The Nation Newspaper

Category: Grassroots

  • Isolo sets benchmark on elderly care

    Isolo sets benchmark on elderly care

    The Chairman of Isolo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Adebayo Olasoju, has provided a free comprehensive healthcare service to residents of 60 years and above.

    This, the council boss said, is a new benchmark on care for elderly at the council level.

    Olasoju stated that the initiative started with 1,000 registered beneficiaries.

    “We started with 1,000 but they keep increasing from the register. If we should calculate from when we have started in terms of attendance, I will tell you that we have done an average of 1300 per month,” he noted.

    According to him, the free healthcare programme offers a range of services, including drug distribution, medical consultations, and minor surgical operations.

    Read Also: Tinubu appoints new leaderships for Digital Bridge Institute, NIGCOMSAT

    The council also sponsored IVF treatments for couples, and conducts regular health admissions for children and adults.

    The council boss thanked some firms and individuals for their contributions in making the programme a success.

    “I want to thank the pharmaceutical companies in Isolo – Afrachem, Emzor, Evans medical – for their supports. They saw what we are doing and supported us with free drugs. Also, there are notable community leaders who are medical doctors that volunteered to supports us with an average of 30 doctors attending to people,” he said.

    Adebayo further noted that the council had upgraded health infrastructure, increased the number of functional health centres from five to seven which is in line with the United Nations’ standard of one facility per political ward.

  • Eti-Osa, Lagos Mainland, others get empowerment tools

    Eti-Osa, Lagos Mainland, others get empowerment tools

    Residents of Apapa, Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland and Surulere have been empowered with various vocational materials.

    The items included 100 grinding machines; 100 sewing machines; 70 (3.5KVA) generators; 50 deep freezers; five tricycles and 4,000 school bags.

    The gesture was made possible by the Lagos Central District Senator, Wasiu Sanni-Eshilokun. It is to enhance their livelihoods and cushion the  effects of the economic hardship in the country.

    The lawmaker, who also gave three buses to monarchs, promised the people more dividends of democracy.

    He said: “This empowerment programme is a fulfillment of part of my campaign promises to make life easier for you and keeping with the tradition I inherited from my predecessor, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, our First Lady.

    Read Also: Tinubu appoints new leaderships for Digital Bridge Institute, NIGCOMSAT

    “It is with that mindset that I am propelled to constantly address your short-term needs through the distribution of food items and other palliatives, as well as providing more long-term interventions to support artisans and petty traders with tools needed to uplift your businesses, and increase your earning capacity on a sustainable basis.

    “Beneficiaries were shortlisted from across the Lagos Central Senatorial District through a selection committee at each of the 13 councils, and they include artisans, market men and women, Community Development Councils (CDC), the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, non-indigenes, as well as primary and secondary school pupil.

    “I once again assure you of my commitment to facilitating livelihood enhancement programmes and projects to the Lagos Central Senatorial District for the benefit all of us.”

    The senator urged beneficiaries to use them judiciously to get the best result from their businesses.

    “It is my belief that in the next one year, you all will have good stories to tell on how you have been able to use these tools to develop your enterprises to enviable states.”

    A beneficiary, Mrs. Surat Abari, thanked Senator Eshilokun for the grand gesture. She promised, on behalf of others, that they would use the items well to boost their businesses.

  • Somolu gives N50m grants to traders

    Somolu gives N50m grants to traders

    • HURMA praises Salawu
    • By Mistura Oseni and Elizabeth Eze

    The Chairman of Somolu Local Government, Abdul Hamed Salawu, has distributed N50,000 to 1,000 petty traders each.

    The gesture, he said, was to alleviate poverty in the council.

    According to Salawu, the initiative is a testament to the belief in supporting those who drive the local economy with dedication and resilience.

    He added that the decision to inject the funds came from a deep understanding of the challenges faced by small traders, especially in terms of financial capability to help expand their businesses which is always a barrier to grow their businesses.

