The Nation Newspaper

Category: Grassroots

  • Education, our utmost priority, says Bamigboye

    Education, our utmost priority, says Bamigboye

    By Sherifdeen Amusa

    Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Emmanuel Bamigboye, said good education remains the pivotal focus of his administration.

    Bamigboye stated this while distributing General Certificate of Examination (GCE) forms to 250 deserving students at the council’s secretariat.

    He highlighted other initiatives by his administration to support education in the council.

    Bamigboye said: “The best educational system is of utmost priority to the Bamigboye- Aruwe led administration. That’s why we have been putting our best efforts to raise educational standard with the construction of model blocks of classrooms, provision of free school bags, exercise books to pupils in public primary schools, provision of annual Bursary Awards to indigent students and of free school bus transportation of pupils, as well as yearly distribution of JAMB forms to students. These gestures are in order to bring succour to parents and guardians in Mushin Local Government.”

    Bamgboye said the GCE forms would serve as a form of educational palliative to ease the burden of parents and also provide equal opportunities for all.

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    He also added that he would ensure good governance get to the residents of Mushin “through the provision of numerous infrastructural/developmental projects, improving educational standards, provision of quality healthcare services, several women empowerment and poverty alleviation programmes and ensure quality welfare packages for our youths in Mushin Local Government.”

    Vice- Chairman of the council, Tunbosun Aruwe, who doubles as the Supervisor for Education, said the initiative was aimed towards ensuring no one is held back due to financial constraints.

    Head of Education Department, Abimbola Oguntoye, urged the student not to take it with levity and be serious with their studies in order to excel in the exam.

     A beneficiary, Ayomide Boluwatife, who thanked the council boss, said the form would serve as a financial support.

  • Ooni hails Tinubu, Lagos govt on council autonomy

    Ooni hails Tinubu, Lagos govt on council autonomy

    •Ejigbo rebuilds abandoned 26 years Ifoshi Road

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and successive Lagos State governors for ensuring local government autonomy in Lagos State over the years.

    The revered monarch spoke during the inauguration of 26-year-old dilapidated Ifoshi Road reconstructed by Ejigbo Local Council Development Area

    Oba Ogunwusi said the autonomy enjoyed by council chairmen in Lagos State over the years has led to great development at grassroots in the state.

    He said the Ifoshi Road constructed by Bello-led administration wouldn’t have been possible if not for autonomy local governments in Lagos State enjoy.

    The monarch urged other state governments to emulate Lagos State government by ensuring local governments in their respective states enjoy financial autonomy.

    Oba Adeyeye described the road as strategic in developing the council.

    He thanked President Tinubu for ensuring local government autonomy is achieved during his short term in office.

    “For a local government to have reconstructed this long stretch of road and execute well, we should give kudos to Mr President,” he said.

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    Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Monsuru Bello (aka OBE), said the reconstruction of the road demonstrated his commitment to fulfilling promises made during the campaign.

    He said: “During my campaign, I vowed to implement a transparent, evidence-based plan to support infrastructural development through high-quality public investment and effective service delivery across all sectors. The popular Daleko-Ejigbo route, which connected our town with other nearby settlements back then, was the only option available to Ejigbo town for inlets and outlets since the beginning of time. But in the late 1970s, the Federal Government built the Oshodi-Apapa express road, which led to the construction of the Mushin-Isolo-Ejigbo-Ikotun-Egbe express road, another well-travelled route. This road serves just as a feeder access to the Apapa motorway, but it has given the indigenous Ifoshi royal family a tremendous opportunity to create Ifoshi road, a link connecting the interior section of Ejigbo.”

    The council boss appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, regarding the strategic restoration of Kayode/Double Powerline and llamoshe Estate Canoe roads.

    This, he said, would ease traffic within the community and two strategic terminal centres of Oshodi and International Airport.

    He thanked Mr Governor for the ongoing Ailegun Road.

    He said his administration has established confidence and trust that the entire Ejigbo residents repose in APC.

    “We will keep doing these until Ejigbo becomes the envy of all. As a responsive government, we firmly believe in the vision and tenacity of our founding fathers to work towards improving the quality of lives for our people through programmes, initiatives, and the development of high-quality infrastructure,” he said.

    He appealed to residents and other road users to take ownership of the road and maintain it properly.

    “Any act of indiscipline on this road will not be tolerated. To arrive at the point we are today entails tough decisions, we are reforming the system and building legacies for generations yet to come,” he said.

    APC Lagos State Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, commended the Council Chairman for exhibiting the project of the state government.

    “This is what is expected as the dividend of democracy. We are proud of the project and it is a welcome development. I thank the council chairman for exhibiting this project for the betterment of people. I urge him to do more. This justifies council autonomy but we have been doing this because the state government has never touched the allocation of the local governments. We are going to see more monumental development,” Ojelabi said.

