The multi-million naira project, when completed, would comprise of eight-room offices (all ensuites), a spacious Legislative hall with conviences attached, and a Gallery.
Chief Shobowale appreciated God for the opportunity given to her to witness the occasion.
She said that the project would be completed in a record time.
“I appreciate God for this great opportunity to embark on this project. And for everyone present here today, I also pray you live to witness the completion of this project,” she said.
The theme of the event, held at the council secretariat multipurpose hall, was “Impact of Procurement Plan on the Local Government Administration’.
Chairman of Apapa Local Government Idowu Senbanjo said procurement plan would enhance service delivery.
She said: “Virtually everything we do here has to do with procurement, from beginning to the end, how we get the contractors, the different stages of putting their papers together, what is required of them to do, and everything. This retreat will also help us to speed up process, help us to tidy up our books, and it will help even the contractors have more confidence in what they’re doing.”
According to her, procurement basically is steps to take to ensure that whatever processes “we have within the council; we’re doing the right thing. And once people know that we’re following due process, people will be more comfortable with it.
“The public can always come in to ask questions. It’s a public office, and our processes are made public to individuals, organisations, and anybody that is interested in knowing what we do here. The processes are there. They follow it. You see it.”
She advised council officials to take procurement with utmost seriousness because “wherever they go to, it is something that will help them in life, even in their personal businesses. It will help them to understand the processes. A lot of people look at the government and always have one thing negative or the other to say, but they don’t understand these processes that we have to go through, and once they take their time to understand, even some of the contractors, they always try to jump one thing or the other, but it’s for their own benefits. They come in, they understand the processes, they follow the processes, and everything will be good for us all.”
Deputy Director Procurement in the Lagos State Local Government Service Commission, Mr Taofeeq Ambali, said procurement is one of policy of anti-corruption policies.
He said: “We have two sets of anti-corruption policies; one looks at the preventive measures while the other one look at the political measures. So procurement policy is a preventive measures arm of anti-corruption policy. Procurement is a sustainable acquisition and disposal of goods, works and services with tax payers’ money in an effective transparent profitable manner using external forces. Engaging service providers like consultant, contractor and supplier in the discharge of the assignment given by the government state, local and federal such that you will be able to achieve value for money. “
According to him, procurement policy gives everybody equal opportunity particularly the citizens, artisans and non-artisans.
Ambali enjoined procurement officers in the state to always follow the due process before spending tax payers’ money.
This, he said, would aid economic growth and proper infrastructural development.
The Chief Procurement Officer of Apapa Lagos Government, Akeem Bankole, said procurement is about due processing.
“You need to be transparent, fair and equity in delivering jobs for the populace because you are just a representative of the tax payers. You are not just to spend the money; it has to be channeled through normal process to achieve effective goals. When due process is followed, community would have a feel of the dividends of because there would be good infrastructure in place.’’
Residents of Church Street, Akin Olugbade Street, Olufunsho Ettu, Kazeem Anifowose, Unity Close, and Olowookere streets in the Isheri Olofin area of Lagos State have appealed to the government to hasten work on the ongoing drainage project before the rains come.
They said this would prevent a recurrence of losses they have suffered in the previous years.
According to them, the flooding has persisted for over 15 years.
Mrs. Elizabeth Kolawole, a resident of Church Street, recounted many instances where the floods damaged their properties, leaving residents to rely solely on grace.
Mrs. Kolawole particularly lamented the September 2023 flooding which forced many of them to abandon their homes at midnight.
She said: “This flood has been disturbing us for over 15 years. Last year September, we were forced to evacuate at midnight because of the flood. We relocated from the area and returned a month later to damaged properties.”
Mrs. Kolawole urged the government to expedite the construction of effective drainage systems before the next rainy season.
She said “We implore the government to hasten up with the drainage construction before another rain starts,” she added.
A resident of Akin Olugbade Street, Rotimi Adebayo, echoed similar sentiments about the devastating impact of flooding on the community. He said last year’s flood was particularly severe, resulting in the collapse of eight fences including his own apartment.