    “As we give out these funds, today, Let it be a reminder that we are not just providing financial aid but also investing in the future of our community and economy. We do this to complement the efforts of both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu,” he said

    He urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the funds to grow the local economy.

    Salawu said besides the grants, his administration had embarked on road projects and they were due for inauguration in few weeks time.

    He said: “However, may I say that apart from this administration’s commitment in lifting up the economy, the people of Fadeyi are now happy as the Isaac John, Kalejaiye and Oyebajo road projects are nearing completion as we plan to move contractors to Shiro-oweh road afterwards. I sincerely appreciate the cooperation of the people of Ijebu-tedo/Palm Groove on the Dabira Emmanuel-Albert Road construction.

    “Between January this year and now, this administration has been able to embark on some roads and complete some such as Jabita, Ibrahim Alli and Owolabi Balogun streets as well as Oyedele, Ariyo, Tola Oduntan, Asubiaro, Vincent and Obiwunmi streets and the residents of these streets are now delighted for their roads that are wearing new look. These roads are done with interlocking paving stones alongside solar-powered lights to illuminate the streets.”

    Read Also: IGP’s dedication to justice, security commendable – Tinubu

    Meanwhile, a civil rights and anti-corruption group, Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA), has described the ongoing palliative programmes embarked upon by Salawu, as a vindication of President Tinubu’s social welfare packages for Nigerians.

    HURMA’s Executive Director, Comrade Isiak Buna, spoke during the programme.

    He comdened the political associates of the council boss for their selfishness.

    He said: “Our office has been receiving reports on how welfare packages meant for the poor people in Somolu have often been cornered by close political associates of the chairman and this is not good for the general development and relief of the people in the area.”

    Buna listed some of the monthly palliative programmes which are meant for poor and vulnerable residents to include payment of N20,000 each for 1000 people and another one for traders and artisans placed on a package of N50,000 each for 1000 persons.

    He hailed Salawu for carrying out roads construction and providing good healthcare.He commended the council management for involving the civil society in the monitoring team.

    HURMA’s Somolu Coordinator Comrade Monsur Akinremi enjoined the people on contentment and selflessness as the only way for both the government and the governed.

  • Monarch warns land owners to develop or risk forfeiture

    Monarch warns land owners to develop or risk forfeiture

    The Gbadewolu of Araromi, Oba Lukman Adebambo, has issued a warning to the people who bought the expanse of land in Araromi Kingdom, Ibeju-Lekki, to develop the lands or risk forfeiture.

    This, the monarch said, is due to the fact that criminals have turned the place to their den to perpetrate heinous crimes.

    He said their inability to work on the lands has brought impediment to the development of the community.

    Read Also: Mutfwang suspends two Commissioners, two Special Advisers

    According to him, all sorts of crimes, including kidnappings, robberies and rape, among others, are being perpetrated on the lands.

    Oba Adebambo issued three months ultimatum to buyers of the land to start developing them or forfeit them.

    “We cannot sell lands to people and still securing them on their behalf. These people have bought the lands between the last two and five years without doing anything on them. My people have suffered series of attacks from criminals who hide inside bushes to perpetrate evil.”

  • Ejigbo urges mothers on proper breastfeeding

    Ejigbo urges mothers on proper breastfeeding

    Wife of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Chairman, Mrs. Fatima Bello, has urged mothers to ensure proper breastfeeding of their babies.

    She emphasised the significance of breastfeeding as a vital component of public health.

    Mrs. Bello noted that breastfeeding not only provided essential nutrients for newborns but also strengthened the bond between mother and child, contributing to the overall development of the community.

    According to her, breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure a child’s health and survival.

    “As a community, we must create an environment where every mother feels empowered to breastfeed her child for as long as she chooses,” she said.

    Read Also: IGP’s dedication to justice, security commendable – Tinubu

     She praised the commitment of the council in enhancing maternal and child health within the community, urging stakeholders to work together to ensure every child received the best possible start in life through breastfeeding.

