The Nation Newspaper

Category: Grassroots

  • Ladipo Market hails council

    Ladipo Market hails council

    The Leadership of West Africa’s largest auto spare parts market, Ladipo, Mushin, Lagos at the weekend praised the Mushin Local Government for its support to the market to ensure it remains safe.

    It also thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his Cleaner Lagos programme partly aimed at making markets clean.

     It spoke during its quarterly environmental sanitation aimed at keeping their business’ environment clean and stave off the outbreak of cholera in the area.

    During the exercise, the shops as well as units and warehouses were shut for five hours to ensure that every trader participated fully in it.

    Drainage and roads were cleaned while the refuse were carted off by officials of the Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA).

    Expressing satisfaction with the turn out, the Central Market’s Association President-General, Prince Africans Ogudoro, said compliance by the traders was 95 per cent.

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    He said he inherited the programme when he was the secretary of the market in the last administration. He said its objective is to ensure that the market is always clean, especially at this time of cholera outbreak.

    It’s in addition to the statutory sanitation for markets declared by the state government to make Lagos cleaner and brighter. He expressed the optimism that the market would continue to be clean, saying:  Gone were the days when Ladipo Market was tagged as synonymous with dirtiness.

    Also, the association’s Chairman, Environmental Sanitation Committee, Nonso Chuifor, who noted their watchword, “cleanliness is next to godliness”, said they would continue to make sure that their business place is clean at all times without government’s prompting.

    Chuifor scored the exercise as high as 85 per cent, reiterating that every autonomous unit and warehouse participated.

    As law-abiding citizens, he added, the market’s leadership would continue to obey the government environmental laws.

  • Stakeholders warn Mushin youths

    Stakeholders warn Mushin youths

    • By Sherifdeen Amusa

    Stakeholders in Mushin Local Government Area have warned against violent protests in Lagos State.

    At a meeting conveyed by Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Emmanuel Bamigboye, the gathering appealed to youths to sheath their swords.

    The meeting which had in attendance royal fathers, lawmakers, security agencies, religious bodies, ethnic groups, transport unions, artisans, party leaders and youths.

    Bamigboye, who acknowledged the hardship in the country, said the country’s issues can’t be solved on protest ground.

    “The country is in no doubt in a difficult moment, but the truth remains that the present government has been trying its best to fix Nigeria. We should remember that the country’s problem can’t be solved on the protest ground, I appeal to you all to embrace dialogue,” he said.

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    Bamgboye, who alleged that there had been attempt to burn the secretariat in the past, urged residence not to give arsonists chance to fulfill their evil mission.

    Member, House of Representatives, Toyin Fayinka, said citizens have the right to protest, but they should neither coerce anyone to join them, nor destroy properties.

    Yinka Esho, a member of Lagos State House of Assembly, said protest could be done and completed in a day instead of elongating it for weeks which would escalate into violence.

  • Engr. Goodness Jesuola’s innovative new water solutions uplift rural communities

    Engr. Goodness Jesuola’s innovative new water solutions uplift rural communities

    Throughout his distinguished career with Inspiration for Tomorrow Limited, Engineer Goodness Dara Jesuola demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovative ingenuity in delivering vital water projects across Nigeria’s rural communities, with notable successes in Oyo State, Nigeria.

    Between 2020 and 2022, he led teams that designed, financed, and executed solar-powered boreholes, purification systems, and community water stations aimed at improving health, sanitation, and economic activity.

    A particularly impactful project was his deployment of water infrastructure in the remote town of Igboho. Recognizing the dire scarcity of clean water, an issue affecting health, education, and productivity, Engineer Jesuola developed a sustainable model for community-managed water systems powered by renewable energy.

    His team constructed boreholes fitted with solar panels, alongside local training programs that empowered residents to maintain and operate the systems independently.

    The outcome was transformative: communities experienced a drastic reduction in waterborne diseases, school attendance improved as children no longer spent hours fetching water, and local entrepreneurs gained opportunities in water vending and maintenance.

    His strategic approach embraced environmental sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and local capacity building, turning water scarcity challenges into opportunities for social and economic growth.

    This project exemplifies Frank ingenuity in applying technological solutions tailored to Nigeria’s rural context, and reaffirms Engineer Jesuola’s position as a visionary engineer committed to uplifting communities through effective, sustainable water infrastructure.

    Reference: His innovative solutions have provided blueprints for rural water access, fostering health, education, and economic empowerment across Nigeria.

  • Apapa-Iganmu graduates skill acquisition trainees

    Apapa-Iganmu graduates skill acquisition trainees

    • Empowers residents

    Participants at an Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) organised skill acquisition training have graduated. The council also empowered some residents.

    The Chairman, Alhaja Funmilayo Akande-Mohammed, said she was proud to support initiatives that foster economic growth, skill development, and youth empowerment.

    She said the vocational training aimed to equip students with industry-relevant skills, and enhance their employability and entrepreneurial capabilities.

