The Nation Newspaper

Category: Grassroots

  • Apapa holds free medical screening for residents

    Apapa holds free medical screening for residents

    The Chairman of Apapa Local Government, Idowu Senbanjo, has held a free health screening for residents of the council.

    The outreach featured cervical cancer and prostate cancer screening, blood pressure check, blood sugar testing, HIV screening, health education/ promotion screening and general medical consultations.

    Senbanjo said the programme was organised to promote community wellness and fitness for Apapa residents and also help in early detection of health issues.

    Read Also: Fighting malnutrition

    She stated that during the programme, they were able to detect some women with symptoms of precancerous cervical and have been referred to General Hospital, Apapa for immediate treatment.

    The council boss noted that some of the symptoms of breast cancer include; noticeable lump or mass in the breast or underarm area, changes in the size or shape of the breast, swelling of lymph nodes under the arm and unexplained weight loss amongst others.

    She urged residents to take proper care of their health, and make it a priority to go for routine medical checkup in all the health centres and general hospitals as early detection leads to proper treatment.

    Senbanjo reiterated her commitment to providing more medical intervention in the council.

  • Ex-Yaba House leader refutes defamatory allegations

    Ex-Yaba House leader refutes defamatory allegations

    By Fatiah Akinrinlade

    For Leader of Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Legislative Solomon Gbinigie has refuted series of defamatory allegations levied against him.

    Gbinigie in a statement made available to newsmen in Lagos, stated that the malicious media publications were driven to tarnish his reputation.

    “These baseless allegations represent a calculated and orchestrated campaign of character assassination, grounded in falsehoods, designed to mislead the public. I refute all such claims,” he said.

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    According to him, the impeachment was not as a result of the alleged financial impropriety.

     “These allegations were a political motivated act sponsored by the council boss.  The primary grievance was my refusal to give up a seminar slot in the United Kingdom for the Deputy. They claim  I have attended three foreign seminars, this is unequivocally false. I attended only one such trip, which was a personal holiday in France, following the cancellation of the council seminar due to visa issues. The attempt to portray me as having benefited from multiple foreign trips is a deliberate distortion of the truth. Additionally, claims, that I collected N500,000 from a contractor, is misleading. I was duly reimbursed N500,000 for a valid UK visa, which I already procured. There was no impropriety in this transaction. The allegation that I signed legislative documents without approval is equally false,” he said.

  • Lawmaker empowers 200 widows in Ojo

    Lawmaker empowers 200 widows in Ojo

    By Ebube Ojukwu and Chidinma Nnamdi

    A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Ojo Constituency 1, Adebisi Ege, has distributed N20,000 to 200 widows in his constituency as part of his “Ege Oko Opo” Initiative.

    Speaking at the event, the lawmaker said the donation was part of his efforts to alleviate the sufferings of vulnerable members of the community.

    According to him, the financial support to widows will alleviate their economic burdens and improve their overall well-being.

    Ege commended all stakeholders in Ojo constituency 1 for giving him the opportunity to serve the people and to represent them at the assembly.

    He reiterated his commitment to empowering women and promoting development in the constituency.

    “I appreciate the electorate that voted for me and all those who supported me. I will continue to represent the people as well as serve in any way I can. I promise to do more for everyone including the youth and other members in the constituency. I will not leave any stone unturned,” he said.

    Read Also: Before Lagos bans sachet water and other single-use plastics

    Chairman of Iba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Jubril Yisa, commended the lawmaker for his “outstanding performance” as a legislator.

    Yisa lauded the efforts made to ensure that the needs of the constituents are met and emphasised the positive impact of such initiatives on the community’s overall development.

    He added: “This initiative is a testament to Ege’s vision for a more prosperous and equitable society, where no one is left behind. His selflessness and dedication to his constituents have earned him widespread praises and admiration”.

    The Oniba of Iba, Oba Sulayman Ashade, described the initiative as a “beacon of hope” for members of the constituency.

    “Prior to this time, we have been represented, but we never had it better like this. This initiative has never happened before in our constituency. I am impressed and delighted to witness this. His commitment to our wellbeing is unwavering, and we are grateful for his leadership,” he added.

    The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude and promised to put the money to judicious use.

  • Olasoju delights elders with free medical outreach

    Olasoju delights elders with free medical outreach

    By Tajudeen Adebanjo and Fareedah Akanbi

    Taking maximum advantage of yet another comprehensive free medical outreach of the Olasoju Adebayo-led administration, Senior citizens in the Isolo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) trooped out in their hundreds for the free medical outreach programme organised by the council.

    Many of them were full of praises for the council for giving them opportunity to access free healthcare.

    The Council Chairman, Adebayo Olasoju, announced that aside from the usual hypertension, diabetes, eye screenings, dental care/restoration, laboratory testing, treatment and general consultation among others, the outreach will include also cervical cancer screening for the women to ensure early detection and ultimate prevention of the lethal malignant tumor.