     Ejigbo LCDA Vice Chairman Ayodele Ayodeji emphasised that the health centres in Ejigbo were open to all residents for medical services.

    Dr. Yetunde Ibrahim announced the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Week (MNCHW), which is a collaborative effort with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA),

    She said: “This week-long initiative delivers an integrated package of cost-effective and curative services, including antenatal care, preventive nutrition, and immunisation, aimed at strengthening routine primary healthcare services across the nation.”

  • Sanwo-Olu hailed for Isese Day celebration

    Sanwo-Olu hailed for Isese Day celebration

    Former Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Chieftaincy and Traditional Matters, Prince Bayo Osiyemi, has praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for keeping his promise of setting aside August 20 to celebrate Isese Day.

    Prince Osiyemi said he was glad to have been the megaphone through which the governor broke the good news to the people of Lagos State in 2020.

    According to Osiyemi, Isese l’agba is the popular refrain among believers of our tradition and culture and that cannot be for nothing.

    He said: “Before the advent of imported religions, our people coveted their traditional religions so much so that they attributed many of the fortunes their forebears bequeathed on their generations to the efficacy of these religions. No modern-day Christian or Muslim can claim that his or her lineage had never benefitted from our cultural heritage.”

    Read Also: Mutfwang suspends two Commissioners, two Special Advisers

    Osiyemi stressed that no society should neglect its traditional heritage or condemn everything in our traditional cultures and values

    He said: “The truth of the matter is that a society that neglects to elevate and promote its tradition and cultural heritage will inevitably lose its identity as well as the economic benefits inherent in our traditional values.

    “It is no doubt true that some of our traditional practitioners and herbalists had introduced dubious aspects to the practice in modern times, but that is not to condemn the good work out of our tradition and culture wholesale. That will be akin to condemning pharmaceutical productions off-handedly just because of the application of overdose in patients.

    “Government having done what is good and realistic in this matter, it behoves on the leaderships of our traditional and cultural institutions to help sanitise their practice and rid unscrupulous and mindless ones among them of the harmful dangers they are coveting.”

  • Orile-Agege gives N100m to residents

    Orile-Agege gives N100m to residents

    • By Muinat Ajibade-Alasela

    The Chairman of Orile Agege Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Johnson Babatunde, has distributed N100 million to residents for empowerment.

    Babatunde noted that the gesture was for the well-being of the community.

    He added that the initiative was to create opportunities, foster entrepreneurship, and reduce poverty within the community.

    “We are distributing N100,000 each to 1,000 deserving individuals, providing them with the financial boost needed to start or expand their businesses, support their families, and pursue their dreams,” he said.

    He also said a vehicle was given to the vigilante to reinforce security and ensure the community remained a safe place.

    Read Also: IGP’s dedication to justice, security commendable – Tinubu

    “We are equipping our Paramole (our local security team) with the necessary tools and support to keep our neighborhood safe. Their dedication and vigilance are critical to maintaining peace and order in our community,” he stated.

    The council boss said they also presented an environmental bus to enhance waste management efforts and keep Orile-Agege clean and green.

    Babatunde added that they gave out motorcycles to improve local monitoring and surveillance within the council.

    He advised the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the funds given to them.

  • Lagos Island distributes GCE forms

    Lagos Island distributes GCE forms

    To nurture academic ambitions of students, Chairman of Lagos Island Local Government, Tijani Olusi, has distributed General Certificate Examination (GCE) forms to indigents students.

    The initiative, Olusi said, is part of the council’s broader effort to support education and provide opportunities for students to excel.

    He urged the students to be proud of their heritage by speaking their mother tongue fluently; adding that mastering their native language could enhance their proficiency in English and other languages.

    Council Manager Prince Sunday Adegbola advised students to show their appreciation by studying hard and excelling in exams.

    Read Also: Mutfwang suspends two Commissioners, two Special Advisers

    He said education was not just a goal but a pathway to achieving greater things in life, providing confidence and self-esteem.