  • ICT is key to survival, says Ajala

    ICT is key to survival, says Ajala

    By Mistura Oseni and Naimat Dauda

    The Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Rasaq Ajala, has reiterated the importance of having Information Communication and Technology (ICT) skills for survival in today’s world.

    Ajala stated this at the presentation of certificates and honouring of best two students with laptop and consolation prizes to deserving participants of the free two weeks Summer Tech Boot Camp 2.0 organised by the council.

    The council boss said: “We are in a digital age. As we are all aware, ICT has become a cornerstone of development, innovation, and progress. So, if we want our children to be progressive, we must train them with the right skills and knowledge that will make them compliant with what is obtainable in today’s world.”

    Affirming the immeasurable benefits in having ICT skills, Ajala said it provides individuals with distinct advantage that improves their employability status.

    “In today’s competitive job market, employers are increasingly seeking candidates with robust computer skills. Possessing such skills can provide individuals with a distinct advantage, allowing them to stand out from the competition and secure their desired employment,” he said.

    The training brought together over 250 enthusiastic pupils from primary and secondary schools within the council, providing them with invaluable exposure to the world of technology.

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    Mufatu Fatia and Eze Samuel won the best participants for the Secondary and Primary categories respectively, while other participants received consolation prizes.

    Administrative Officer of Ilupeju ICT Workstation, Amb Mustapha Yaqub, said the training covered fundamental principles of computing along with general troubleshooting of systems.

    He urged the participants to take their education seriously, adding that the training exposed them to unique experiences.

    Eze said he was happy to be one of the participants, noting that the efforts he invested in the training made him emerged as one of the winners.

    Olamiposi Olaniran, while thanking the council boss for the opportunity, promised to make good use of the knowledge acquired.

  • Famuyiwa disburses N10m to 500 residents

    Famuyiwa disburses N10m to 500 residents

    By Ayokunle Adebiyi

    The Chairman of Agbado/Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area, David Famuyiwa, has renewed appeal on residents of the council and the country at large to be patient with the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

    He expressed optimism that the people will experience relief at the end of the current hardship, adding that President Tinubu is on course to return the country to the good old days.

    The council boss stated these during the 9th Poverty Alleviation/Cash Support to 500 residents held at the council secretariat. Each of the beneficiaries received the sum of N20,000.

    According to him, the president inherited a challenging economy that will take time to rectify.

    The council boss appealed to residents that the monthly N20,000 poverty alleviation gesture cannot go round.

    He charged the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the support while commending them for peaceful conduct during the last nationwide hunger protest in the country.

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    The Chairman of Community Development Committee (CDC), Ernest Kazumu, said the people will begin to enjoy the dividends of democracy when several policies of the Tinubu’s administration mature.

    He was of the view that the problem of the country started during the era of former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, when the county did not manage the oil boom well.

    The community leader also cautioned Nigerians to stop saying negative words against the country, adding that America was great today because the citizens pray for it.

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Chairman in Agbado Oke-Odo, Pastor Timothy Owoeye, urged other councils to emulate Famuyiwa’s gesture.

    Chief Imam of the area, Alhaji Raji Mehmud, commended the council for prioritising the needs of the residents while soliciting the cooperation of the Southwest in support of the president to succeed.

  • Council rebuilds collapsed school

    Council rebuilds collapsed school

    Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area has rebuilt a collapsed school.

    The school, Ohen Primary School, was housed by one of the buildings that collapsed in Ita-Faji five years ago.

    The collapsed structure resulted in loss of lives and injuries.

    It was a joyous moment for the community residents when the council opened the new school tagged Lagos Island East Montessori Nursery and Primary School on the site to honour the deceased pupils.

    The council chairman, Muibi Folawiyo, said the rebuilding was a fulfillment of promise made during the tragic event.

    “Reflecting on the tragic incident at Ita-Faji school building collapse. I am reminded of the profound loss that our community has endured. The pain of losing our children, our future, is something we will never forget. As a leader and member of this community, I carry the weight of that sorrow with me,” he said.

    Folawiyo noted that the school will not just be a structure, but a beacon of hope where every child can grow, thrive and dream safely. 

    According to him, some of the children who were rescued from the debris of the school collapse were given scholarship and have graduated from Lagos Island East Montessori Nursery and Primary School situated in Tapa. Others, he said, are still in the school with full scholarship.

    He declared that the school fees and materials needed by the pupils including school bags, uniforms, sandals, socks and lunch boxes, would be free.

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    All Progressives Congress (APC) Apex Leader, Babajide  Damazio, applauded the council boss for his commitment and passion towards the community and education of the children.