    He reiterated that the event dubbed monthly ‘Care for the Elderly’ is furtherance of his commitment to ensuring healthy long life for residents of the council area especially the elderly.

    He added that the event was also to promote the health care delivery policy of Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda for the utmost benefit of all.

    Read Also: Fighting malnutrition

    “It gives me immense pleasure to address you my mummies, daddies and grannies here today for this month’s edition of our health programme. This programme lends more credence to our administration’s genuine interest in your health and well-being and by the grace of God we will not relent,” Olasoju said.

    Earlier, the Council Manager, Mrs. Mojisola Ogabi commended the elderly for their massive turnout for the programme.

    Mrs Ogabi urged them to take their health seriously.

    Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Anne Okonma, expressed her satisfaction to actualising the council boss’ commendable healthcare policy for the elderly.

    A beneficiary, Omoniyi Balogun, recalled how one of the previous editions of the programme saved him from facing limb amputation as he appreciated the council chairman for prioritising the welfare of the senior citizens.

    “As you can see, I’m here to make the most of today’s edition of the healthcare for the elderly. May God Almighty keep blessing Olasoju,” Balogun said.

    Another beneficiary who could barely hold back her tears of joy, prayed for the council boss, adding that the free medical treatment and drugs had saved her thousands of naira for her routine check-up for the month.

    Regent of Isolo, High Chief Saliu Wasiu Arowo-oye, who led Chiefs-in-council to the event, enjoined beneficiaries to always seek medical attention in order to stay healthy.

  • Ajomale distributes food items to 2,000 Isolo residents

    Ajomale distributes food items to 2,000 Isolo residents

    • Targets 7,000 across Oshodi-Isolo
    • Isolo chair hails octogenarian’s gesture

    A former Lagos State Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Henry Oladele Ajomale, has distributed food items to 2,000 households in Isolo.

    The gesture was part of activities to commemorate his 80th birthday.

    The prominent member of the high-class Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC) clocked 80 on October 4.

    Notable among the long list of political associates who sent heartfelt tributes to the latest octogenarian was President Bola Tinubu who lauded him for his lifetime service, selfless leadership, and immense contributions to the state and the nation.

    Hosting over 2,000 residents across the seven wards and other strata such as religious, market, and youth organisations as well as Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) among others in Isolo LCDA at his residence on Ago Palace Way, Ajomale noted that he shunned elaborate party for the philanthropic act to further appreciate God and give back to the society.

    He said: “Let’s give thanks to God for His grace that has kept us this far. This is divine grace and nothing else. The myriad of problems bedeviling the country cannot be completely solved by government and I am of the belief that whoever God has helped should graciously give to others. We appreciated God yesterday. We did not have any party.

    “We thought it wise that the money that would have gone into throwing a party could be used to buy and distribute food items to 7,000 families. It will go a long way in helping them to feed at this period. In addition to that, the current situation of the country calls for increased support of one another.”

    The celebrator added that the target is to touch 7,000 families across Oshodi-Isolo LGA as a similar program will be held on Saturday and the upper one at Ejigbo and Oshodi communities respectively.

    Chief Ajomale added that he hoped to carry out the gesture regularly to further uplift residents of the community especially the downtrodden.

    “This is a gesture we hope to carry out regularly for our people till the foreseeable future, may God keep helping us,” he said.

    Chairman of Isolo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Adebayo Olasoju, hailed Chief Ajomale’s gesture.

    Olasoju said the items would go a long way in ameliorating the sufferings of the people.

    He thanked the former APC Lagos Chairman for putting smiles on the faces of 2,000 Isolo residents.

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    Chairman Organising Committee, Otunba Jide Oni, explained that the beneficiaries were taken from every unit of the society which included the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Islamic bodies, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), Artisan, Market men and Women among others.

    Expressing his appreciation, the Chief Imam of Ago-Okota Central Mosque, called on other well-meaning individuals in the society to emulate the celebrant’s gesture which he said conforms with the teaching of Prophet Muhammad.

    CAN Chairman, Isolo LCDA Chapter, Bishop Kayode Adebayo, thumbed up the celebrator for following Biblical teachings on generosity, adding that such deed attracts long life and God’s continued faithfulness.

    Other beneficiaries could not contain their excitement at the gesture as they all prayed for many years with continued impact for the political leader.

  • Causes of bureaucracy in local govts, by expert

    Causes of bureaucracy in local govts, by expert

    • Apapa holds week-long seminar for workers
    • By Sherifdeen Amusa

    Poised to deliver effective and sustainable governance the Apapa Local Government has held a week-long seminar for members of staff.

    The training was held for Executive Directors, Clerical Officers and Artisans in the council.