    She said: “I am honoured to stand before you today to celebrate a significant milestone in the lives of these talented individuals. Today, we gather to empower and graduate our vocational students, who have worked tirelessly to acquire skills that will shape their future.

    “To our graduating students, I offer my heartfelt congratulations. Your dedication and perseverance have earned you this achievement. As you embark on your journey, remember that skill development is a life-long process. Stay curious, stay innovative, and stay committed to excellence. We present to you vocational materials to support your startups and entrepreneurial endeavours. These tools will aid you in transforming your skills into tangible products and services, contributing to our local economy.

    Read Also: ‘Give me more time’ – Tinubu begs Nigerians

    “I urge you to remain focused, resilient, and determined. You are the future leaders and change-makers of our community. Your success is our success, and we are committed to supporting your growth. Thank you to our partners, instructors, and parents for your unwavering support. Together, we can build a brighter future for our youths. Congratulations once again, graduates! May your skills and talents bring prosperity to our community.”

    The council used the platform to empower some residents.

    “Ladies and gentlemen, I know you are also seeing some equipment such as refrigerators, sewing machines, grinding machines, dryers, etc, in large quantities in this hall, don’t wander for long, it is because I equally want to use this occasion to empower our people. You will all agree with me that economic empowerment of the masses is germane to my administration. Hence, the periodic distribution of these items, to alleviate suffering and make life worth living for the citizens.

    “I advise beneficiaries of these largesse,to make the best use of the opportunity. Together we shall take Apapa Iganmu LCDA to the next level insha Allah!,” she said.

  • Monarch cautions against protest

    Monarch cautions against protest

    • Says Lagosians ‘ll not tolerate destruction of facilities

    The Gbadewolu of Araromi, Oba Lukman Adebambo, has called for calm and advised against participating in nationwide protests.

    The monarch stressed the importance of maintaining peace and order amid growing socio-economic challenges.

    Oba Adebambo urged the agitators to seek peaceful and constructive ways to express their grievances.

    According to him, “It is true that there is hardship in the country, but it is not limited to Nigeria, other countries are also facing similar experiences.”

    The monarch emphasised that protest could escalate into conflicts, causing harm to people and property.

    “Protest is not going to solve the crisis at hand. People should remember what happened during the last #EndSARS protest, a lot of things were destroyed, lots of companies and government properties were destroyed.

    Read Also: No need for protest because I’ve heard your call – Tinubu tells Nigerians

    “These are also part of what is affecting us today; the destroyed properties were built with public funds, the money that were supposed to be used for other projects are being used to refurbish those properties,” he said.

    The monarch said that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is  aware of the current hardship and he is doing everything possible to bring down food prices and commodities.

    He added that “whenever there is a protest, infrastructure in Lagos State bear the brunt. People should remember that Lagos State accommodates all and indigenes should be made to regret their accomodative gesture.

    “We will, henceforth, not tolerate destruction of infrastructure under the guise of protest.”

  • Eti-Osa warns residents against tree felling

    Eti-Osa warns residents against tree felling

    Eti-Osa East Local Council Development Area has warned residents to stop cutting of trees.

    This, the Council Chairman, John Campos, said was not healthy for the society.

    According to him, trees ensure a greener, safer and serene environment.

    He spoke during annual Tree Planting Day with the theme: Nurture Our Future.

    The event which took place at The Vocational Centre, Alaguntan, saw several trees planted and witnessed a significant turnout, underscoring the administration’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

    Campos emphasised the significance of planting trees in the homes, stressed that trees do not only serve aesthetic values but also play crucial role in mitigating the effect of global warming.

    He noted that Eti-Osa East LCDA has always stood firm against deforestation. 

    Read Also: ‘Give me more time’ – Tinubu begs Nigerians

    “Today, we reinforce our commitment by planting several seedlings within the premises and it becomes our collective effort to nurture them to survive.

    “The theme: Nurture our Future, connotes that we must plant trees from time to time for the sustenance of our  environment, future and our children to come,” he said.

    He encouraged everyone to desist from unhealthy acts against the environment such as indiscriminate falling of trees and pollution of the environment.

    The event also featured enlightening discussions about the importance of tree planting and health talks led by Omolara Akinyele and Nureni Bashorun both from the Environmental Health Department, providing valuable insights into the health benefits of a greener environment, healthy and sanitary environment

    The duo also, educated the residents on Cholera preventive measures, and steps to take when an infection is suspected in order to quickly isolate such and prevent further spread.

  • Commission hails Ajeromi-Ifelodun

    Commission hails Ajeromi-Ifelodun

    The Chairman of Lagos State Local Government Service Commission (LGSC), Kamal Bayewu, has commended the Chairman of Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government, Fatai Ayoola, for his administration’s achievements in staff welfare, revenue generation and ensuring unity among political office holders and members of the staff.

    Bayewu emphasised the importance of revenue generation for the growth of the local government and encouraged the staff to improve on the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

    He hailed the staff for their contributions and announced that Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government is rated number one in staff welfare among all 46 local councils visited so far.

    The commission boss urged staff to respect posting, which is meant to allow staff to gather more experience and improve themselves, noting that it was not to witch-hunt or punish any staff.

