The Nation Newspaper

Category: Grassroots

  • Mushin celebrates World Breastfeeding Week

    Mushin celebrates World Breastfeeding Week

    • By Sherifdeen Amusa

    Stakeholders in Mushin have joined global communities to celebrate Breastfeeding Week, which aims to highlight the various benefits of breastfeeding.

    The event, tagged: World Breastfeeding Week and Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health Plus Nutrition (MNCAHN), was held at the Primary Health Centre, Omodigbo, Palm Avenue, Mushin.

    Wife of the Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Mrs. Olajumoke Bamigboye, said the breastfeeding week was to increase awareness on the importance of breastfeeding, promote enabling environment for breastfeeding mothers and to improve the health of infants.

    She said breastfeeding played critical role in reducing infant mortality and risks of diseases like breast and ovarian cancers and Type 2 diabetes.

    The local government Chairman Emmanuel Bamigboye said the various health initiatives by his administration, which includes building of a new Primary Health Centre at Idi-Araba, donation of equipment to health centres, and renovation of the fence of Mushin General Hospital showed his administration placed health as a top priority.

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    Deputy Director, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Mrs. Esther Samuel, appealed to mothers to harness the opportunities of the breastfeeding week to present their children for free immunisation which has immeasurable benefits.

    She also advised them to go to health centres whenever they had issues lactating their infants and not resort to self-help.

    Nutrition Focal Person in Mushin Local Government, Ajiboye Abiola, urged nursing mothers to do exclusive breastfeeding for six months and also to introduce them to home-made semi-solid foods after six months.

    “Please breastfeed your child for the first six months and ensure there are homemade food for them afterwards. The food must not be too hot nor peppery, without seasoning cubes, and must be semi-solid foods prepared by you at home,” she said.

  • Usman renders account of stewardship

    Usman renders account of stewardship

    •  By Sofiyyah Abubakar and Sherifdeen Amusa

    Chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government, Prince Usman Hamzat, has given an  account of his stewardship.

    Hamzat spoke at a briefing to commemorate his three years in office.

    According to him, residents should be kept abreast of efforts by the council to make the community a better place.

    He highlighted some of his achievements under HEEDS Agenda – Health and Environment, Education and Technology; Empowerment of the Youth, Women and the Aged; Development of Infrastructure; Sustainable Initiatives and Good Governance and distribution of palliatives to indigenes.

    He said the agenda was to improve the standard of life of the people.

    Hamzat said his administration had provided free medical check-ups and drugs for residents through medical outreaches.

    He also stated that his administration had completed the construction of 36 roads with another 16 ongoing ones.

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    The council boss stated that many schools had been renovated with distribution of free educational materials to teachers and pupils. Scholarships were also given to some pupils

    He said the council held empowerment programmes bi-monthly and procured tools for trainees for business start-up.

    The council boss stated that his administration has collaborated with Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the area of Entrepreneurial skills and technical exchange.

    According to him, food and cash have been distributed to residents.

    “We engaged in training of farmers and empowerment them. Our administration is making efforts to change the negative perspectives of people about the grassroots government. I advised people to always carry the government along in any aspect that needs attention in the community,” he said.

  • Lagos, FAO to plant 200m coconut trees in Badagry, Ibeju-Lekki, others

    Lagos, FAO to plant 200m coconut trees in Badagry, Ibeju-Lekki, others

    The Lagos State Government and Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) yesterday said aggressive planting of coconut trees would start in various councils in the state.

    Secretary to the State Government, ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said this when he received FAO Country Representative Dominique Koffy at Alausa.

    Salu-Hundeyin said the meeting was at the instance of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Before now, she said, Lagos State and FAO have been in discussions about development of coconut.

    She said: “Lagos State being an aquatic state, coconut is one of the gifts God has given us – that is our own cash crops. And we’ve just been told today that we can plant over 200 million trees of coconut from Badagry down to Ibeju Lekki. That serves a lot of purposes because coconut trees have wide roots that can prevent erosion. It is good for us as a literal state. Everybody knows the food advantages of coconut. The governor wants to tap into that to feed as many Lagosians as possible. You know we have coconut oil, coconut rice, coconut bread and coconut water among others. We don’t want to lose that which God has given us; we want to improve on it so that we can feed our people in Lagos State. Our youths can be gainfully employed, eat healthily and affordably.

    According to her, Lagos State is the only subnational that is taking on this gigantic project, adding that no state has the power to do it.

    She said the project would benefit many people at the grassroots.

    “If you go around Badagry, Ibeshe, Ilashe and all these riverine areas, they have it in small scale. What we are doing is to gather all of them together and form a formidable team. The government will buy from them. We are going to work with the FAO so that the grassroots can really benefit from it. We don’t have a lot of elitists in coconut production; it’s a grassroots,” she said.

