The Nation Newspaper

Category: Grassroots

  • Ijede promises more people-oriented projects

    Ijede promises more people-oriented projects

    Chairman, Ijede Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State, Mrs Motunrayo Gbadebo-Alogba, has reiterated her administration’s commitment to delivering more people-oriented projects.

    Gbadebo-Alogba made the commitment when she embarked on inspection of multiple ongoing projects in the area.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the projects include;  rehabilitation of Mayflower Street toward Falilat Ajoke sStreet, renovation of Ijede Student Library, construction of staff sick bay and canteen, and complete tiling of Ijede Town Hall.

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    “Infrastructural projects are aimed at driving infrastructural development. My administration is committed to delivering more people-oriented projects as dividends of democracy to our community,” she said.

    The council boss, who led a delegation of management team to the project sites, noted that infrastructural development is key to maximising the economic potential of the LCDA and attracting investments.

    Supervisor for Works, Mr Abiodun Ajayi, said that motorists would benefit greatly from the rehabilitation of major roads as well as reduce travel time, going and coming into the community.

    Similarly, the Council Engineer, Oluwafemi Jegede, said that the ongoing projects would bring succour to all residents and improve their quality of life.

  • Mushin reels out achievements in education sector

    Mushin reels out achievements in education sector

    Chairman, Mushin Local Government Area, Emmanuel Bamigboye, said his administration has performed excellently in the education sector.

    He said this at the annual Children’s Day event at Ansar-Ud-Deen Primary School, Itire.

    Bamigboye said: “We have done well in the education sector. Our administration has renovated 25 schools; we have made learning environment conducive, given bursary awards, exercise books, provided air conditioned buses for the movement of the children, bags and annual free GCE to make sure the future of the children is brighter.”

    Commenting on the request to add the school to the beneficiaries of bursary, the council boss said it has been noted and something would be done on it.

    He also said his administration hasn’t owed teachers’ salaries since he came on board seven years ago.

    He also advised the pupils to face their studies and not allow phone addiction distract them from their academic work.

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    The event featured March past and Choreography from pupils of Itire Primary School; Alafia Oluwa Primary School; Ansar-Ud-Deen Primary School and teachers from other schools.

    The event also featured presentation of awards to the winners and was witnessed by about 500 pupils from various primary schools in Mushin Local Government Area.

    Bamigboye said the council’s programme for the Children’s Day is a means to congratulate and support the pupils.

    “We say congratulations to them on their anniversary. We also acknowledge them every year as a means to support them and make them happy,” he said.

  • Epe, APC chieftains celebrate Bamu’s 85th birthday

    Epe, APC chieftains celebrate Bamu’s 85th birthday

    The grand celebration of the 85th birthday of Alhaji Shakiru Akanni Seriki  (Bamu), a revered member of the Lagos Governors Advisory Council (GAC) and Epe Division political Leader, adorned the landscape of Epe as Jubilee Chalets played host to top Lagos political figures and dignitaries from across the country on Saturday, May 25.

    The event had society’s elite joining hundreds of family members, friends, and well-wishers to honour this remarkable milestone amid mirth, pomp, and pageantry. The guests, dressed in splendid robes and ebi, radiated elegance and appreciation for the grace of God in the celebrant’s life.

    Otunba Henry Ajomale, former APC Chairman of Lagos State and Chairman of the occasion, praised God for the celebrant’s life, sharing memorable experiences of friendship and togetherness. “It’s not easy to be 85. Baba Bamu has been a great leader. We’re very pleased and happy whenever we see him. He is a man of principles, always fighting on the right side,” he said, commending the family for their care and support.

    “Baba Bamu, as many have said, is a great and respected leader in Lagos State. You’ll get to know his true character when you’re closer to him. He may seem difficult, but he won’t tolerate nonsense. I respect him greatly because he is consistent and just in his actions,” Ajomale added.

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    Reflecting on his long-standing relationship with the celebrant, Pa Bushura Alebiosu described Alhaji Bamu as an “Omoluabi,” a term signifying a person of noble character.

    “He is lovable, good, and a strong pillar of support. When he stands by someone, he does so wholeheartedly,” he said, recalling their 40-year friendship.

    Dr. Tola Kasali, another notable speaker, praised the celebrant’s competence and leadership.