    He also announced that the 10-year stay in a particular local government has been reduced to seven years.

    Read Also: No need for protest because I’ve heard your call – Tinubu tells Nigerians

    He directed the Human Resources Officer to query absent staff without permission, emphasising the importance of discipline and regularity.

    Ayoola requested capacity building for legal officers to enhance their service delivery.

    He assured the staff that their welfare will continue to be a priority and commended them for their hard work.

    Vice Chairman Lucky Uduikhue, appreciated the commission’s visit and emphasised the importance of unity between political office holders and civil servants.

    The commission’s Permanent Secretary,  Mrs. Oluwakemi Abosede Judge, represented by Mr. Ogabi Samson, admonished staff to prioritise their health and take advantage of the staff clinic.

  • Council scribes to youths: shun protest

    Council scribes to youths: shun protest

    The Scribe 57, an association of secretaries in the 57 local councils in Lagos State, yesterday appealed to youths to shun the planned protest.

    Its Chairman Hakeem Dauda, said the protest was unnecessary due to what Lagos State Government had done in the past one year.

    Dauda spoke with reporters after the Monthly Meeting of the association with the Secretary to the State Government, ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, at Alausa.

    He said: “We feel strongly that we need to talk to our youths and educate our youths about what is going on and why the protest is unnecessary. We know they have a right to protest as citizens and we also know that other people have rights to their opinions as well. We have resolved to go back home to talk to our youths and let them see the issues at hand from another perspective. We have a country that must be guarded jealousy. There’s no need for a protest that could lead to mayhem. Let our youths continue to engage government on what they feel is bad and provide solutions.”

    Read Also: ‘Give me more time’ – Tinubu begs Nigerians

    Dauda, who doubles as Secretary to Ikeja Local Government, said protests in other climes like Kenya and the last one during #EndSARS, have shown that it could be hijack by people with criminal intentions.

    Secretary to the State Government, ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, reminded Lagosians that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES plus agenda has brought development to the grassroots.

    “Whatever we do at the state level must cascade down through the community level. So we compare notes and that’s why we are here. We just try to compare notes to see that whatever Mr Governor is doing is under the THEMES plus agenda is getting to the grassroots. If they’re loopholes, we are also going to work on that. That’s the essence of the meeting”

    According to the SSG, protest remains legitimate right of citizens but destruction of lives and properties associated with protest must be avoided. “We all know that citizens’ right to protest is legitimate, there’s nothing wrong in it. The only thing people should be worried about is violence. During the last one, we saw what happened. They have rights to agitate but that rights should not lead to violence, that’s what we are saying,” she said.

  • Lagos Island East LCDA slashes food prices

    Lagos Island East LCDA slashes food prices

    The Chairman of Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area, Muibi Folawiyo, said his administration’s continous reduction in food prices was part of his unrelenting effort to cushion the effects of the removal of fuel subsidy on the people.

    He spoke during the 17th edition of the subsidised Community Food Market for sales of various food items to the public.

    The food items subsidised include rice, beans, egg, garri, chickens, indomie, smoked fish, vegetable and palm oil, semolina and yam flour.Folawiyo urged residents to be orderly.

    Read Also: No need for protest because I’ve heard your call – Tinubu tells Nigerians

    The council boss appealed to the people to always pay their rates and levies which will enable them continue to enjoy the dividend of democracy.

    He admonished them to imbibe the maintenance culture on all infrastructural projects provided for their use.

    He, however, frowned at the use of fake tickets, warning that those found culpable will be prosecuted.

  • Embrace other ways of showing grievances, Bamgbola urges youths 

    Embrace other ways of showing grievances, Bamgbola urges youths 

    • By Sherifdeen Amusa

    Nigerian Youths have been urged to embrace alternative means of showing their grievances to the government instead of embracing protests that could be ruinous when hijacked by bad elements.

     The call was made by Ex-Itire Ikate Local Council Development Area Chairman, Hakeem Bamgbola, while urging the youth to embrace dialogue and constructive criticisms instead of protests which poses threat to the stability of the society.

    Bamgbola stated this on the heels of a nationwide protest against economic hardship slated for August 1-10 gains momentum on social media.

    “”While turning their backs on the proposed nationwide protests, there are alternative platforms that Nigerian youths can leverage on to voice their grievances to the government. One of such options is to engage in constructive dialogue through town hall meetings or community forums where young people can express their concerns and propose solutions in a peaceful and organised manner.” 

    Read Also: ‘Give me more time’ – Tinubu begs Nigerians

    He said protest could pose a serious challenge to the stability of the society and also disrupt the economy, with its adverse effects being felt by all all.

    “ These protests, if allowed to proceed, have the potential to disrupt various sectors of the economy, leading to serious consequences for businesses, citizens, and the overall stability of the state.”

    While acknowledging the various issues fueling the protests such as rising cost of living, inadequate infrastructure, dilapidated healthcare, and insecurity threatening food security, Bamgbola urged the government to take proactive steps to tackle these issues.