    Read Also: Akwa Ibom confident of achieving 2m coconut trees target

    Koffy expressed happiness that FAO and Lagos State Government co-created the project.

    He said the project will create employment and will bring more income into covers of the government, private sectors and local farmers.

    He said: “The FAO and the government of Lagos state are ready to start the coconut value chain. We took this opportunity to discuss about other value chain. We discussed about how to develop cattle feed. How we can develop a ranch, how we can develop cattle farms and bring youths on board, not only for Nigeria but also to export because we have a very good enabling environment to develop this kind of farms and all in Nigeria.

    “We talked about fisheries and aqua culture. How we can strengthen our relationship. I’m more than happy now. We talked about Ministry of Agriculture and Food System. Because it is not only the production but also how we can stabilise the economy; by the market, by the price and also how we can have a strong policy that can boost the production and also because by the end of the day, Nigerians should eat affordable meals and agriculture bringing income to the country”

  • Tree planting vital for environmental sustainability

    Tree planting vital for environmental sustainability

    • Sherifdeen Amusa

    Lagos Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has said tree planting is a vital component of the environment and has immeasurable benefits.

    Represented by Mrs. Fehintola Quadri, an official in the ministry, Wahab said this at the annual Tree Planting Exercise organised by the Chairman of Eredo Local Council Development Area, Ismail Akinloye.

    Imploring Lagosians to imbibe the practice of planting trees, Wahab listed its advantages as: “acting as natural air purifiers, sequestering carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, improving air quality; plays a crucial role in regulating the climate; prevents soil erosion; protect biodiversity and enhances our resilience to climate impact.”

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    He also expressed concern about bad environmental practices that contribute to environment hazard, such as improper waste disposal, blockage and destruction of drainages and canals, indiscriminate cutting of trees, noise and air pollution, and poor sanitation habits.

    Akinloye urged residents to sustain the age-long tradition of planting trees for the benefits of the environment.

    He said tree planting exercise was an environmental investment for future generations.

    He added that tree planting guaranteed environmental safety from natural disasters like storms and floods from heavy downpours.

  • Local govt commissioner condemns anti-Igbo post

    Local govt commissioner condemns anti-Igbo post

    A Commissioner with the Lagos State Local Government Service Commission, Hakeem Bamgbola, has joined well-meaning Nigerians who have condemned the trending “Igbo Must Go Campaign” in Lagos State.

    Bamgbola described the call as a bad intention that should not be allowed to fester, as it would not be beneficial to the interests of all stakeholders.

    He said the emergence of the “Igbo Must Go Campaign” in Lagos State was deeply worrying and must be strongly condemned.

    According to him, any campaign that seeks to promote division, hatred, or segregation among Nigerians is not only deplorable but also antithetical to the ideals of unity and peaceful coexistence.

    He said: “It is crucial for all well-meaning Nigerians to denounce such campaigns in the strongest terms possible and to reject any intent or objective that the promoters may have in mind. Lagos as a state is richly blessed in diversity, with various cultures, languages, and traditions that should be celebrated and embraced rather than employed as tools for division.

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    “As Lagosians, it is imperative that we continue to strive towards living together in peace and unity, regardless of our differences in culture and language. Unity should be our strength, and we must work together to build a strong, prosperous, and united Lagos that accommodates and respects all its citizens, irrespective of their cultural background.

    “We should aspire to create a Lagos where factors such as religion, language, race, or creed do not dictate how we relate to one another. Instead, we should focus on fostering mutual understanding, respect, and collaboration to ensure a harmonious and inclusive society for all.”

    He went on: “In light of these troubling developments, it is essential for all Nigerians to rally behind the vision of a greater Nigeria under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government and the THEMES+ agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwoolu. These agendas prioritise development, progress, and unity, and we must support and actively contribute to these efforts in order to build a brighter future for all Nigerians. Let us reject divisive campaigns and embrace a shared vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and united Nigeria.”

  • 1,000 women get grants in Ikoyi-Obalende

    1,000 women get grants in Ikoyi-Obalende

    The Chairman of Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Fuad Atanda-Lawal, has empowered 1,000 women with N50,000 each to support their businesses.

    Speaking at the event, themed:Empowering Her Fortune Initiative (EHF)2.0, that took place at the Shell Hall, Muson Center, Onikan, Lagos, Atanda-Lawal said the initiative was to transform the women’s businesses through financial inclusion.

    The event was in collaboration with MTN MOMO.

    According to him, the gesture is not merely symbolic; it is aimed at helping their small businesses flourish, offering a lifeline and paving the way for new opportunities.

    He noted that it is essential to acknowledge the resilience of women, particularly those managing small-scale businesses.

    He said: “They form the foundation of our communities, serving as the unsung champions who significantly contribute to our local economy and societal framework. Yet, they frequently encounter substantial obstacles and limited opportunities.