    The seminar was held in conjunction with Cutting Edge Technologies.

    Delivering a paper on “Eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks in Local Government Administration”, Temitope Fatubaro said streamlining local government processes will eliminate bureaucratic delays for better service delivery.

    He identified the causes of bureaucratic bottlenecks as multiple layers of approval; lack of automation and inadequate staff training.

    These bureaucratic delays lead to longer wait for public services; lack of faith in the system by citizens and lower productivity, he said.

    Fatubaro suggested simplification of approval processes, digitalisation of processes while assuring the staff that the process wouldn’t lead to job loss and delegation of authority as the solutions to bureaucratic bottlenecks.

    Alex Adebisi, who delivered a paper on “Waste Management, Tourism Potentials and Taxation”, urged the council to engage on waste-to-energy initiative aiming at maintaining public health and expand the council’s revenue.

    He advocated electronic collection of local taxes aimed at improving transparency in revenue collection as well as prudent utilisation of revenue towards infrastructural and human capital development in the council.

    Read Also: Fubara sets up panel to probe killings, destruction of LG secretariats

    Olaniyi Agboola, who discussed, “Strategic Approach to Impactful and Effective Leadership”, quoting Khan et all, said, “a successful leader is one who is flexible to adapt to the differences among the group and the changing situation”.

    He listed some of the strategies to achieving Impactful leadership as being punctual at work, having healthy communication, being humble, having a listening ear, giving room for subordinates to rise and having emotional intelligence.

     He also added that delegation of responsibilities, establishing a clear direction for the team, viral reading to gain more knowledge and being calm while making decisions are part of the qualities of a good leader.

    Mr Sakirudeen Musa, a retired officer of the Local Government Service Commission, took the clerical and executive officers in the council on the various laws and ethics binding on them throughout their service year.

    Some of the rules included the rules guiding their employment: disciplining, promotion, demotion, retirement, leave, and dismissal.

    He educated them on the frequently overlooked civil service rules that could amount to demotion and dismissal.

    He urged civil servants to be of good character to their subordinates, work diligently, avoid taking bribes and leaking official secrets.

  • Youths call for sustainable environmental practices

    Youths call for sustainable environmental practices

    • By Sherifdeen Amusa

    Youths under the canopy of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye, have called for practices that make the environment safe for all.

    Acting Coordinator of NYCN, Zakariyah Okeyale, made the call during the cleaning of Olateju Street, Mushin as part of activities marking the World Clean-Up Day.

    Okeyale said: “As young leaders, we must innovate eco-friendly solutions to harmful environmental practices, reduce and recycle our wastes, engage in proper waste disposal and support safe environmental initiatives.”

    He said the exercise, “serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to preserve and maintain a clean, healthy environment and promote sustainable waste and resource management in Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA.”

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    He added that the exercise showed how collective efforts can drive the needed change.

    “Today, we join millions worldwide in taking action. We demonstrate that individual efforts can collectively drive change. Let’s make our community a model for sustainability. Let’s show that every small action counts,” he said.

    Supervisor for Environment in Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lateef Akinsemoyin, urged members of NYCN to continue in their service to humanity and ensuring safe and healthy environment.

    Akinsemoyin also called on the members of the community to desist from littering the environment, and adopt proper waste disposal.

    He added that the council is open to partnership with the NYCN for people-oriented initiatives.

  • Apatira bags Africa Leadership Award

    Apatira bags Africa Leadership Award

    • By Mistura Oseni

    The Chairman of Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Dr Ahmed Apatira, has been honoured with the prestigious Africa Leadership Excellence Award.

    The award recognises his outstanding contributions to leadership and community development was presented to him during Independence Day celebration organised by the council.

    The event featured match-past, choreography and a cultural display.

    Apatira expressed his gratitude for the recognition, calling it a reflection of the council’s efforts to improve the lives of its citizens.

    “I am humbled to receive this prestigious award. It motivates us to continue building a better future for our community,” he said.

    The award highlighted Apatira’s leadership in key areas like education, healthcare, economic growth, infrastructural development and community development.

    His administration has been praised for its forward-thinking initiatives that have positively impacted the LCDA.

    Read Also: Fubara sets up panel to probe killings, destruction of LG secretariats

    The council boss introduced economic relief palliatives to cushion the effects of the current economic challenges which include; food assistance programmes, free skills acquisition training, and distribution of free GCE forms to indigent students.

    Apatira urged residents to remain patient amidst economic difficulties.

    He assured them of the council’s commitment to a prosperous future.

    “Let us unite for a better Nigeria and show our children we are committed to their future,” he said.

    A Councilor representing Baruwa Ward, Mrs Adebisi Adetayo, lauded and acknowledged the excellent role of the council boss.