    “In Epe Division, we all look up to him. He is flexible in his approach and open to others’ ideas and opinions. At 85, he looks 75, which is a testament to God’s grace. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Alahaja, his wife, and wish him continued prosperity,” Kasali stated.

    Earlier in his welcome address, Wale Raji, the member representing Epe at the House of Representatives, acknowledged the presence of the distinguished guests who came to honour the celebrant.

    “The impressive turnout is a testament to the love and respect for Alhaji Seriki Bamu, especially given that this event was planned in less than a month,” he remarked.

    He also highlighted the significant contributions of the committee members and donors who made the event possible.

     Abiodun Tobun, Vice-Chairman of the Planning Committee, described the celebrator as a father, leader, and benefactor.

    Cardinal Odumbaku (Baba Eto) also paid tribute, recalling their political journey together and praising Alhaji Bamu’s leadership and humility.

    The event, anchored by veteran broadcaster, Yinka Craig of Lagos Television, featured a cake-cutting session led by Dr. Kasali. The Federation of Epe Division Students (FEDSA) entertained the audience with a captivating cultural performance and presented a photo frame to the celebrant.

    Highlighting the generosity of the occasion, Alhaji Bamu was presented with a brand new Toyota Hilux by his Proteges, while the Bamu Foundation donated a Toyota Hiace Ambulance to the community. The celebration was further enlivened by King Dr. Saheed Osupa’s unique Fuji performance, leaving guests thoroughly entertained.

    The grand celebration not only honoured a remarkable leader but also reinforced the deep respect and admiration held for Alhaji Akanni Seriki Bamu within the community.

  • Council to children: be appreciative to parents, teachers

    Council to children: be appreciative to parents, teachers

    By Muinat Ajibade-Alasela

    The Chairman of Surulere Local Government, Sulaiman Yusuf, has urged children to appreciate their parents and teachers for taking good care of them.

    This statement was made at the occasion of this year’s Children’s Day.

    The council boss extended heartfelt wishes to the all children in Surulere.

    Yusuf admonished their parents to always check their wards bag when they come back from school and also assist them with their assignments.

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    The children dressed in their school uniforms, were all excited and had fun.

    They participated in myriads of activities such as dancing competitions, games, match past, cultural performance, among others.

    The Special Adviser to the Chairman on Education, Adetoro Bayewu, advised the children to be focused and studious for them to come out in flying colours.

    Ewaoba Jegede, a Primary four pupil from Abina Primary School, was given scholarship till Primary six.

  • Elegushi donates sanitary pads to 2,000 schoolgirls

    Elegushi donates sanitary pads to 2,000 schoolgirls

    The Oba Saheed Elegushi Foundation, founded by Elegushi of Ikate Kingdom, Oba Saheed Elegushi, has donated sanitary pads to 2,000 secondary schoolgirls in Lagos State.

    The gesture was in commemoration of this year’s Menstrual Hygiene Day and in continuation of its tradition of donating sanitary pads to young girls.

    The distribution, which was done in collaboration with the Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, underscores the importance of community collaboration in addressing menstrual hygiene challenges and demonstrates the power of joint efforts in creating lasting change in young girls.

    International Day of Menstrual Hygiene, observed annually on May 28, is dedicated to breaking taboos and raising awareness about the importance of good menstrual hygiene management (MHM).

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    The day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders to highlight the importance of menstrual care, and raise awareness about the issues faced by those who don’t have access to menstrual products, safe, hygienic spaces in which to use them, and the right to manage menstruation without shame or stigma.

    Executive Director of the foundation, Aiki Odiawa, said the collaborative effort with Island Maternity Hospital is essential to extend the reach of the programme, ensuring that every girl in need receives adequate menstrual hygiene products.

    Odiawa said by pooling resources and expertise, “we can also develop comprehensive educational campaigns that address menstrual health and advocate for policies that support this critical aspect of women’s health.”

    She added that in the last one year, more than 200,000 girls have benefitted from the sanitary donation, which the Elegushi foundation embarks on a monthly basis to young schoolgirls within Ikate-Elegushi kingdom.

    The Apex Nurse of Island Maternity Hospital, Mrs Oluwatoyin Champion, thanked the foundation for the donation of the sanitary pads, saying that every girl of adolescent age have access to hygienic menstrual cycle.

