The Nation Newspaper

Category: Grassroots

  • Apapa-Iganmu lifts residents with food items

    Apapa-Iganmu lifts residents with food items

    • By Muinat Ajibade-Alasela

    Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has donated food items to the residents of the council.

    Its Chairman, Alhaja Funmilayo Akande-Mohammed, said the palliative was done to cushion the effect of the economic burden on the residents.

    She stressed that there’s the need to bring succor to members of the community, hence the palliative distribution.

    “Today is for presentation of mega palliatives to the people of Apapa-Iganmu LCDA, as we all know the state of the economy and the challenges had eaten deep into the wellbeing of our people. This is the reason why my administration deemed it fit in rendering mega palliatives to the residents to cushion the effect of the economic burden on them. This is the second one we aredoing this year,” she said.

    The food items distributed included rice, garri, semovita and vegetable oil, among others.

    The council boss noted that the beneficiaries were selected from various wards.

    She promised the residents to expect more palliative distribution.

    Read Also: Apapa-Iganmu chair, traditional ruler challenge Lagos CP on performance

    Alhaja Akande-Mohammed announced the graduation of 250 people that took part in vocational training organised by the council.

    “I want to do graduation in two weeks’ time for people that did vocational training.They learn fashion designing, catering, makeup, hairdressing, shoe and bag making, among others.

    She noted that the participants of the training really did well and promised to give them necessary equipment needed to further their vocational skills.

    She enjoined the people to keep calm as everything will definitely work for good adding that Nigerians should endeavors to always pray for Nigeria to progress.

    “What we need now is to be calm and always pray for Nigeria because,” she urged. Community Development Council (CDC) Chairman, Okeola Azeez, commended the council boss for the palliative.

    “We thank her so much for the opportunity, may God continue to bless and uplift her,” he said.

    He also implored the chairman to open a subsidised market for the community members so that they can buy goods at a discounted price.

    A beneficiary, Oluwagbamigbe Joseph, applauded the chairman for her kind gesture and urged her to do more of the palliative distribution so that those that didn’t benefit now will take part in the next phase.

    Another beneficiary, Segun Adebayo appreciated the chairman for gifting them palliative at this crucial time adding that it will sustain him and his immediate family for a week.

    Beneficiary, Ibrahim Alao also thanked the chairman for being kind to them and added that the palliative will sustain him and his family a period of two weeks.

  • Adebule shares 10,000 food packs in 28 councils

    Adebule shares 10,000 food packs in 28 councils

    The Senator, representing Lagos West District, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule, has distributed 10,000 food packs and clothes to 10,000 people across the 28 local government and council development areas.

    The event that attracted council chairmen and party leaders was held at the Police College, Ikeja.

    The beneficiaries include members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), traders, traditional rulers, religious and community leaders, youths, security officials, widows and artisans among others.

    She said the tough times like this require support from her office through social intervention programmes to her constituents.

    She said her interventions in recent times were to ameliorate the suffering of the people.

    She said: “In the last nine months, I have implemented some support programmes for our people, include regular distribution of food items and other largesse during national celebration periods. In particular, about a thousand bags of rice were distributed in December to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal so that our people can also celebrate the yuletide.

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    “My office also supported farmers by distributing sizeable number of bags of fertilizer in November 2023 to help in the preparation for the planting season. In December, I facilitated the training of 200 young people in fisheries at the Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research, Victoria Island and each participant was given starter capital of N100,000 as my contribution towards integrating the young people into the new drive for marine economy.

    “Today, we are starting the distribution of 10,000 food packs containing various food items such as rice, semovita, vegetable oil, garri, pasta and tomato paste. Although, today’s event is a symbolic kick start of the distribution, all beneficiaries who are unable to be here today due to the inconvenience of pulling such large number in a location will surely receive their packs.”

    Senator Adebule assured the people that the interventions so far were just a tip of the iceberg, adding “we have various intervention programmes that would be executed as we go along. I am happy to announce that shortly, I will also be reaching out to senior citizens and widows as part of our social intervention programme. Dear constituents, be assured that I will stand by you in all circumstances. All I request is your support and understanding always as we roll out these programmes one after the other.”