    He urged parents and guardians to be committed towards their kids’ education as the government is doing its part in making education accessible to all.

    The Missioner of Nadwat Society of Nigeria, Sheik Abdul Ramon Lawal, prayed for the deceased, the survivors, council boss and the council.

    The building was opened by the National Union of Road Transport Workers leader, Alhaji Mustapha Adekunle (aka Sego).

  • Somolu opens modern market

    Somolu opens modern market

    By Sherifdeen Amusa

    The Chairman of Somolu Local Government, Abdulhameed Salawu, has opened Olaleye Market.

    The market was razed by a fire incident in May, 2020.

    Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Chief Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, who inaugurated the market, lauded the chairman for fulfilling his promise of rebuilding the market and his various incentives to support the traders. 

    Chief Tinubu-Ojo, while acknowledging the hardship in the country, appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the Tinubu’s administration.

    “Nigerians – both the rich and poor – are suffering but with a little patience, Nigerians would smile again,” she said.

    Salawu noted that the market would boost the local economy by supporting small businesses and creating jobs.

     He highlighted recent series of economic initiatives, such as the N50 million distributed to petty traders, as part of his administration’s commitment to grow the local economy.

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    Heights Integrated Solutions Ltd Managing Director, Oloye Ashabi Adams, stated that Somolu has always been a commercial hub, stressing that commerce will increase in Somolu with the new Olaleye market.

     “People used to come before but they were discouraged because this market is always flooded but considering the fact that we have to take the topography of the market, made it higher than the existing developed structures. So, should there be rainfall, there is no cause for alarm”, she said.

  • Water transport, viable alternative to high road fare, says LAGFERRY

    Water transport, viable alternative to high road fare, says LAGFERRY

    The Managing Director of Lagos State Ferry Services (LAGFERRY), Abdoulbaq Ladi Balogun, has called on the staff to be more efficient and put in their best to improve revenue generation of the agency.

    Balogun spoke  in Lagos at the Three-Day management retreat tagged ‘Leveraging on the waterways assets for improved revenue generation’.

    According to him, water transportation is a viable alternative to high cost of road transportation. He urged Lagosians to patronise water transportation.

    Balogun explained that the process of revenue generation has taken a new dimension with the recent launch of ‘Lagos Revenue Portal’ by the state government, urging the staff to key into the initiative in deepening the revenue of the agency.

    He added that the agency would ensure the blockage of all revenue leakages to improve performance, adding that the retreat was an avenue to brainstorm strategies needed for deepening revenue generation.

    Balogun said the agency is working hard to achieve its core mandate, stating that the agency is doing more to decongest the roads through the waterways.

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    He stated that the agency is engaging more in advocacy and confidence building among the people on the essence and benefits of using the waterways for businesses and mobility.

    He explained that with the existence of 20 boats, the agency has been able to commute two million people since its inception in 2020.

    The LAGFERRY boss said the state cannot rely on one mode of transportation considering its large population, adding that waterways had contributed immensely in reducing pressure on road transportation and that the agency has also helped in moving businesses on the waterways.

    Balogun said the integration of the transportation system in Lagos had helped boost the local economy and make life easy for the people, stating that the multimodal transportation system is functional and purposeful and that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is intentional about integrating the transportation system.

    He added that more private sector operators had shown interest in the waterways transportation, adding the State is doing everything to harness the blue economy for local economic development.

    Balogun said the agency would be more dynamic in the delivery of its services to Lagosians, adding that the agency would come up with more initiatives to boost revenue.

    “We have programmes that can be monetized and that would bring in more money for the partners, the agency and the State government. In this wise, we will be more creative and think deeply on how to monetise our initiatives for the betterment of the people,” said Balogun.

    Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Seun Osiyemi, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Wale Musa, encouraged the people to use the waterways for business and transportation, saying it is the most safest and convenient mode of transportation.

    Osiyemi stated that the integration of the transportation system would help boost the economy and ease the stress on Lagosians.

    He urged the staff of the agency to scale up performance and be more efficient in revenue generation, adding that the state government would do everything to ensure the core mandate of the agency is achieved.

    Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Taxation and Revenue, Mr Opeyemi Ogungbo, explained that with the existence of the Lagos Revenue Portal (LRP), LAGFERRY could view the bills paid by the users to the agency and also the users could pay with their cowry card wallets.

    Ogungbo said the capacity building would entrench quality service delivery, adding that the teeming users of LAGFERRY would experience world-class services.

  • Senbanjo urges students to shun vices

    Senbanjo urges students to shun vices

    By Muinat Ajibade-Alasela

    The Chairman of Apapa Local Government, Idowu Senbanjo has urged students in Apapa to shun all vices that could jeopardize their future.

