The Nation Newspaper

Category: Grassroots

  • Ojo hosts Teachers’ Leadership Conference

    Ojo hosts Teachers’ Leadership Conference

    • By Ebube Ojukwu

    The Chairman of Ojo Local Government, Rasulu Idowu has partnered with Wholistic Edu-Consult in hosting the 2024 Teachers Leadership Conference with with the theme: Empowering Educators: Strengthening Resilience and Building Sustainability.

     The event, he said, was to empower educators, strengthen resilience, and build sustainability.

    Idowu acknowledged teachers’ vital role in shaping future leaders while describing the conference as a platform for educators to share best practices, learn from each other and develop the leadership skills necessary to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead by fostering collaboration and professional growth.

    He said: “Your passion and commitment to education are the cornerstones of our society’s progress.”

    The council emphasised the importance of skilled educators in addressing global challenges and creating a brighter future and thereby commended the teachers for their dedication to the teaching profession.

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     “Your hard work and sacrifices make a significant difference in the lives of countless pupils and students. I am confident that this conference will be a valuable experience for all of us and will inspire us to continue our efforts to empower educators and create a brighter future for generations to come,” he said.

    The conference featured workshops, deliberations, and presentations, providing a platform for educators to share best practices and develop leadership skills.

    The Convener, Mrs. Olubunmi Odiaka commended Ojo LGA’s excellence in education, noting that the event is the second Teachers Leadership Conference.

    Chairman, National Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Tajudeen Oladipupo, praised the council boss achievements in education.

  • Epe chair hails hospital upgrade to FMC

    Epe chair hails hospital upgrade to FMC

    • By Fatiah Akinrinlade

    The Chairmen of Epe Local Government, Ms. Surah Animashaun, has said that the upgrade of Epe General Hospital to Federal Medical Centre (FMC) is a crucial step in addressing the healthcare needs of Epe division.

    Ms Animashaun said it would attract infrastructure development and create employment for the teeming youths.

    The council boss stated this in Epe while thanking the Federal Government-led President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, aftermath of the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Health and its Lagos State government for the handover of the Epe Hospital to the Federal Government for conversion to FMC.

    She said that the Lagos Trauma Conference has marked a significant milestone for Epe General Hospital, upgrading it to a FMC, noting that the upgrade is a testament to the collaborative efforts of Lagos State and Epe’s prominent figures, who have been working tirelessly to advance specialised medical care for residents.

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    “Indeed, this upgrade and expansion of healthcare services aim to make Epe a medical tourism destination, transforming healthcare delivery in Lagos State and the presence of a FMC represents hope for patients battling illnesses beyond the capacity of secondary healthcare, brings comfort for families in distress and increases the possibility of a healthier future for many more citizens within the state.

    “The FMC would attract skilled healthcare professionals to the area, fostering a better healthcare environment. This influx would enhance the overall quality of care, leading to better health outcomes and increased life expectancy for the local population.” Animashaun said

    She praised President Tinubu for considering Epe Local Government among the councils having new FMC.

    The council boss enjoined residents and traditional rulers to do all things necessary to ensure security of lives and property in the area, noting that a new general hospital will be constructed in Epe to replace the old one.

  • ‘Nigerians ‘ll soon feel impact of Tinubu’s policies’

    ‘Nigerians ‘ll soon feel impact of Tinubu’s policies’

    The Chairman of Surulere Local Government, Sulaiman Yusuf, yesterday assured that Nigerians would soon feel the impacts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda policies.

    Yusuf said this at an event to mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day.

    He called for patience with the current administration, noting that the government’s policies are beginning to show promise.

    “In a few years, we will feel the impact of these changes,” he said.

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    While reflecting on the nation’s progress and the sacrifices of its founding fathers, the council boss emphasized the importance of Independence Day as a tribute to the commitment and resilience of those who fought for her freedom. “Today, we honour their sacrifices, which have paved way for the nation we cherish,” he said.

    The chairman highlighted several initiatives of his administration aimed at empowering youths, which includes the annual children’s celebration, provision of free GCE forms, re-introduction of vocational skills programme offering courses in fashion design, catering and ICT. Yusuf urged students to embrace their studies and strive for excellence, reminding them that they carry the legacy of Nigeria’s founding fathers.

    ”To whom much is given, much is expected” he said.