    She thanked community and political leaders and other guests for gracing the event despite short notice.

    “To my able team under the leadership of Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA, Rasaq Ajala, the words are not enough to express my gratitude for your hard work in making this occasion a reality. God will continue to bless you all. I assure my people in Lagos-West Senatorial District, that my best is yet to come, expect more, and it would be bigger and better. I will never the tired of giving support to my people because you are the reason I am standing here today. Thank you all for your time,” she said.

    APC Apex leader in Badagry Division, Prince Rabiu Oluwa, hailed Senator Adebule for quality representation at the National Assembly.

    Prince Oluwa said the people of Lagos West made no mistake in given her their mandate.

    He added that her impact had been felt in various sectors like Education, Social Welfare, Empowerment, Vocational Training and Health care during the short time spent in the National Assembly.

    APC Chairman in Lagos State Cornelius Ojelabi commended Senator Adebule for the giant stride.

    Ojelabi said her gesture was in fulfilment of promise made and kept for the people of Lagos West Senatorial District.

    According to him, that she remembers the people she is representing was done out of passion to them and appealed to those in charge of the distribution not to divert the items.

    Ajala, who was Adebule’s campaign Director-General, thanked the Lagos West for their support.

    He promised that the senator will not disappoint them.

    The Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye council chief and Conference 57 General Secretary said more dividends of democracy are on the way for the people of the constituency.

  • 500 Oto-Awori residents receive N10m palliatives

    500 Oto-Awori residents receive N10m palliatives

    By Ameenat Ilyas

    Chairman, Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos, Prince Musibau Asafa, has promised that the residents will not be left to face the problems arising from the economic downturn alone.

    He said he would fulfill the purpose of the government, which is seeing to the welfare of its citizenry.

    Asafa gave the assurance at the second cash palliative distribution where 500 residents across the five wards of the council benefited at the Council Secretariat in ljanikin.

    Asafa said: “My administration gave out food palliative to over 2,000 people last August. Also, on October 18, we disbursed N20,000 each to 500 residents of this LCDA and today, we shall distribute another N20,000 to another set of 500 people to show that the welfare of the people is paramount.”

    Read Also: Power sector worse off 12 years after privatisation – NLC

    He announced that soon, staple foods ranging from rice, garri, beans and yam would be distributed to the residents.

    The council chief appealed for continuous support for the government both at the federal and state levels, adding that a lot of efforts were being put in place to ameliorate the suffering.

    He said: “Please, let us cooperate and continue to support the government at the national level under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the state government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in finding lasting solutions to the issue of shortage of food supply in the country.”

    Asafa reeled out some of his achievements such as construction of many roads, and block of classrooms in primary schools, empowerment programmes for youths and women at intervals, provision of 13 500 KVA transformers to communities, free healthcare delivery to pregnant women, aged and children, supply of patrol vehicles to the Nigeria Police Force, regular payment of the Joint Admissions Matriculation Board (JAMB) and General Certificate of Education (GCE) forms, and bursary to students.

    A recipient of the palliative, Evangelist Ajayi Adebayo, expressed gratitude to the Asafa and his team for the gesture.

  • Ojodu trains pupils on digitalisation

    Ojodu trains pupils on digitalisation

    By Elizabeth Ebiniyi

    The Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has kicked-off its Students’ Training and Development on Digital Skills.

    Wife of the council Chairman, Mrs. Abimbola Odunmbaku, said the event marked a significant milestone in the council’s efforts to empowering youth.

    She said the youth would be equipped with essential 21st-century skills.

    Mrs. Odunmbaku expressed gratitude for the opportunity to witness such a momentous occasion.

    She emphasised the importance of digital skills in the job market and reiterated the administration’s commitment to ensuring that students were adequately prepared for future careers that demand proficiency in technology and digital tools.

    She said the council under the leadership of Odunmbaku has prioritised education and youth development.

