technology (ICT), Environment and Health, Rural and Urban Development, Poverty alleviation, including capital projects.

  • Provost warns students against misconduct

    Provost warns students against misconduct

    By Rofiat Aderounmu

    The Provost of Lagos State College of Health Technology (LASCOHET), Yaba, Prof Raheem Akewushola, has advised newly admitted students to prioritize their studies, avoid distractions, and steer clear of misconduct during their time at the institution.

    Speaking at the orientation program for the 2024/2025 academic session, at the college premises, the provost congratulated the students on successfully navigating the rigorous admission process.

    He noted that the offer of admission on probation to about 1,000 students from over 3,000 applicants by the college, underscored the competitiveness of the process, and urged the students to take their admission seriously.

    Prof. Akewushola explained that the orientation program was designed to familiarize the students with the operations of the College and provide them with essential information to ensure a smooth and productive academic journey.

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    The provost highlighted the crucial role the students would play in shaping the future of healthcare system, urging the students to seize the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the nation’s health sector.

    He stressed that LASCOHET is committed to producing well-rounded and morally upright healthcare professionals, adding, “The future of the country’s healthcare system depends on you.”

    The Provost, however, cautioned that the admissions were provisional, subject to verification of the information provided during the application process, warning that any discrepancies or false claims, could lead to the withdrawal of admission.

    Prof. Akewushola reassured the students that LASCOHET is well-equipped with the necessary facilities and resources, including a skilled, practical-oriented faculty.

    He also emphasized the college’s partnerships with various allied health bodies and its integration of telemedicine into its teaching methods, as part of its commitment to providing cutting-edge health education.

  • VC mourns varsity’s founder’s death

    VC mourns varsity’s founder’s death

    The Vice-Chancellor of the African School of Economics (ASE) (the Pan-African University of Excellence), Abuja, Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji, has commiserated with the Board of Trustees, Governing Council, management, staff, and students of Ahman Pategi University on the death of the founder, Aliyu Ahman-Pategi.

    Prof. Adedimeji, who is the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the university, described the late lawmaker as a visionary man of the people, a philanthropist par excellence, and a committed community leader who was passionate about the educational development of his people in particular and Nigerians at large.

    A statement by the Communication Officer of ASE, Elijah Nsikak, Prof. Adedimeji also condoled with the family, friends, and numerous associates of the university founder and prayed that the Almighty Allah grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

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    The statement also described steering the university from the start as a turning point in Prof. Adedimeji’s life with the vast experiences garnered transformative and unforgettable.

    While expressing his shock at the sad occurrence, he prayed for the repose of the soul of the lawmaker and Galadima of Patigi while praying Allah to forgive his shortcomings and admit him to Aljannah Firdaus.

    Prof. Adedimeji also condoled with the Etsu of Patigi, Alhaji Ibrahim Bologi II, whom he described as a father to him and the nation, and the entire Patigi Emirate on the sad incident.

    He urged all associates and stakeholders to rally round the university to ensure that the legacy left behind by the late founder continues to thrive.

  • Surulere unveils plans for ‘Lere Day’

    Surulere unveils plans for ‘Lere Day’

    By Naimat Dauda

    The Chairman of Surulere Local Government Area in Lagos State, Sulaiman Yusuf, has unveiled the second edition of Surule Day 2024 scheduled to take place between December 10 and 15.

    Speaking during a briefing held at Oluremi Tinubu Hall at the council secretariat, he noted that people from within the country and the Diaspora, will come together to celebrate “our heritage, that has no boundary as well as from diverse culture, ethnicity, political and religious background.”

    According to him, Lere Day is aimed at celebrating the community’s ancestral home and reconnecting residents with their roots. He added that the event is designed to bring together family, friends, and associates who haven’t seen one another in a long time, fostering a sense of unity and community.

     He also expressed optimism that Lere Day would grow to become a lasting tradition, much like other famous carnivals such as the Ojude Oba Day and Calabar Carnival.

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    He noted that the theme for this year’s celebration, Suru-Lere The New Lagos” reflects the rich history of Surulere, adding that the area, originally home to people from Lagos Island who relocated due to overcrowding, has developed into one of the most sophisticated neighbourhoods in Lagos State and Nigeria.

     Sulaiman emphasised that one of the core values driving this year’s festival is its non-political nature, with a focus on bringing together all ethnic groups from Surulere to celebrate their unique traditions.

    “This event is not about politics. We are making sure that every ethnic group is involved, including the South-South, Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo communities, Surulere is home to people from all over the country, and we want to give each community the opportunity to showcase their cultural heritage. This year’s event will be open to all, including traders who will have the chance to sell their goods at affordable prices. Students are also expected to take part, with the event offering them various opportunities to engage”, he explained.

    A member of Lagos State House of Assembly, Desmond Elliot, reiterated his commitment to ensure security network is put in place to ensure that people who will come to be part of the eventare not harassed by hoodlums.

    “All security apparatus will be on ground during the celebration period to ensure that everything will go on in peaceful and orderly manner. We may not be perfect but we will be close to it,” the lawmaker said.