    Vice Chairman and Supervisor for Education Prince Muiz Dosunmu emphasized the need to instill hope in the youth amid current economic challenges. He said pupils from the 42 nursery and primary schools in the council were invited for the programme.

    He said: “We need to let our children know that the current difficulties are temporary. We should support the government’s reformative efforts.

    We need to let them know that whatever is happening now is something that would come and go. We need to stop cursing our country. Nigerians would not be great if Nigeria is not great. You cannot curse your child because he/she is not coming first in the class. We cannot have it all at the same time, but with the ongoing reformation government, there would light at the end of the tunnel.”

  • Lawmaker empowers 200 in Lagos Mainland

    Lawmaker empowers 200 in Lagos Mainland

    The lawmaker representing Lagos Mainland in House of Representatives, Moshood Oshun, has empowered 200 youths in Lagos Mainland with vocational skills and start-up capital.

    The initiative was in collaboration with Kadena Consult Ltd and the Nigeria Press Council (NPC).

    The beneficiaries were trained for a week in bead making, wig making, make-up, Gele tying, and event decorations.

    Speaking at the graduation ceremony held on Saturday for the participants, Oshun, urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the training to be financially self-reliant and be employers of labour.

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    He noted that the training on vocational skills for members of his constituency became important to him because not everyone would have the opportunity to pick up white-collar jobs, which are even in short supply in the country.

    The lawmaker added that the start -up capital is for them to have the funds to set up.

    He urged them to spend it judiciously.

    Oshun enjoined Nigerians to embrace vocational skills in the face of economic realities.

    According to him, the Renewed Hope Initiative of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, would yield fruitful result soon.

    He noted that the initial hardship is required to right the wrong things in the system.

    A representative from Kadena Consult Ltd, Tony Nelson, hailed Oshun for sponsoring the programme.

    Nelson expressed gratitude for the programme’s success and encouraged the participants to utilise their skills wisely.

    Rosemary Sheidu from the Nigeria Press Council, urged participants to invest in their newfound knowledge rather than take it for granted.

    Sheidu said the programme has equipped participants to be self-reliant.

    The facilitator, Mrs Mosun Odukale, Chief Executive Officer of Multi Jewel Training Centre, said some of the participants are already securing contracts based on their newfound skills.

    Mrs Odukale encouraged the participants to uphold high standards and leverage the opportunities afforded them by their training.

    “We trained you how to fish so that you can be employers of labour,” she said.

    A makeup trainee, Omolabake Muritala, expressed her excitement, describing the training as enlightening and a gateway to new opportunities.

    “With this empowerment, I no longer need to chase a white-collar job. I can now serve at least eight clients a day and make good money to cater for my family,” she said.

    Another beneficiary, Ajiboye Taiwo, who focused on event decoration, described the programme as a transformative one, stating, “I have gained the confidence to start my own business and train others as well.”

  • Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye launches solar charging station

    Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye launches solar charging station

    By Mistura Oseni and Fareedah Akanbi

    Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Razaq Ajala, has inaugurated a solar-powered charging station at Ilupeju.

    The charging station has the capacity to charge 50 devices simultaneously.

    Ajala said the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s focus on clean energy and its potential to enhance energy access.

    He added that the event marks a significant milestone in the local government’s drive to provide sustainable and affordable energy solutions for its communities.

    “One of the positions of the Federal Government is to adopt clean energy as alternate solution to the provision of energy. So what we have done as a government is to align with the vision of Federal Government on sustainable energy provision for communities and people. Solar energy is affordable. We want our people to be more accessible to energy,” he said.

    He said the initiative would help in addressing the rising costs of energy and promoting environmental sustainability.

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    He added that the solar powered charging stations while reducing dependence on traditional power sources which are costly and unreliable, would serve as a form of palliative to people of the council.

    Ajala said: “Our people often spend up to N300 to charge their phones with conventional power, but with this initiative, they can do so for free. Phone is very essential, so instead of plugging to power holding energy for the charging of their phones, we have provided an alternative power they can leverage on to get their phones charged, by which we are saving cost on the numbers of units they’ll spend with the power holding companies.”

    Ajala said the initiative is set to expand to other wards and key community locations such as markets and primary health centres.

    “We started with this one we intend to spread it to other political wards. The ultimate objective is to ensure that most, if not the major markets in our community have similar project. We are also looking at some of the primary health centres that run 24 hours and areas that have convergence of people. The ultimate objective is to make energy more accessible to our people at zero cost,” he said.