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    Mrs. Odunmbaku outlined several educational initiatives undertaken by the administration, including the distribution of free Joint Admissions Matriculation Board (JAMB)’s and General Certificate of Education (GCE) forms, empowerment of teachers, and upgrading of Information Communication Technology (ICT) centres to foster manpower development in relevant courses.

    The partnership with The Creative Kids Zone (TCK) was also highlighted as instrumental in bringing the digital skills training initiative to fruition.

    She said through collaboration with organisations like TCK, the LCDA aims to expand opportunities for its youth and bridge the digital divide at the grassroots.

    She urged beneficiaries to seize the opportunity presented by the  programme and emphasised the importance of dedication and diligence in maximising its benefits. She urged participants to strive for excellence and make a positive impact in their communities through the acquisition and application of digital skills.

    At the event were the Vice Chairman, Bunmi Oluyadi, Secretary to the council Olaide Bello, lawmakers and others.

  • Ayobo-Ipaja lifts 250 indigents with free JAMB forms

    Ayobo-Ipaja lifts 250 indigents with free JAMB forms

    The Chairman of Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mrs. Bola Shobowale, has presented free 250 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) forms to indigents in the council.

    The council boss said the initiative was in line with her manifesto of providing educational and financial support yearly, through the disbursement of free GCE forms and education materials to indigents.

    “This is part of my manifesto in providing educational and financial support on yearly basis through the disbursement of free GCE forms to indigents in residence, distribution of school bags and other developmental initiatives,” she said.

    Read Also: Power sector worse off 12 years after privatisation – NLC

    She, however, urged the beneficiaries to intensify efforts in making the local government, their parents and themselves proud, as they study to attain success in their exams.

    Vice Chairman of the council, Otunba Ladi Oluwaloni, advised  the beneficiaries to study hard to succeed in their UTME exams.

    A beneficiary, Miss Bolanle Adeyemi, applauded the chairman and her EXCO for providing the UTME forms to them.

    A parent, Mrs Ganiyat Akinola, also expressed her gratitude to the council chief.

    At the event were the council’s Head of Administration, Mrs Mojisola Oghabi, among others.

  • Iba LCDA inaugurates solar-powered borehole

    Iba LCDA inaugurates solar-powered borehole

    Chairman of Iba Local Government Development Area, Jubril Yisa, has inaugurated solar-powered borehole for the people of Okokomaiko.

    The gesture, he said, was executed to curb water scarcity in the community.

    Yisa, who was represented by the Vice Chairman, Samuel Thomas, said it was important for them to execute the project, due to water scarcity in the community and that it was a form of response to the people’s yearning and also to bring relief to the residents.

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    He urged the them to maintain the borehole to serve the purpose it was meant for.

    He promised members of the community more projects.

    A resident, Rabiatu Ali, appreciated the council Chairman, for not neglecting their need.

  • Why I assisted over 800 vulnerable persons, by lawmaker

    Why I assisted over 800 vulnerable persons, by lawmaker

    Deputy Leader, Lagos Island Local Government Legislative Arm, Prince Taiwo Oyekan, has given N10million to over 800 vulnerable residents  to lessen the effects of the economic hardship on them.

    Oyekan, representing Ward C 1 in the council, distributed industrial sewing machines, food stuff and cash to the aged, widows,persons with disability (PWD), among others, selected from various communities in the local government.

    He stressed the need to support the  what the governor and the President are doing at the grassroots to ease the hardship on the people.

    “I  saved  up for  this mega economic empowerment programme because of the hardship in the economy  at the moment. I have been thinking of how to give back to the community and to our people. We have given out sewing machines, bags of rice and cash to the people.This is our own way of supporting what Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the President Bola Tinubu have been doing to alleviate the suffering of the people.

    “I funded these. I have been saving  funds from my imprest and salary as the councillor to give back to the people. We have spent over N10 million to carry out this mega economic empowerment,” Oyekan said.

    Read Also: Power sector worse off 12 years after privatisation – NLC

    He  said  he had been empowering his constituents since 2017, urging beneficiaries to utilise whatever they got judiciously.

    Oyekan stated that he allowed no room for undue interference as he  went round to  pick  people who needed to be empowered.