    The council’s Local Government Education Secretary, Alhaji Qudus Abari, advocated career talks to better prepare the children for the future.

    He also urged youths to acquire vocational skills alongside their academic pursuit.

  • 200 get free GCE form in Agboyi-Ketu

    200 get free GCE form in Agboyi-Ketu

    The Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos, Dele Oshinowo, has distributed General Certificate Examination (GCE) forms to 200 students.

    Oshinowo said education was the bedrock of development and would empower the youths to reach their potential and also to help relieve the financial constraints of indigents.

    He noted that the gesture would increase access to education for all and boost the academic performance and confidence of students.

    The council boss urged the beneficiaries to make the best of the opportunity and be good ambassadors of the council.

    Read Also: IGP’s dedication to justice, security commendable – Tinubu

    He also encouraged the parents to endeavour to give their children the necessary support, both morally and spiritually, so that they will become their pride and that of the nation.

    Vice Chairman of the Council, Mrs. Folake Kayode, who represented the chairman at the occasion, stated that the importance of education could not be overstated in nation-building.

    Mrs. Kayode, who doubles as the Supervisor for Education, said “we do this every year to enable the students climb higher in life.”

    Special Adviser on Education and Students Affairs, Mrs. Ebunoluwa Olufade, stated there was no discrimination in the distribution of the forms.

  • Olasoju: we’ve completed 29 roads

    Olasoju: we’ve completed 29 roads

    • To build Aswani Link Road
    • Launches ‘Operation Don’t Block the Drainage’
    • By Ganiyat Mumuni and Sherifdeen Amusa

    Isolo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has constructed 29 roads within three years, its Chairman, Adebayo Olasoju said.

    He listed some of the roads to include Asiri-Abo Link, Kogberegbe, Aderinto, Ogundele Way, Akinbaye, and Ayo Shonubi streets.

    Also among the roads are Chief Nwakibie Egbuniwe, Holy Saviour, Lamina Lawal, Mureni, Olaosibikan, Olumuyiwa Siwoku, Ehingbeti and Olusola Faronbi streets.

    Olasoju said on assumption of office, he realised that the major problem of Isolo LCDA was bad roads.

    This, he said, made his administration to embark on the completing the 29 roads before initiating new ones.

    According to him, Kogberegbe  and others are link roads that will reduce the travelling time for motorists.

    “We’ve completed about 29 in the space of three years and we have about seven ongoing that will be completed in the next few months,” Olasoju said.

    He identified road construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance, addressing traffic congestion and clearing of drainages as ways to open up the council for investments.

    Read Also: 12 burnt to death, four injured in Lagos-Ibadan expressway crash

    He said the Aswani Road was one of the most-crucial projects the council wanted to embark on.

    “We have a major problem on Aswani road linking Osolo Way where we have a lot of damages on the road caused by the influx of trailers and everything. It is a state road, but we are in touch with relevant agency to get it fixed.

    “We have agreed that we are kicking-off that road in the next few weeks if we don’t see anything tangible from the agency because a lot of complaints are coming from the road users. Its closeness to our secretariat attracted lot of complaints and we must harken to the yearnings of the people,” Olasoju said.

    The council boss stated that the LCDA had launched “Operation Don’t Block the Drainage” to fight perennial flooding.

    The initiative is aimed at making Isolo flood-free for residents and businesses, he said.

    He noted that the council sensitised residents directly and through Community Development Associations (CDAs) on the proper way of waste disposal.

    Olasoju said: “We have sensitised the market women, shop owners and today we’re getting it better. We are also encouraging the CDA, the street associations that they should ensure that households’ refuses must not be in drainages.”

    He added that the efforts included clearing and fumigation of drainages, and dredging of canals.

    Olasoju praised the Lagos State Government for trying to bring back the monthly environmental sanitation which, he said, would contribute to a cleaner Lagos.