The Nation Newspaper

Category: Grassroots

  • ‘Road ‘ll be delivered in record time’

    ‘Road ‘ll be delivered in record time’

    The Chairman of Iru-Victoria Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Princess Rasheedat Adu, has assured residents that the construction of Molade Okoya Thomas Road will be delivered in a record time.

    The road is part of the construction of 114 roads to be done in 57 local governments and LCDAs in the state.

    Princess Adu, during a stakeholders’ meeting, urged the residents and stakeholders to cooperate with the contractors during the construction of the road.

    She enjoined them to avoid parking their vehicles on the road to enable quick  completion of the project.

    She explained that the project is fully financed by Iru/Victoria Island LCDA but in collaboration with the Lagos State Government.

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    The council chairman said there will be a lot of gains at the end of the day as the council does not have any intention to destroy properties of residents but noted that they will need to sacrifice for smooth delivery of the project.

    The council boss emphasised that ENCON contractors who is constructing the road is not new on the job.

    “The contractor is a good engineer and has constructed various roads here in Victoria Island,” he said.

    The Council Engineer, Olaleye Longe, said that the road will lead to economic development of the area after completion.

    Longe solicited the co-operation of residents to ensure smooth delivery of the project.

    He reiterated that the road currently has a single drainage, but it will be two after construction.

    The stakeholders pleaded with the council boss to ensure timely completion of the project.

  • Why we are building 114 roads, by council chief

    Why we are building 114 roads, by council chief

    • By Ummusalamoh Kamorudeen

    Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Alhaja Funmilayo Akande-Mohammed, has held a community engagement with Adeleye/Osunolodo residents on the proposed construction of road and drainage in the area.

    The council boss said the essence was to share updates, address concerns, gather feedback and inputs, build relationship and trust and ensure that everyone is aligned with the project.

    “We are here to put the road in a better condition that will stimulate the economic activity, enhance transportation networks and ultimately improve the quality of life for those residing in this area,” she said.

    Alhaja Akande-Mohammed appealed to everyone to own the project.

    She applauded everyone for with their presence.

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    She said: “Today, we are here as a patriotic citizen of Apapa-Iganmu LCDA to witness the community engagement with Adeleye/Osunolodo residents in Sari Iganmu. The residents have been yearning for the execution of this project in order to have a great economic value. In response to the clarion call, we are here to put the road in a better condition that will stimulate the economic activity, enhance transportation networks and ultimately improve the quality of life for those residing in this area.

    “In the same vein, as a responsive and all-inclusive government that our administration is running, we have to first engage the community before the ground breaking and kick-off of this road project.

    At this level, I want to appeal to you all that this project is ours and we should do everything humanly possible to achieve a seamless completion. This project is part of 114 roads across the 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas in Lagos State initiated by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

  • Iru-Victoria Island to distribute N25m cash palliatives

    Iru-Victoria Island to distribute N25m cash palliatives

    By Sofiyyah Abubakar

    The Chairman of Iru/Victoria Island Local Government Development Area, Princess Rasheedat Adu, will tomorrow  distribute N25 million cash palliatives to 500 indigents.

    According to her, each of  the beneficiaries will go home with N50,000.

    The palliatives, she said, is meant for traders.

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    Princess Adu noted that 500 indigent traders are to benefit from the gesture.

    She added that the cash will go a long way in helping the vulnerable traders especially during this economic hardship and will serve as a milestone in helping families.

  • Badagry empowers 300 farmers to  boost agricultural produce

    Badagry empowers 300 farmers to  boost agricultural produce

    The Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Olusegun Onilude, has distributed free agricultural inputs to 300 farmers.

    Onilude said the initiative was part of his administration’s plans to drive food security by supporting famers to boost productivity.

    “My farmer support programme has to do with food security in the council through input and materials distribution to local farmers,” he said.

    He urged the beneficiaries to make the best use of the inputs they received for the overall development of agriculture in the local government.

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    Onilude urged civil servants and youths to cultivate the habit of farming.