    Over 2000 schoolgirls from Eko Akete Junior Secondary School, Lagos Island, Ilasan Secondary School, Eti-Osa, Gbara Secondary School, Jakande, Eti-Osa and Girls Academy, Lagos Island, benefited from the initiative.

  • ‘We should celebrate our kids’

    ‘We should celebrate our kids’

    By Sofiyyah Abubakar

    The Chairman of Iba Local Government Development Council Area, Jubril Yisa, has said that children are gifts from God, hence they should be celebrated.

    Yisa said this during the Children’s Day held at L.A primary School, Iba Town.

    He said this event is one out of many events recognised by the United Nations (UN).

    He added that the UN always hold meetings to discuss the overall wellbeing and development of children

    He emphasised the importance of child relationship and care. He stated that parents should monitor their children, interact with them regularly.

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    He urged the parents to do their best to ensure that their children excel in life, stating that they are gifts from God and needed to be well nurtured, catered for to be responsible adults.

    He advised the children to have positive attitude and be mindful of the company they keep, echoing the popular saying that: “bad company corrupts good manners”. The Supervisor for Education, Olusoji Agbawi, said that the reason for coming together is to celebrate the potentials, adding that it is the duty of the adults to provide them love, guidance and opportunity to succeed.

    Gifts were presented to outstanding pupils that participated in competitions at the event.

  • Apapa urges juveniles to be good ambassadors

    Apapa urges juveniles to be good ambassadors

    Chairman of Apapa Local Government Idowu Senbanjo has urged children to be good ambassadors of their communities.

    She made the call at the Children’s Day fiesta held at Astro Turf Mini Stadium.Hundreds of children and their teachers graced the occasion.

    The council boss stressed that every child deserves equal opportunity, care, and protection.

    “There are millions of children around the world still denied these basic rights. They face poverty, hunger, and violence. They are forced to work, to fight, and to flee their homes. Every child has the right to education, health-care, safe environment, right to play, to dream and to grow”, she explained.

    Senbanjo, represented by Secretary to the Local Government, Gibraltar Njowusi, affirmed that children can be great ambassadors by creating a change and making a difference among others.

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    “We can make a difference! We can create a world where every child can thrive, where every child can reach their full potential. We can ensure that every child has access to quality education, healthcare, and social protection”, she said.

    The council boss described the children as an embodiment of hope and future leaders.

    “The children are change makers; future leaders whose innocence and resilience serve as a beacon of hope for tomorrow,” she

    She advised the children never to give up on their dreams, never lose their curiosity nor forget that they have the power to make a difference.

    She charged all present to be the champion of children’s right and to build a world that is safe for every child.

    The Special Adviser to the Chairman on Youths and Sports Development, Dr. Mike Egbaiyelo, stressed the importance of nurturing the creativity of children and providing them with opportunities to learn and grow.

  • Ojodu disburses N20m interest-free loan for SMEs

    Ojodu disburses N20m interest-free loan for SMEs

    Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has distributed N20 million interest-free loans to aid small-medium scale enterprises.

    This, the council chairman, Segun Odunmbaku, described as a significant stride towards economic empowerment and business development.

    This initiative, conducted in partnership with Thrive Microfinance Bank, aims to provide financial support to small business owners and entrepreneurs within the council.

    The first phase of the loan distribution, held at the council secretariat, was graced by notable dignitaries, community leaders, and other stakeholders.

    According to the council boss, the 40 beneficiaries, selected on a stringent vetting process, include small business owners, market traders and budding entrepreneurs who demonstrated the potential for growth and a commitment to business development.

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    Represented by the secretary to the council, Olaide Bello, Odunmbaku emphasised the administration’s dedication to fostering economic growth and alleviating poverty.

    “This initiative is part of our broader strategy to support local businesses, stimulate economic activities, and uplift the living standards of our people. By providing this first phase of interest-free loans, we aim to remove the financial barriers that often hinder entrepreneurial success,” he said.

    Managing Director of Thrive Microfinance Bank, Adebayo John, said: “Our partnership with Ojodu LCDA underscores our shared vision of empowering local businesses and fostering economic development. We are confident that these loans will enable beneficiaries to expand their operations, create employment opportunities, and contribute positively to the local economy.”

    A beneficiary, Mrs. Folake Adegboye, who is into fashion designing, said: “This loan is a lifeline for my business. With this financial support, I can purchase more materials, hire additional staff, and take my business to the next level. I am truly grateful to Ojodu LCDA and Thrive Microfinance Bank for this opportunity.”

