The Nation Newspaper

Category: Grassroots

  • Avoid blocking drainage, don tells Lagosians

    Avoid blocking drainage, don tells Lagosians

    A senior lecturer at the Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, Akoka, Dr Tayo Popoola, has called on Lagosians to eschew dropping of refuse into the drains during raining season.

    Popoola, an Associate Professor, described the habit as uncivilized.

    He said: “Residents should take it as their civic duties to shun dirty habits, not to block the drains and participate in the weekly environmental sanitation. Let the citizens make it their top duty, as a form of control of malaria, and other issues. They should cooperate with the government and abide strictly by the measures put in place by the government to control flood.”

    Popoola said that the revelation he received showed that that state would still witness heavy downpour.

    “We have not seen anything yet. That of today (Wednesday) is at a peripheral level, a bigger one is coming and I urged the government of Lagos State to take appropriate steps to control the flood,” he said.

    Read Also: UNN first-year student found dead on campus drainage

    According to him, flooding has been a top issue in state since the time when late Alhaji Lateef Jakande was the state governor.

    He said the University of Lagos has done a lot of research on the causes and how to mitigate flooding but government refused to implement the research outcomes.

    Popoola said: “Universities are there as the brain for the society and once they come out with solutions to societal problems, it is expected that government and stakeholders work on them for the betterment of the society. We know the attitude of Lagosians when it comes to sanitation. When it’s raining is when they will bring out their refuse to dump in the drainages. They believe the flood will carry the refuse straight to the lagoon forgetting that they are endangering their lives and property.

    “Government should pull down buildings that are obstructing drainages. This problem is physical, let the government take it as it is. It is embarrassing for Lagos State to be witnessing this kind of flood yearly.  One thing I respect the most about this country is predicting accurately but our usage of data is extremely poor. Those data should guide us in our decision making process by preparing our minds concerning it. If it has earlier been predicted that we’ll witness heavy downpour, let’s mobilise the citizens with the help of the media on how to mitigate its effect.”

  • Iba sensitises residents on Cholera

    Iba sensitises residents on Cholera

    • By Zainab Olufemi

    Chairman of Iba Local Council Development Area, Jubril Yisa, has held an awareness programme on Cholera Prevention for residents.

    The Environmental and Medical Health Team educate them on preventive measures of Cholera.

    Read Also: Lagos accounts for 104 cholera cases in one week

    The council boss, who was represented by the Supervisor for Health, Saheed Ajanaku, said the program was organized due to the Cholera outbreak.

    According to him, “residents were sensitized on proper water treatment as contaminated water is the common source of Cholera. They were also enlightened on safe environmental hygiene, food preparation and washing of hands properly. In the same vein, residents were furnished with contacts to get in touch with in case of emergency.” he said.

  • Ilupeju residents seek Sanwo-Olu’s, Ajala’s intervention on bad roads

    Ilupeju residents seek Sanwo-Olu’s, Ajala’s intervention on bad roads

    Residents of Ilupeju, a highbrow area under Odi-Olowo-Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), have appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to help fix their dilapidated roads.

    The roads are Oremeji, Adefowope and Adeola Adeleye streets.

    Read Also: Victorious CAT Ladies dedicates WAFA title to Sanwo-Olu 

    They also called on the Council Chairman, Rasaq Ajala, to ensure dividends of democracy, such as road rehabilitation, are extended to the community.

    Those who spoke with The Nation lamented the pitiable condition of the roads.

    They said the roads were last fixed during the Akinwunmi Ambode era but the job was poorly done.

    “Once there’s a heavy rain, these streets become flooded due to the bad roads and drains. Mr Governor and the council chairman should come to our aid,” a resident said.

  • Apapa holds interactive session to enhance staff welfare

    Apapa holds interactive session to enhance staff welfare

    • Zainab Olufemi

    Apapa Local Government Area has held Staff Forum in the council secretariat hall.

    The interactive session, according to the council chairman, Adejumoke Senbanjo, was meant to improve the overall well-being and job satisfaction of the workers.

    Senbanjo implored the workers to do more in order to meet the expectation of the populace.

    She demanded better performance from the council officials.

    According to her, the council workers must be up and doing to move the council forward.

    She tasked them to have initiative and come up with ideas that could enhance the development of the council.

    Read Also: Apapa Customs generates N1tr in six months

    The Council Manager, Mrs Mosunmola Otaiku-Okoka, hailed the council boss for approving the programme.

    She stated that ensuring the well-being of staff is not only a moral obligation but also crucial for maintaining high level of productivity and service delivery.