    “Everyone should be involved in farming, if you have a small backyard, look for sacks or plastic and plant some things that you needed.

    “This will make one to eat well. So, everyone should farm, you don’t need a plot of land for you to farm.

    “There is a need for all to collectively embrace farming including the civil servants and our youths,” he said.

    The chairman said the council would embark on a massive development of 4.93 hectares of land for cultivation during this current farming season and after.

    Onilude added that the council would  start its food discount market programme in a few weeks, where the council would subsidy 25 per cent all food items.

    Mr Taiwo Towolabani, the Supervisor for Agriculture and Youths Development, urged the farmers to utilise the items judiciously and warned them against selling the materials.

    Towolabani commended the council chairman for boosting farm produce in the council with his kind gesture.

    Mr Tunde Hunpatin, the Chairman, Poultry Association of Nigeria, Badagry Zone, said his members would make good use of the poultry feeds given by the council.

  • Foundation grants scholarships to pupils

    Foundation grants scholarships to pupils

    By Sahadat Jimoh

    The Founder of the late Smart Oluwole Apejoye Foundation (SMOAF), Idowu Apejoye, has stated that the organisation currently has 10 sponsored beneficiaries in schools.

    The foundation is a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) founded after the late Smart Apejoye, a businessman and public analyst.

    The late Apejoye was a regular face on the Television Continental (TVC) Journalists’ Hangout and many other programmes on Channels Television among others.

    Speaking during the second memorial lecture in Ikorodu, Apejoye said the foundation still needs external aid to impact more lives.

    The event was anchored by Yinka Kenny, a Broadcast Journalist/TV Host with NTA 2.

    According to Apejoye, the scholarship aligns with its vision to facilitate sound education, entrepreneurship, and helping the less privileged.

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    She said: “To reach more beneficiaries, we started by paying school fees for students in public and private schools. We have 10 students covered. We will continue to raise awareness through our public lectures and support funding for education for students.

    “We plan to get aid and grants because we believe there are organisations out there, even international bodies, doing this similar thing, helping children secure a better future.”

    During his lecture, the Managing Director of FBK Mayo Lade Nigerian Limited, Pastor Thompson Olulade, emphasised the importance of identifying one’s mission and vision in life, as this would aid in navigating success.

    “You must be a visionary mission planner who makes every day of your life count. You see the beginning and end of what you are pursuing. You must believe you have what it takes to succeed in life.”

    He further said that making like-minded friends and company is a recipe for achieving one’s mission and vision.

    “You have to believe in yourself that you have what it takes to become great in life. You must move with the right people to bring your vision to life”, he added.

    Using Bible quotes and analogies, he explained in detail various unconventional ways to create impact, challenge the status quo, and embrace creativity.

    He urged the attendees to upskill and seeks knowledge constantly.

    The late Apejoye’s friend, Oluwafemi Odulaja, mentioned that the foundation is a continuation of his friend’s legacy.

    “He used to sponsor students right from when they were young, ensuring that out-of-school children got the best. This foundation was to continue his legacy of caring for students who could not afford school,” Odulaja said.

    Other dignitaries at the event include Mr. Fred Oloyede; Pastor Jacob Agadagba, Pastor Gladys Agadagba and Mrs. Mohammed.

  • Bariga to give out N25m to 500 beneficiaries

    Bariga to give out N25m to 500 beneficiaries

    The Chairman of Bariga Local Council, Kolade Alabi David, is set to distribute N25m cash intervention to Bariga indigent residents, petty traders and market women for its second phase.

    A statement signed by Secretary, Bariga Intervention Committee, Dr. Kehinde Lawal, the programme will take place at the Council Secretariat Hall tomorrow.

    The Committee Chairman, Segun Adesanya said: “Five hundred Bariga residents selected across various wards (A-H) will get N50,000 each which will be credited directly to their respective accounts and they will be issued a Providus Bank ATM card to that effect on Thursday.

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    “Recall in the first phase of the cash intervention on March 11, the sum of N20 million was disbursed to 1,000 people to mitigate the impact of the nation’s economic difficulties and high cost of living.