    The council boss urged the community to take ownership of the project, assuring that the local government has put mechanisms in place for its sustainability.

    Habeeb Olajide, an engineer, who spearheaded the design and construction of the solar kiosks, expressed his excitement about the project’s potential to reduce energy poverty.

    “The Federal Government is making efforts to provide energy, but the costs remain high. This project helps reduce that burden by offering free charging stations to the community,” he said. He emphasised the durability of the system, noting that the solar panels have a warranty of up to 15 years, with the battery system expected to last four to five years.

    Olajide while praising the visionary leadership of the council, said his team is working on further innovations, such as solar thermal systems capable of generating energy at night.

    He encouraged the youth to explore similar initiatives, using their skills to drive positive community impact rather than seeking employment.

  • Iba lifts students with GCE forms

    Iba lifts students with GCE forms

    The Chairman of Iba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos, Yisa Jubril, has distributed 100 free General Certificate of Education (GCE) forms to indigent students.

    Jubril said the gesture aimed to empower young scholars who have demonstrated academic excellence and a passion for learning despite financial challenges.

    The council boss emphasised the importance of education in unlocking the potential of youths and transforming the community.

    He said: “As we present these forms, we are not only investing in the future of our students; we are investing in the future of our community. We are building a generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers who will shape the destiny of our nation”.

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    “Every child deserves access to quality education, regardless of their background or financial situation. The GCE forms represent more than just a piece of paper; they symbolize hope, opportunity, and a chance to succeed”, he stated.

    Jubril encouraged students to seize this opportunity, work hard, and never give up on their dreams.

    He also thanked parents and guardians for their support and encouraged the community to rally behind the youth.

    Supervisor for Education, Adesoji Agbawi, lauded the council boss for his efforts in ensuring the greatness of the community.

    Agbawo urged the students to stay focused.

  • Coker-Aguda distributes 7th palliative packs

    Coker-Aguda distributes 7th palliative packs

    By Fatiah Akinrinlade

    The Chairman of Coker-Aguda Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Razaq Ibrahim, has distributed the seventh batch of food packs to the people.

    The gesture, he said, is aimed at providing relief to residents facing economic challenges.

    This initiative is part of the council’s ongoing commitment to support vulnerable households within the community.

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    Ibrahim said: “In these challenging times, it is crucial that we come together as a community to support one another. Our residents’ well-being is our top priority and this distribution is a testament to our commitment to ensuring that every family has access to the resources they need.”

    He thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his support and laudable programmes throughout the state.

    “We understand that many families are struggling, and it is our duty to provide assistance wherever possible. We are dedicated to making a positive impact in our community,” he added.

    He enjoined those who are yet to benefit from the palliatives to align themselves with their representatives at the ward level.

  • Lagos targets 5,000 beneficiaries for Livelihood Programme

    Lagos targets 5,000 beneficiaries for Livelihood Programme

    The Lagos State Government said it is aiming to empower over 5,000 vulnerable residents across the state.

    Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Oluyemi Kalesanwo, said the empowerment was being carried out under the Federal Government’s Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus in partnership with the Lagos Cares DL 1.3 with the theme: “Training for Livelihood Support Programme”.

    Mrs. Kalesanwo also noted that the training, which was part of the larger ‘Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NCARES DL.1.3)’ project, aligned with the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu T.H.E.M.E. PLUS Agenda.

    She said the programme was held in Epe, Agege, Isheri, and Coker-Aguda.

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    She urged beneficiaries to take the training seriously, explaining that the training featured upskill for business owners on Book-Keeping, Financial Literacy and other entrepreneurship skills to help them better manage their resources and improve their livelihood.

    This initiative, she said, would provide economic relief to struggling individuals, particularly women and engaged youth in small businesses across the federation.

    Head of Disbursement Link Indicator (DL.1.3) at WAPA, Mrs. Toyin Salami, added that the programme was designed to help economically active yet struggling individuals by providing them with soft training and financial grants to enhance their business activities.

    Mrs. Salami said beneficiaries were selected from the state’s social register, which included over 25,000 vulnerable residents and the criteria for selection prioritised individuals who were already active in business.

    “The beneficiaries will receive training to further develop their businesses, and a one-time grant will be disbursed directly into their bank accounts to support growth,” she explained.

    She also noted that the programme reached over 2,500 people during its first two phases, with the goal of reaching 5,000 beneficiaries.