    Other beneficiaries hailed the council’s initiative.

  • Correct children with love, says Okeowo

    Correct children with love, says Okeowo

    Chairman, Ifelodun Local Council Development Area Olufemi Akanbi Okeowo, has appealed to elders to stop inflicting injuries on the children in trying to instill discipline in them.

    Okeowo made this appeal during the Children’s Day held at LA Primary School complex, at Amukoko, where 23 public primary and nine secondary schools participated in varieties of programmes such tug of war, match pass, dances, singing, play on the swing etc.

    According to Okeowo, children should be celebrated everyday, choosing  a specific day like May 27th, is a wake-up calls for elders to be lenient, generous, compassionate, correct in  love and  be caring towards children, not only theirs but every child that came in contact with them.

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    Okeowo urged parents to have manageable number of children, lead by good example and  create time for their children.

    The Education Secretary, Ajeromi/Ifelodun Local Education District, Remi Abiola Williams, commended Okeowo for creating a conducive atmosphere for the children to relax, associate with children from other schools, wine and dine .

    The Council Manager, Azeez Abiodun, told the children that the council under the leadership of Okeowo has set up a school rehabilitation committee and the members have already submitted their reports, hence, schools in Ifelodun would soon begin to witness transformations while new classrooms will be constructed where necessary.

  • Lagos, China to partner on community health, rural education delivery

    Lagos, China to partner on community health, rural education delivery

    Lagos State Government has held talks with Jiangxi Province of People’s Republic of China on how to improve service delivery in the areas of community health, rural education, transportation and general welfare of Lagosians.

    Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Mrs Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin received Vice Governor of the Jiangxi Province, Mr Sun Hongshan, in her office on Sunday

    Mr Hongshan was joined by China’s Consul-General in Lagos Ms Yan Yuqing; Jiangxi’s Director-General of Health Commission Gong Jianping; Deputy Director-General of Foreign Affairs Office Hu Zhiyang; Deputy Vice Chancellor Gannan Normal University Ximo Dusen; Assistant of the Vice Governor Yu Min; Interpreter Ms Lin Jingying and Protocol Secretary of Consul-General in Lagos Xie Yijun.

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    The Lagos State team includes Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr. Tolani Sule; Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun; Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem; Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Mrs. Olukemi Ogunyemi; Special Adviser, DAWN and Southwest Integration Commision, Olarenwaju Odesanya; Special Adviser on lnternal Audit, Dr. Mrs. Ayoola Oyeyemi; Executive Assistant to Governor on Diaspora Affairs, Jermaine Sanwo-Olu; Executive Assistant to Governor on Project lmplementation and Monitoring, Mr. Olusegun Sanwo-Olu; Director, Finance and Administration, Cabinet Office, Mr. Abiodun Kuye;

    Director, Political Affairs and Special Services, Mrs. Olabisi Shonibare and Assistant Director, Policy Analysis Monitoring and Evaluation, Dr. Oladele Oyatope. Salu-Hundeyin told the visitors that Lagos State economy is the third biggest in African cities.

    She added that Lagos is bigger than economy of some countries in Africa.

    Besides, she stated that the state is the political and commercial nerve centre of Nigeria. “It is a city that never sleeps. Lagos is the only state in Africa that built Blue and Red lines rail without central government’s support. Our governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has promised to replicate China’s 350km per hour bullet rail in Lagos State someday. It would interest you to know that the current President of Nigeria today was a former Governor of Lagos State. Mr President just inaugurated 700-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Costal Road. Some of the roads in Lagos were built by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). Our state is far ahead of other states in Nigeria in many areas including education,” she said. Hongshan said the delegation came to see opportunities for corporation with Lagos State. He said this is his first time to any African city. According to him, Jiangxi Province has a population of 49 million, which is twice population of Lagos State.

    He said the province boasts of 2,000 years successful academic culture.

    Nigeria, he said, has advanced rapidly over the years with many things available to be learnt by the Chinese.

    The Vice Governor said Jiangxi Province’s Gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023 was $46 billion.

    “This visit is to promote our mutual opportunities and cooperation in the specific areas like mining, fishery, agriculture, manufacturing and cultural exchange,” he said. He extended invitation to the Lagos team to visit Jiangxi College of Foreign Studies where they could attend training programme in China.