    “So far, Alabi has reiterated his commitment with respect to renewing the hope of the masses by putting smiles on their faces until every household benefit from this intervention programme. His commitment to better the lives of his people is matchless.

    “Some of the laudable programmes which have been embarked upon by Alabi through the Bariga Intervention Committee includes: Medical Outreach for residents; Free Iftar for Muslim faithful during Ramadan; Three-Day Special Prayer/Welfare programme for the Christians; – Free Health Care Delivery Packs for the pregnant women and many more initiatives.

    “So far, every street across Bariga Local Council has benefitted from the first phase of the exercise and other interventions; this second one will not be an exception. All arrangements have been perfectly done to make it a successful one. Access cards to the venue will be distributed to the beneficiaries in due course.”

  • Commissioner seeks creativity at council level

    Commissioner seeks creativity at council level

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Women’s Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Mrs Bolaji Dada, has called on Nigerians to utilise their inbuilt potentials to bring about creativity and innovation.

    This, she said, is an essential diving force in the growth of a nation.

     She made call at this year’s World Creativity and Innovation Day organised by the ministry with the theme: “INSPIRE”.

    Mrs Dada noted that creativity and innovation are essential drivers of success, fostering growth, adaptability, and competitiveness.

    She said the two play crucial roles in solving complex problems and enabling platforms that ensure growth.

    She said: “The transformative power of innovation and creativity is seen in nations that have gone through the various stages of development. All over the world, nations that have not defined their direction have been known to experience stagnation due to resistance to change especially when they don’t get a buy-in from the people.

    “As a Ministry, we have also effectively keyed into that purposefulness in handling the task of empowerment. Creativity and innovation drive most of the schemes designed to empower our Students and make them economically independent.”

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    She reiterated that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s efforts in making creativity and innovation cardinal principles.

    Mrs. Dada explained that 4,592 beneficiaries graduated from the 19 vocational centres across the state.

    “By tapping into the full potential of our students through their creativity, they can generate income, gain financial independence, and contribute to their communities’ economic growth and ultimately to the nation as a whole.

    This enables self-reliance among women, the vulnerable, out of work/unemployed youths and adults.” she stated.

    She advised Nigerians to come out to showcase their inbuilt talents and strength in other to become successful and self-fulfilled.

    “You can pursue your passions, achieve your goals, and make a positive impact on the nation and the world around you knowing fully well that not all are driven into white-collared jobs.

    “Ralising your potential can boost your confidence, enhance your self-esteem, to earn you an income and inspire others to do the same especially at a time like this when creativity and innovation rules the world,” she said.

  • Monarch confers chieftaincy title on Indian philanthropist

    Monarch confers chieftaincy title on Indian philanthropist

    The Oba of Odi-Olowo in Mushin, Lagos, Oba Sikirullah Ayinde, has conferred a chieftaincy tittle of ‘Boba Selu Odi-Olowo’ to an Indian philanthropist, Mr. Krishnamurthy Kannah.

    According to Oba Ayinde, this was done in recognition of Sivashankar’s humanitarian contribution to the community for 53 years.

    The conferment which took place at the Oba’s palace in Odi-Olowo, had in attendance dignitaries from India and community heads.

    Kannah thanked the community for finding the honour.

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    “This is my first chieftaincy title. I am so happy to be a Nigerian. I am used to Nigerian culture and the climate. The whole thing was arranged by my chairman, a retired Captain. We’ve been together for the past 42 years. This is my 53 years in Nigeria. He is a source of encouragement. For me, simplicity is the best attribute anyone can possess,” he said.

    Kannah’s daughter in-law Mahalakshminayaki, described him, as a philanthropist, adding that the family would serve the community holistically.

    “My father in-law has lived in this country for 53 years. He has done so many good things to the people. He is a big philanthropist. He has offered scholarships to students. We would do more. We will support women and children education.

    “We are ready to provide whatever the community requires from us. We will provide them. We will look into children’s education. We are going to provide them with books. Serving the community is our utmost priority. We will also look into hospitals, supply medicine and medical support,” she noted.