    “Today’s event is organised by the management so we can have an interactive session with the staff. It’s not all the time that we do things for them, we might do things that we feel is right but it might not be right with them. We want everyone to come and talk openly and freely, criticise the administration if need be,” she said

    According to her, the administration does not joke with the welfare of the workers.

    “We are giving out awards to outstanding staff in their various departments, so as to encourage other members to emulate them.

    ‘‘We have other additional benefits which our workers have been enjoying such as sponsored seminars, cash welfare package, special programmes for staff with health challenges, sharing of food and cash palliative, functional clinics, amongst others, to boost their morale,” she added.

    Human Resources Officer, Mrs Esther Adedoyin, lauded the council boss for bringing up the initiative, as it has helped the management, especially her administration, to know what is going on and to also know what needs to be improved upon.

    She described management-workers’ relationship as cordial.

    “I expect our staff to key into the programmes of this administration because a lot has been done to improve their productivity,” he said.

  • Council urges public to disregard old video

    Council urges public to disregard old video

    Chairman of Ikorodu West Local Government Council Development Area (LCDA), Kazeem Sulaimon, has urged the public to disregard a video that resurfaced on social media.

    He said the incident happened two years ago and has been addressed by the parties concerned.

    According to him, the council operates in a democratic setting and disagreement is bound to happen.

    He added that the feud has been solved immediately and the council is now focusing on developmental projects as well as increasing the welfare of the community.

    He stated that his administration has done a lot of projects.

    He said the council is on the verge of completing some ongoing projects.

    Read Also: A former chairman of Iwo West Local Council Development Area in Osun state

    According to him, five big completed projects are waiting for commissioning during his third year anniversary.

    He urged the people to desist from spreading negative posts and concentrate on what will improve the community.

    President of the Public Affairs Officer Lagos State Local Government, Tope Kuku, said the old video was done to tarnish the council’s image.

    He claimed that it is a political act to discredit the council boss.

    He urged the council boss not to be deterred by the action.

  • Rotary donates to Onigbongbo LCDA, school

    Rotary donates to Onigbongbo LCDA, school

    In its quest to stem the spread of cholera, the Rotary Club of Onigbongbo has donated sanitisers and other items to Onigbongbo Local Development Council Area (LCDA).

    Making the donation, the immediate past president of the club, Razak Babatunde Salau, said: ‘’It was their response to the letter they got from the council to help to stamp out cholera. The materials include jackets/isolation gowns, face masks, and wash sanitiser. We learnt that out of the 10 cases of cholera, the LCDA had six.

    “This is our community and they said charity begins at home. If we do not do anything, questions might be asked.’’

    The LCDA Medical Officer, Abimbola Salau,  confirmed that she wrote to the club for assistance and was glad that they responded.

    The LCDA Chairman, Oladotun Olakanle, expressed satisfaction with the gesture, saying: “It is highly appreciated’’. He noted that he had known Rotary for some time, especially their objective of giving back to the society and promised to give.

    Read Also: Rotary Club of Lagos Island

    The club also donated no less than 200 sanitary pads to the pupils and teachers of Victory Grammar School, Ikeja. Salau said their objective is to help them overcome the stress of growing up. He recalled that they have a long-standing relationship with the school as they once gifted them a hall and that they wanted to revive it.

    He later formed an Interactor Club in the school.

    The school’s principal, Sunday Paimo, said Rotary’s gesture for the girls was worthy of emulation. He noted the club’s training on good hygiene at the event. “We have been enjoying Rotary as they impact society,’’ he added.

  • Coker-Agudato have administrative, legislative buildings

    Coker-Agudato have administrative, legislative buildings

    • By Sherifdeen Amusa

    Chairman of Coker-Aguda Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Rasaq Ibrahim, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating a conducive working environment for improved productivity and efficiency of workers and legislators in the council.

    Ibrahim stated this during the kick-off of Administrative and Legislative buildings in the council.

    Read Also: Foundation donates buildings to ‘special’ students’ school in Anambra

    He said: “The construction of these administrative and legislative buildings represents our commitment to creating a conducive and efficient work environment for our public servants and the legislators.

    “It will be a symbol of our unwavering dedication to excellence and our passion for delivering exceptional results.”

    Acknowledging the importance of team work, the council boss said the project was a collective effort and the  ability to dream well.  “As we break ground today, we celebrate the fruits of our collective efforts and the realisation of our vision. Let us continue to work together to build a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come,” he said.

  • Ajala trains youths on solar energy

    Ajala trains youths on solar energy

    The Chairman of Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Rasaq Ajala, has trained hundreds of youths on Solar energy.

    The initiative, he said, was designed to foster independence and self-reliance among young individuals by equipping them with essential skills in solar technology.