    “The essence of this initiative is rooted in my strong belief that denying women opportunities equates to overlooking the invaluable contributions they can offer. Empowering women not only transforms their lives but also enriches the entire community. When we elevate women, we uplift families and stimulate economic growth within our neighborhoods.”

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    Atanda-Lawal said the council, through the payment service bank, opened new bank accounts for each beneficiary for the payment of the grants.

    “I am delighted to announce that we will also be empowering previous beneficiaries of our last initiative with grants of N100,000 each.

    “These women have shown extraordinary progress by scaling up their businesses over the past few months. Their success stories exemplify the impact of our initiatives and the potential inherent in every woman,” he added

    He reiterated the commitment of his administration to raising the standard of living of all residents.

    “This initiative is not solely about immediate assistance; it serves as a foundational step toward building a better Ikoyi-Obalende. As my term concludes next year, I take pride in having laid these essential foundations and in collaborating with all of you to cultivate a stronger, more inclusive community. This initiative stands as a testament to our dedication to gender equality, economic empowerment, and community advancement,” he said.

    A beneficiary, Aderonke Iga, expressed her gratitude to the council boss.

    “I’m very happy, this is my second time getting this grants. I’m going to use this money very well. From the last grant, they just brought my POS from VFD bank. I’m going to use this money judiciously,” she said

  • Council to youths: embrace Sanwo-Olu’s engagement channel

    Council to youths: embrace Sanwo-Olu’s engagement channel

    The Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Monsurudeen Bello, has urged residents of Ejigbo and its environs to embrace new channel of engagement, following the discontinuation of the protest.

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s engagement channel, designed to facilitate real-time interaction between youths and government officials, allows Lagosians to share their ideas, provide feedback on government projects, and voice their concerns directly to the governor’s office.

    Speaking during Stakeholders’ Meeting, the council boss highlighted the negative effects of protests.

    According to him, the platform will bridge the gap between the government and the younger demographic, promoting transparency and inclusiveness in policy-making.

    “The future of our state lies in the hands of our young people. Governor Sanwo-Olu’s engagement channel is a groundbreaking opportunity for our youth to contribute actively to the growth and development of Lagos,” he said

    He urged youths to remain calm, maintain peace and tranquility in their areas.

    “We urge every young person to take advantage of this platform and engage constructively with the government,” he said

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    He hailed people of his council for heeding the call of the governor and assured residents of the community of full support and cooperation with all security agencies within the LCDA.

    Divisional Police Officer, Ejigbo Division, CSP Vera Akpa, addressed the residents, expressing gratitude for their cooperation with the police force.

    She urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or individuals within their community.

    Oba of Ejigbo and Ijon Land, Oba Moruf Ojoola, appealed to residents to engage in dialogue rather than protest.

  • Ministry empowers 1,500 in 57 councils

    Ministry empowers 1,500 in 57 councils

    • Sheriffdeen Amusa

    Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) has empowered over 1,500 indigent women and youths across the 57 councils with basic working tools to enhance their capital base and livelihood.

    The empowerment was tailored to reach out to the socio-economically disadvantaged women and indigent youths and old students of WAPA skills acquisition centres.

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during the disbursement of the tools to beneficiaries tagged ‘Y2024 Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI) Programme’, said the initiative was designed to uplift vulnerable women and indigent youths by providing them with the tools and support they need to start and grow their businesses.

    The governor said: “By empowering this segment of our population, we aim to continue to stimulate economic growth, reduce poverty, and create a more inclusive Lagos.

    “Programmes such as this show our administration’s commitment to consistently empower residents of the state to create an inclusive and prosperous society. Initiatives like MESI and our Skills Acquisition Centers, are working diligently to provide the necessary support for our citizens to thrive.”

    He noted that the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) was at the forefront of uplifting women and the indigent, providing them with the necessary tools to break free from the chains of poverty.

    Sanwo-Olu praised the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Bolaji Cecilia Dada, and her team, for their tireless efforts in ensuring that the programme continues to gain momentum, reaching every nook of the society and making sure that no one is left behind.

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    He urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of this opportunity and resources.

    Mrs. Dada said: “Basic empowerment tools like tilling machines, shawarma grillers and toasters, fabricating machines sewing, machines, basic barbing kits with sterilising kits and generators, and hairdressing equipment among others will be distributed as poverty-alleviating gestures for vulnerable women and indigent youths.“I am very proud to say that today, we shall be witnessing yet another bumper harvest of deliveries to a fresh set of beneficiaries numbering over 1,500 across the various LGAs and LCDAs in Lagos State.”

    She noted that the programme under the administration of T.H.E.M.ES Plus agenda was rechristened Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI).