    A Consultant in charge of Revenue in Mushin Local Government and Chairman, University of Lagos Akoka (UNILAG) Alumni Lagos state chapter, Owoeye Adedeji, described the tittle as a significant one

    “The tittle is very significant for a man who has contributed to the community for years.

    As a bonafide Odi-Olowo son, I feel there’s need for development to come to my local government. That was why I decided to be part of it. As time goes, you would see his good works.

    “Whatever they can do to uplift Odi-Olowo, will be welcomed. It’s not about government, it’s about individuals and every entity that resides in this community,” he said.

    Kamarudeen Olatunde, a retired captain, said: “I am happy because he deserves it. For the years he has been in this country, he has contributed greatly to the development of this country, He will manage the tittle very well because he’s a very generous man. He’s a philanthropist. He has good intentions. He’s going to contribute greatly to the development of Odi-Olowo. I also give credit of today to Owoeye.”

  • Council boss re-opens Oke-Odo Market

    Council boss re-opens Oke-Odo Market

    The Chairman of Agbado/Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), David Famuyiwa, has ordered the re-opening of the popular Oke-Odo Market which was forcefully shutdown on Wednesday due to tussle between miscreants in market.

    This was contained in a statement by the council’s Head of Public Affairs, Mohammed Omotayo.

    He said Famuyiwa alongside the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Lekan Ogundare, a Chief Superintendent (CSP) while inspecting the security state of the market, expressed their displeasure at the state of food items perishing away due to the closure of the market.

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    He enjoined traders at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Modern Market Oke-Odo; Kotangowa Market and Abule-Egba, to remain calm and continue their businesses as the Lagos State Government has deployed enough security personnel to maintain peace at the closed refuse dump site between the two markets where scavengers known as “bowler boys” engaged themselves over trivial issues.

    According to him, security team had brought the crisis under control, while the bowler boys had been evacuated from the dump site in the area.

    The council chief advised the market leaders to ensure that nobody is allowed to sleep in market, adding that all head porters and wheel barrow pushers must be identified and duly registered.

    “Leaders of the various ethnic groups must be ready to take responsibility for the inadequacies of their members,” he said.

  • Igbogbo-Baiyeku disburses N20m to 1,000 residents

    Igbogbo-Baiyeku disburses N20m to 1,000 residents

    By Ameenat Ilyas

    The Chairman of Igbogbo-Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Bldr. Olusesan Daini, has disbursed N20 million to 1,000 residents.

    Tagged: Social Intervention Relief Funds, Daini said it was meant to cushion the effect of economic hardship.

    He detailed the government’s dedication to assisting residents in overcoming economic hardship aggravated by the removal of subsidy.

    He said the gesture would provide relief for the beneficiaries.

    Daini outlined the distribution process, stating that 500 individuals received N20,000 each during the event, totaling N10 million.

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    He announced plans to reach an additional 500 beneficiaries, ensuring inclusivity by surprising residents in various marketplaces and communities within the council.

    The council boss said the beneficiaries were selected in collaboration with traditional institutions, market associations, religious bodies, youth councils, and student unions to ensure transparency and inclusivity.

    He reassured residents of the administration’s commitment to improving their quality of life, urging collective perseverance in realising the envisioned transformation.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman in Igbogbo Baiyeku LCDA, Alhaji Taiwo Orenuga, thanked Daini for his dedication to the welfare of residents.

    Orenuga praised the council chairman for organising a fund relief programme aimed at assisting vulnerable members of the community.

    Daini, he said, has consistently upheld the principles of the party, ensuring that the welfare of citizens remains a top priority.

    Highlighting the chairman’s inclusive approach, Orenuga emphasised that Daini’s initiatives extend beyond partisan lines, reaching out to all residents irrespective of their political affiliations.

    APC Apex leader in Ikorodu and a member of Lagos Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, appealed to residents to be patient with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

    He assured them that better days are ahead.

    Asiwaju Basorun hailed Daini for the initiative.