    Praising g the councillor, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos, who was represented by the Head of  White Cap Chiefs, Chief Abdul-lateef Aderibigbe-Ajose, said the donor, had followed the footsteps of his father, the late Oba Adeyinka Oyekan, who was also a philanthropist.

    Akiolu advised the beneficiaries to use the items judiciously to create wealth for themselves.

    Also, the Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Mayegun Moshood, noted that the party was proud of the gesture of Oyekan.

    Ojelabi said the councillor had aligned with  the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.

    One of the beneficiaries, Alhaji Shewu Sanusi-Aka, said he could not measure how far the gesture would contribute to his life.

    Sanusi-Aka said: “This is very fantastic, the Prince has been trying and God will continue to help him.

    “The last time he did this, I was given a reading glass and medicine free. He has done a lot that most people benefitted from. My advice for him is to continue and good will follow him.’’

    Another beneficiary,  Yisa Giwa,  87, who lauded Oyekan, said the gesture would alleviate suffering.

    A beneficiary of the sewing machine, Ms Shakeerat Muhammad from Isale-Eko Community, hailed the councillor. She said the machine would help her greatly.

  • Artisans, others enjoy Ibeju-Lekki monarch’s benevolence

    Artisans, others enjoy Ibeju-Lekki monarch’s benevolence

    The paramount ruler of Araromi-Oguntimeyin Kingdom in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, Oba Olayemi Lukman Arowolo, has extended his benevolence to the indigent members of his community and the adjoining ones as part of his yearly social welfare programme and empowerment initiative.

    At the event, which coincided with the Oguntimeyin Day, the monarch urged old and prospective developers with landed property in the community to come forward for identification.

    He gave seed capital and startup kits worth several millions of naira, to widows, youths and other vulnerables to boost their businesses.

    Oba Arowolo said this was his own way of giving back to the community, stressing that the government could not be left alone with the responsibility of catering for the downtrodden in the society.

    “I consider it a rare privilege for me to assist the needy within and around my community, especially the good people of Araromi-Oguntimeyin kingdom,” he said, adding: “It is my belief that if we must banish poverty in the land, then it is the responsibility of all of us to be ready to extend assistance to those in need at all times. My foundation considers it a duty to assist the less-privileged in our midst and we will remain committed to this noble idea because it is the right thing to do because the government alone cannot do this.”

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    The monarch, an hotelier, who recalled that his foundation hadbeen awarding scholarships to indigent members of the community in the past one decade to boost school enrolment, hinted of plans to extend his educational support to more beneficiaries later this year, at a scheduled programme to be hosted on Children’s Day. 

    According to him, one way to address the growing inequality in the society is through educational support and capacity building.

    “As the saying goes, an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. If our youths are gainfully employed, they will not have time to get involved in any form of crime and that is why we remain committed towards assisting our youths with qualitative education and support for the widows and the vulnerable members in our midst so that they can also lead a better life,” he stressed.

    The beneficiaries received cash and startup materials like sewing machines, hair dryers and other accessories, charcoal stoves and cooking utensils for food vendors, among others. 

    Speaking on behalf of other beneficiaries, Chief Rainot Okenla, expressed gratitude for the gesture, stressing that the Araromi-Oguntimeyin community was lucky to have Oba Arowolo.

     She impressed it on other privileged to emulate the monarch’s philanthropy.

  • Ikosi-Ejinrin inaugurates classrooms

    Ikosi-Ejinrin inaugurates classrooms

    • Distributes school packs to 500 pupils
    • Announces numerous largesse for residents

    The Chairman of Ikosi-Ejinrin Local Council Development Area, Akogun Wale Raji Anomo, has once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment towards dishing out dividends of democracy to his constituents.

     The LCDA inaugurated a block of three classrooms at LG Central Primary School, Agbowa-Ikosi, equipped with Marker boards, furniture for both teachers and pupils, and instructional materials.

     In addition to the new classrooms, the council also constructed a security post, procured and installed a new gate, generating set, as well as pipe-borne water for the use of the school.