    “This decision undoubtedly was borne out of your shared hybrid vision and burning desire to improve on the status quo through deliberate provisioning of economic empowerment assets for our teeming vulnerable women and indigent youths who are in the multi-various Micro, small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs),” she said.

  • Alimosho equips primary pupils with vocational skills

    Alimosho equips primary pupils with vocational skills

    The Alimosho Local Government has empowered 100 primary school pupils in skills such as hair dressing, fashion design, shoe making and barbing.

    Chairman of the council, Jelili Sulaimon, said the gesture was to catch them young.

    According to him, “Education has gone beyond reading and writing, any knowledge you have should be converted to financial gain, thereby increasing entrepreneurship mentality.

    “This is a means of fighting unemployment and creating job opportunities for our youths to earn a living rather than looking for white collar jobs in the country, hence, this administration has taken it upon itself to sponsor these pupils.”

    Aside from training of the pupils in various fields, the council boss also empowered them with tools to work with.

    Sulaimon said China and Japan had imbibed the culture of catching them young when it came to skills’ acquisitions.

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    He congratulated the pupils and implored them not to take the opportunity with levity.

    He cautioned them against selling the tools given to them so as not to discourage the council from continuing the programme.

    He also appreciated the instructors with cash gifts.

    Alimosho Local Government Education Secretary Airat Alamu said: “I was impressed with the council chairman’s gesture. This is the first of its kind in the whole of Lagos State. We have to express our appreciation to Sulaimon for giving our children these wonderful opportunities that will benefit them in the future. We say a big thank you to our Chairman for this wonderful programme. This kind gesture will go a long way to relieve their parents’ financial burden of taking care of them.

    The President, Conference’57 of Heads of Education and Library Service Department in the unified Local Government in Lagos State, Mr Salam Adeyemi said: “I was surprised that despite serving his second term in office, Sulaimon has continued to do laudable things for the betterment of the people in his Council area”.

    He added that the laudable programme under the leadership of Sulaimon will give financial freedom, financial self-sustaining and financial success for the graduating pupils.

    A graduand’s parent, Pastor Olatunde Ogunmodede, said: “I give him 100 per cent for this programme because there has never been any of such programme in the history of Alimosho Local Government.”

  • Don’t japa without notification, says commission

    Don’t japa without notification, says commission

    • Council workers can now be Perm Sec, says Bayewu

    Local Government workers in Lagos State have been warned not to japa (relocate abroad) without proper notification.

    Permanent Secretary, Local Government Service Commission, Mrs. Abosede George, admonished during the commission’s visit to Iba Local Council Development Area.

    Mrs. George, represented by a Director, Samson Ogabi, said relocating abroad without long-time notification, would attract sanction.

    She said: “If you want to relocate, do the needful by putting it into writing with six months’ notice and if it’s a matter of urgency, there are procedures to follow.”

    She advised them to always update their records of service from time to time, and change anything that needs to be changed, adding that no one was too young to have a will in case of any eventuality.

    Chairman of the commission, Kamal Bayewu, hailed the council boss for taking care of his workers.

    He urged the workers to be diligent in discharging their duties.

    The Chairman, Jubril Yisa, promised to continue improving on staff welfare.

    Yisa appealed to staff members to go back home and tell their children not to partake in Hunger protest.

    He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working tirelessly to correct all the wrongs and fix the country’s perennial problems.

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    In a related development, Bayewu announced that council workers can now attain the position of Permanent Secretary.

    He said this during the commission’s visit to Amuwo-Odofin Local Government.

    “We told the governor in February that there are so many discriminating policies against the local government members of staff. Our members are not allowed to sit for permanent secretary examination and he granted it immediately. Today, you can aspire to be a permanent secretary in Lagos State,” he noted.

    He urged the workers to work in unity irrespective of differences.

    He also charged them to always challenge themselves to do better and participate in self-development.

    “I encourage all our staff to be in unity. To whom much is given, much is expected. The reward for hard work is more work. I can see projects going on. You should appreciate yourselves. In whatever you’re doing, remember the sons and daughters of who you are. Be proud of what you’re doing. Take your job very serious. Participate in training. Train yourselves with your phone and other gadgets. Let us help ourselves and be a proud local government worker. I can perceive that the Chairman is doing well. If the chairman is doing his best, you all should reciprocate,” he said.

    Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area Chairman, Valentine Buraimoh, noted that legacy is not only building physical structure, but about the service and commitment one leaves behind. He also charged the masses to abstain from the upcoming protest slated to start on Thursday.

    “This is your country and state. The president is doing his best to make the country better. Whatever local government you’re posted to, please give your best. Give your best to your motherland.

    “As an activist, I would like to advise us to not repeat what happened during #EndSARS. You live in Lagos and make money in Lagos. You shouldn’t destroy it,” he said.