    Speaking during the graduation and certification presentation, the council boss said the programme is tagged, Intensive Solar Technology Design and Installation training programme.

    Ajala, who was represented by the Vice Chairman Seyi Jakande, praised the beneficiaries for their unwavering dedication and commitment throughout the training period.

    “This programme is designed to equip young people with the skills necessary to become self-sufficient, self-reliant, and independent. They are now poised to make meaningful contributions to society and themselves,” he said

    He underscored the graduates’ new roles as ambassadors of sustainable energy, contributing to improved energy access and economic growth.

    The success of the initiative, he said, is a testament to the power of teamwork and collaboration.

    Read Also: Expert seeks support for innovative solar energy platform

    He hailed the legislative arms and the management for their support in making the programme a reality.

    Former Secretary to Mushin Local Government  Ismail Yahya, urged the graduates to embrace entrepreneurship, noting that the skills they acquired were not merely for job-seeking but for job creation.

     He hailed Ajala for his visionary leadership, highlighting his consistent organisation of impactful programmes.

    He called upon the government to provide financial assistance to help the graduates establish their own businesses.

  • Commission hails Eti-Osa council boss

    Commission hails Eti-Osa council boss

    The Lagos State Local Government Service Commission (LGSC) has praised Eti-Osa East Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Chairman, John Ogundare, for his achievements.

    The commission, which was on the bi-annual working visit to the council, commended the chairman for staff welfare.

    Its  Chairman, Kamal Bayewu, represented by the Commissioner representing Lagos Division, Hakeem Bamgbola, appealed for more palliatives to support staff during.

    Bamgbola cheered the staff for their tenacity and dedication towards the discharge of their duties, stating that more efforts are expected from them in terms of increase in revenue generation.

    Ogundare expressed his appreciation to the commission for the visit.

    He hailed the management staff with emphasis on the Head of Administration, Mrs. Caroline Hamzat, for her support and effort towards creating an effective workforce.

    Director, Admin and Human Resources Mrs. Ayeni Olaiwola who spoke on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Local Government Service Commission Mrs Kayode George, advised staff to take good care of their health, prioritise and plan their expenditures so as not to live above their earnings.

    She enjoined them not to put themselves under undue pressure which might have adverse effect on their health.

    She urged the staff to get conversant with the extant rules such as ‘Civil Service Rule’; ‘Financial Regulations’ and others so as to know what is obtainable in every situation pertaining to civil service.

    The Permanent Secretary, Office of Establishment Training and Pension. (LGET&P) Mrs Bibilomo Olushekun, who was represented by Mrs. Oluwatoyin Adegun, reiterated the need for self-development which makes staff more wholesome and productive at work. She talked about the introduction of online training which is now being encouraged as it is more effective and has the ability to accommodate a larger audience as against having to cater for smaller individual physically.

    Read Also: Lagos residents groan as flood ravages Eti-Osa road

    She urged the local government to celebrate officers who meritoriously retire from service, after working for the mandatory 35 years or the retirement age of 60 and stressed that it will avail them the opportunity to be recognised and appreciated by state officials.

    Head of Administration of Eti-Osa LCDA, Mrs. Caroline Hamzat, thanked the team for the visit and prayed for safety as they return to their abode.

    She sought the chairman’s approval for more support schemes for the staff which was magnanimously granted by Ogundare.

    Other LGSC commissioners in attendance were Ahmed Seriki; Taofeek Adaranijo and Olubowale Shotimi.

  • Adebule seeks police action on touts extorting motorists

    Adebule seeks police action on touts extorting motorists

    Disturbed by the incessant complains from the people, the Senator, representing Lagos West District, Dr Idiat Adebule, has called on the police authorities to deal with touts extorting motorists on the roads.

    In an interview with The Nation, Senator Adebule also frowned at the way some unguarded people are leading the Nigerian society into a state of anarchy.

    According to her, the illegal actions of a few elements in the society call for concern.

    She said: “We cannot continue to watch people disturbing the peace of the society. I urge the police authorities to take decisive action on them. It bothers me that vehicles transporting goods from one location to the other will break down, and the next thing is for these unscrupulous people to descend on the truck and loot everything therein.”

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu: Tackling challenges of second term

    The former Lagos State Deputy Governor lamented the boldness of the non-state actors mounting road blocks for trailers and trucks’ drivers and extorting money from them before allowing them passage even on the expressway.

    She also condemned some security operatives for extorting drivers carrying goods, especially food items from one state to the other.

    According to her, the illegal activities on the roads must stop.

    While commending the police for continuing to maintain law and order in the country, the senator urged them to improve in securing the lives and property of Nigerians.