     She said: “Apatira is excellent in his role. He is always there for us, and he’s a leader who listens to his poeple. He does not overlook the importance of children,” he said.

  • Adebule takes constituency outreach to local councils

    Adebule takes constituency outreach to local councils

    The senator representing Lagos West District, Dr Idiat Adebule, has rallied women across the 28 local councils to get more involved in governance.

    The three-day event, tagged: Female Legislators Constituency Outreach, were held in various local governments under the Lagos West District with the theme: Advance Women’s Political Participation and Representation.

    Participants urged Senator Adebule to appeal to the Federal Government to open the border.

    This, they said, would aid their livelihood.

    They enjoined the lawmaker to emancipate and empower more women with political slots

    Senator Adebule shared her legislative plans aimed at increasing women’s participation in politics with the participants.

    She encouraged the women to be courageous in seeking political leadership at all levels.

    This, she said, would make them part of decisions that affect their lives.

    The former Lagos State Deputy Governor enjoined them not to jettison being under the tutelage of experienced politicians to properly learn the rope of politics.

    She attributed her rise in the politics to the mentorship of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and some other party leaders.

    According to her, the roles of President Tinibu in her political stardom are huge, adding that she would ever be grateful to the former Governor of Lagos State.

    She, however, cautioned the participants to always be patient and persevere in seeking political position.

    Read Also: You are cause of anarchy in Rivers, Wike replies Fubara

    She stated that consistency and obedience to party’s rules and regulations are key to achieving one’s goals in politics.

    She reeled out some of her achievements in the National Assembly within a short period of time.

    She said: “As I pursue my primary responsibilities as a Senator, I have also ensured continuous engagement with the grassroots through implementation of various social intervention programmes in support of our people at the grassroots. Some of the people-centered interventions include: regular distribution of grains and other items, as well as cash gifts during major celebrations such as Christmas, Eid-ul-Adha, and others since December, 2022. In each of these celebrations between 750 and 1000 bags of rice are distributed to constituents including party members, Community Development Associations (CDAs) and other stakeholders across 28 councils of the Senatorial District.

    “In November 2023, I facilitated the training of 200 young people in fisheries at the Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research, Victoria Island and each participant was given starter capital of N100,000 as my contribution to integrate the young people of Lagos West into the new drive for the Marine and Blue Economy in the country. We installed Solar Street Lights at Awoyokun Street, Mushin in July.

    “I am pleased to also highlight some of the projects I have attracted for Lagos West constituency which are focused on improving the quality of life of our people. These projects are part of the critical capital/infrastructure and non-capital projects approved for some of our communities and local government areas in the 2024 Appropriation Act as part of the Lagos-West Constituency projects. The capital/infrastructure components include construction of market stall in Agbado/Oke-Odo LCDA in Alimosho Local Government; construction of a Skills Acquisition Centre at Damingoro in Mushin, construction of a Health Centre in Igbolobi Town in the riverine area of Ojo; installation of solar lights at Oniwaya road in Agege; completion of the Badagry Youths Development Centre; procurement of Hospital Furniture for the Igbolobi Health Centre in Ojo and installation of solar lights in various streets in Oshodi-Isolo, Ikeja and Amuwo- Odofin.

    “The non-capital component of the constituency projects targeting job growth and social justice and inclusion approved for the people of Lagos West in the 2024 Appropriation Act are as follows; provision of assistance tools for physically challenged persons in Lagos West; training and empowerment progammes for youths and women in various skills and free medical outreach in selected local government areas.

    “In addition to the above-mentioned capital and non-capital projects, I have attracted the attention of the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to also provide intervention projects to Lagos-West such as the construction of a Health Centre at Isokan in Ojokoro community of Ifako-ljaye Local Government and construction of 18-unit classrooms at Awodiora primary school, Awodiora Estate at Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area.”

    Former Lagos State Deputy Speaker Bola Badmus-Olujobi and Chairman of Oriade Local Council Development Area, Ramatallai Akinola-Hassan, hailed Senator Adebule for mentoring female politicians.

  • Ipaja PHC is ‘most responsive health facility’

    Ipaja PHC is ‘most responsive health facility’

    The Lagos State Government has honoured Ipaja Primary Health Centre (PHC) with the prestigious “Most Responsive Health Facility Award.”

    This is in recognition of its exceptional service to survivors of gender-based violence.

    Medical Officer of Health at the centre, Dr. Meya Adekunle, also received a special letter of commendation for his leadership and commitment to duty.

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    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu while presenting the award to the Ipaja PHC team, praised their dedication to providing “compassionate, timely, and professional care to vulnerable members of society”.

    According to him, the award underscored the Lagos State Government’s commitment to improving healthcare and supporting survivors of gender-based violence.

    “The Ipaja PHC has set a high standard in healthcare delivery, and we urge other facilities to emulate their example,” Sanwo-Olu said.