     Not less than 500 pupils of the school received the Ikosi-Ejinrin Complete School pack. Each pack contained 10 exercise books, writing materials like pens, pencils, erasers, crayons, etc. Pupils in Primary 5 & 6 had a portable dictionary and mathematical set added to theirs to prepare them for secondary education.

     Recognizing the need for adequate classroom furniture, Anomo also procured several Scholar flip-top desks and chairs for the use of pupils in the kindergarten and nursery classes.

     He announced that the newly constructed block is built in honor of a living Political Legend, Chief Olufemi Dehinsilu, in recognition of his numerous contributions to the development and growth of Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA and Epe Division as a whole.

     Reaffirming his commitment to bringing positive change to every major sector of development in Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA, Anomo announced infrastructural initiatives as well as economic programs aimed at assisting residents.

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     “In about two weeks’ time, we shall be breaking the ground for Officers’ Quarters at Ketu Police Station. We shall also be commissioning a block of three classrooms at Ejinrin. The contractors handling Koyo road will also be back on site fully as we can see their equipment there already,” he said.

     To the delight of the Market Leaders at the program, Anomo also announced the phase 3 of the Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA Traders support program and the maiden edition of the Ikosi-Ejinrin Students Bursary and Scholarship initiative aimed at assisting and supporting indigent indigenes in Tertiary Institutions.

     Abowa of Agbowa Kingdom, Oba Saheed Owolabi Momson, commended Anomo for his giant strides in the education sector and his commitment to the general development of the council.

     He expressed gratitude for the commissioning of the new block of classrooms, which signifies progress and a brighter future for the community, urging residents to protect and own it jealously.

     Chairman, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), Dr. Hakeem Shittu, showered encomium on Anomo for his commitment and relentless investment in the education sector, encouraging him not to rest on his oars as he pledged continuous support and partnership from LASUBEB.

     The Education Secretary, Epe LGEA, Otunba Shittu Idowu, also expressed appreciation to Anomo for his contributions in transforming the education landscape within Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA.

    The building was opened by Dr Shittu.

  • Ojodu council chief renders account of stewardship

    Ojodu council chief renders account of stewardship

    The Chairman of Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Segun Odunmbaku, has rendered the account of his stewardship since he assumed of office.

    During the media parley, Odunmbaku outlined some of the achievements as encapsulated into his Health, Education, Youth and Women Development and Social and Infrastructural Development (H.E.Y.S) Agenda which, he said, is in tandem with the THEMES+ Agenda of the Lagos State Government (to aid intergovernmental collaborations for development) as well as the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) .

    The council boss listed the construction and renovation of roads, including Fadeyi Street, Paul Avenue and Umaru Saro Drive.

    He also talked about the upgrading of primary healthcare centers (including provision of alternative energy to boost healthcare services), incessant free medical/surgical interventions and health insurance for 1000 residents, donation of JAMB and GCE Forms with coaching classes, 600 sets of furniture and 50,000 books to primary and junior schools to cater to the educational needs of the community.

    Additionally, Odunmbaku listed initiatives executed towards improving the standard of living for the residents, such as grants and loans for small businesses, provision of palliatives like free buses and subsidised food, bursary and scholarships for indigent students, cash empowerments for traders, supports for the senior citizens and persons living with disabilities, and vocational trainings for youths.

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    While fielding questions on infrastructural development, Odunmbaku reiterated his administration’s commitment to the construction and completion of the proposed Eweobaja market, Recreational Centre, mini general hospital at Ogba and other people-oriented social infrastructure for the betterment of the good people of Ojodu LCDA.

    He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive and open-door governance by partnering with well-meaning individuals, corporate and charitable organizations to cater for myriad of needs of the people.

    “OrganiSations such as Kennols, Lions Club, Rotary Club, WaterAid etc, have partnered with us to carry out various projects, complementing the efforts of our administration”, Odunmbaku said.

    Secretary to the council, Olaide Bello thanked the media personalities for gracing the parley that provided an opportunity to showcase the achievements of the administration. He restated the council’s commitment to improving the well-being of the residents.