    Mrs. Saudat Salami, a facilitator at Coker-Aguda Local Council Development Area, emphasised the importance of entrepreneurship skills for small business success. She pointed out that many business owners struggle not due to lack of skill but because they lack the knowledge to manage a business effectively.

    A participant, Mrs. Arike Adeyemi, a caterer, said she learned valuable skills during the training, including how to leverage social media for business promotion and the importance of tracking expenses such as transportation and packaging costs

  • Apapa celebrates, rewards retirees

    Apapa celebrates, rewards retirees

    By Fatiah Akinrinlade and Azeezat Okubajo

    The Apapa Local Government Area, Lagos has celebrated and presented gifts to its retirees.

    The event, held at the council’s secretariat, Apapa, saw the six retirees going home with deep freezers.

    The council Chairman, Idowu Senbanjo, appreciated the retirees for contributing to the growth of the council during their years of service.

    “To the retirees you can see that we have done this. The reason is because you have contributed to the development of the unified local government services. So, we are appreciating you today. We are showing our gratitude to you because you have done very well. You were all very hardworking staffs. You have been loyal to the constituted authority. If not for that, we won’t say everyone should be here today to appreciate you. Thank you all, we appreciate you indeed,” she said.

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    Senbanjo urged them to take proper care of their health and be consistent with their medical checkups.

    “As you have retired today, please don’t stay back, don’t just sit down doing nothing, find something to do, continue doing your activities so that your health will not fail you. You must ensure you do medical checkups. It is very important and I pray that the lord will be with you,” she said.

    The Council Manager, Mrs. Sonate Adebanji, while lauding the chairman for the event, thanked those who came to celebrate with the retirees.

    The Director of Post Service Department, Peter Ogunshakin, urged the retirees to actively participate in their communities.

    “Continue to be relevant in your communities; be relevant in your community development association, religious and political gatherings. You are starting a new life. It’s not for you to go and rest, you can only relax. Don’t be stagnant, do not stay idle”.

    He advised the retirees to prioritize their health, by doing exercise, eating healthy food and avoiding things that will trigger health issues.

    He urged them to plan meticulously, use their savings on what will be of immense value to them, avoid incurring unnecessary debts and extravagant spendings.

    One of the retirees, Dauda Omotosho, thanked God for granting him the grace to retire. He also appreciated the council boss for the gifts.

  • Apapa trains staff on improved service delivery

    Apapa trains staff on improved service delivery

    By Sherifdeen Amusa

    Apapa Local Government has trained its workers on efficient and excellent service delivery to improve human development and expand its revenue base.

    The three-day workshop with the  theme: ‘Excellent Service Delivery and Improved Productivity” was held at the council’s secretariat, Apapa.

    Chairman of Apapa Local Government Area, Idowu Senbanjo, who declared the workshop open, urged the participants to imbibe the lessons learnt.

    Senbanjo was represented by the Secretary to the Local Government, Gibraltar Njowusi.

    A member of Trustees and Governing Council, Caleb University, Imota, Dr Olusoga Badejo, commended the council for engaging in capacity training for its staff to function more efficiently.

    He said: “Knowledge is perishable and its perishability is why we need to update it. We have forgotten what we’ve learnt because knowledge is perishable.”

    Dr Olusoga stated various ways by which the members of staff of the council could improve their service delivery.

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    These, he said, include knowing their customers, improving their educational career by updating their knowledge, being of good manners to people, dressing decently, imbibing the highest level of honesty and transparency, accurate keeping of records and ensuring their activities are tailored towards the growth of the council.

    He lamented the bad attitude of revenue collectors who due to myopic thought of sitting on council’s revenue don’t acquire the necessary educational qualification for promotion to higher level.

    The Council Manager, Mrs Sonate Adebanji, said council chairmen in Lagos State believed that they need to train their staffs who are assets to ensure they’re equipped with modern techniques of service delivery.

    “The training intends to impact the right attitude in you in order to know how to relate with the people. Generating revenues from the people involve addressing them calmly and gently, explaining to them what the funds are being used for,” she said.

    She also urged the participants to listen attentively and ponder upon what they learnt.

    The Human Resources Officer, Mrs Esther Adedoyin, urged the participants to approach people nicely and always portray the good image of the council. Mrs Adedoyin also hinged on the need for the participants to improve themselves by applying for degrees and higher educational qualifications that would propel their career, adding that whatever cost them now to achieve the degree could be gotten in multiples after having the degree.