    She spoke during the distribution of GCE forms to students.

    Senbanjo urged student to desist from bad influence and remember the efforts of their parents. She advised them to face their studies squarely after which she promised that scholarship will be awarded to best students.

    She admonished the beneficiaries to work voluntarily in any organization during the holidays so as to improve their knowledge.

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    Represented by Vice Chairman of the council, Ismaila Ganiyu, who also doubled as the Supervisor for Agric, Rural & Social Development, Senbanjo encouraged recipients to take advantage of the opportunity by being focusing on their career.

    Special Adviser on Education, Youth and Sports, Dr. Michael Egbayelo, praised the council boss for her passion and commitment towards the progress of the students.

    He commended Senbanjo for her unwavering supports to youths in the community by providing them with school uniforms, desks and chairs, career programmes, vocational training, and tutorial classes for GCE/WAEC and Jamb.

    Dr. Egbayelo implored all the beneficiaries to make good use of the gesture.

    Head of Education and Library Services, Makinde Babatunde said the councilwould hold free coaching classes for all interested students.

    He tasked the beneficiaries to be studious and come out in flying colours.

    Lawal Kamaldeen on behalf of the beneficiaries thanked the Chairman and promised not to let her down.

  • Education is key to better tomorrow, says council chief

    Education is key to better tomorrow, says council chief

    By Sherifdeen Amusa

    As part of efforts to alleviate the burden of parents and guardians during the current economic hardship, the Chairman of Ikosi Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Princess Samiat Bada, has distributed General Certificate of Examination (GCE) forms to 300 students in her council.

    Princess Bada, while affirming that education is the key to a better tomorrow, said it is the council’s responsibility to ensure every child has access to quality education.

    “Education stands at the core of progress, the key to empowerment, and the bridge to a better tomorrow. It is our collective responsibility to nurture and support the educational aspirations of our youth, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to shine and succeed”, she said.

    She added that education should be enjoyed by all regardless of their financial or social background as it stands as the bedrock of success.

    “Education should never be a privilege accessible only to a few, it is a fundamental right that should be within reach of every aspiring mind, regardless of their background or circumstances. By offering these free GCE forms, we are not just gifting paper and ink; we are investing in dreams, opening doors of opportunity, and paving the path towards a brighter future for our you”, she said.

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    She urged the students to make judicious use of the opportunity and be resilient in their academic pursuit.

    “I urge our students to seize this opportunity with zeal and determination. Let these forms be a canvas upon which you paint your ambitions, a stepping stone towards your aspirations and a testament to your resilience and commitment to learning”, she said.

    Vice Chairman Olayinka Ogunleye, said the initiative shows their administration’s commitment to education.

    Supervisor for Education, Dayo Ogunleye, who described the initiative as fantastic, urged the students to perform excellently in their exams

    Head of Department Education, Ogunwale Modupeola, urged the students to put in their best to come out with good grades.

  • How we’re developing Bariga, by Alabi

    How we’re developing Bariga, by Alabi

    By Adebiyi Ayokunle

    The Chairman of the Bariga Local Council Development Area, Kolade Alabi, has emphasized the importance of youth development through sporting activities and cultural engagement.

    He stated that his council is making effort to upgrade sport centres and engage youths in governance.

    Alibi stated that his council has the best programme for boxers in the state.

    He said he has sponsored an indigene, Bola Tito, to an international competition.

    He said the engagement of the youth meaningfully especially the boys has reduced crimes in the council.

    The council boss said plans are on to build up sports centres in schools.

    He said: “You know that the entire area is built up and hardly will you find a place for you to build a sporting centre but we are in discussion with school authorities to allow us build a befitting sporting facility.

    “We are working on one but lately, a senator representing a senatorial district has also come up with another one so very soon, we will have two standard sporting facilities here in Bariga.”

    Alabi said the government also pays attention to art and culture and lately they’ve gotten a grant from Morocco on solitarily tourism.

    “So governance is not all about building bridges, constructing roads and hospital, it’s also investing in Psychological infrastructure in which we are also doing,” he said.

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    The council boss said that the council has been working towards addressing infrastructural deficit in education and healthcare for the past seven years of his administration.

    “We have deficit in our infrastructure, healthcare system, education and we have tried our best in the last seven years to address the deficit. We want to bridge the gap between dreams and reality,” he noted.

    He further stated that his administration has delivered modestly and will continue to make efforts in developing the community till his last day in office.

    He highlighted the projects done by the council which include reconstruction of roads, building of schools with modern facilities, and fire stations.

    He said he went to inspect all the project’s construction sites and was happy on the outcome even with the recent road expansion.

    He said the health centre will be built in a way that will cater for all the minor and primary health challenges faced by the people.