He, however, praised the government for its initiative to build standard canal-like drainage systems along the affected streets.
Adebayo stressed that this gesture was highly commendable and offered hope to residents who have endured the recurring disaster.
He noted that the project has helped to redirect water from Olowookere Street with the floodwater draining into the drainage system.
He added that this would provide much-needed relief to residents as the project offers a long-term solution to the persistent flooding in the environment.
Presenting the packs, wife of the council chairman, Mrs. Olajumoke Olasoju, hailed the women for coming out in huge number to take advantage of the yet another laudable initiative.
Mrs Olasoju said the gesture was in furtherance of the council’s robust healthcare policy to make life more abundant for residents and see to it that no one is left out.
She said: “Today’s program is for the expectant mothers to ensure that they benefit immensely from our comprehensive healthcare policy. Most of the beneficiaries are pregnant mothers who attend the seven primary healthcare centres in Isolo LCDA for their antenatal. This gesture is a way of reaffirming our commitment to their wellness and safe delivery, we pray to God to grant them safe delivery.”
Corroborating his wife, the council chairman, Adebayo Olasoju, explained that the programme was yet another initiative to not only identify with the expectant mothers but show more commitment to their safe delivery.
He added that provision of quality and accessible healthcare remains an important agenda of his administration.
He reiterated that no stone will be left unturned in consolidating on health delivery strides of his administration.
The council boss appealed to the expectant mothers to attend their ante-natal clinic religiously.
“Today’s program is significant and as you can see it is quite different from our previous health mission, the special focus is on the expectant mothers to support them with essential items needed for their safe delivery and continued wellness thereafter. This initiative is novel and it was borne out of our desire to ensure that everyone benefits from our robust healthcare policy and we will keep exploring all possible aavenues to achieve this,” he said.
A beneficiary, Mrs. Tawakalitu Amokeoja, hailed the council chairman and the chairperson for the delivery kits, noting that the gesture would save her thousands of naira.
“I’m delighted to benefit from this programme and I am grateful to the chairman and his wife for the gesture. May God continue to bless them and shower his love on them. Items in the box are delivery essentials and it will cost me thousands of naira to get them. Now I can use the money for other things. God bless the chairman and his wife,” Mrs. Amokeoja said.
Other highlight of the event was the Health Insurance Policy for 500 residents with the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), which gives them access to specified services of some accredited private and public hospitals in all local governments.
Some residents of Oshodi, Mafoluku, Shogunle and Ewu-tuntun axis of Lagos are at war with the management of Excellens Links International Company, a PSP operator and one of the franchisees of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) over purported tariff increase.
Speaking at a press briefing, Mr. David Fadile, legal representative of the management described as unwarranted the widespread campaign of calumny against the company by a group acting under the aegis of the Concerned residents of Oshodi, Mafoluku, Shogunle and Ewu-tuntun (OMSE).
According to him, the group led by one Babatunde Faleye and a handful others, in recent times, have taken certain actions capable of breaching public peace and therefore need to be called to order.
Fadile, who recalled that as one of the first generation of PSP operators in the country, his client has been servicing the Oshodi communities within the last 25 years meritoriously, said trouble began in mid-2022, when LAWMA reviewed all tariffs for refuse collection.
“Following complaints by the operators on the need to help salvage the business as a result of the high cost of operations, LAWMA in its own wisdom revised tariffs across the state. But no sooner did LAWMA announce the new tariffs that some people began to raise dust insisting that the tariffs were illegal.”
Determined to seek redress on the matter, the OMSE group instituted a lawsuit against Excellens Links International Company, Tunap Waste Company with LAWMA and the Attorney General of Lagos as co-defendants before Justice D. T. Olatokun of the High Court of Lagos state, Ikeja judicial division, in suit No. ID/7076GCM/2023, Fadile stated.
The claimants would later file a motion on notice for withdrawal on September 8th, 2023 before Justice D.T. Olatokun but the counsel to the defendants filed a countermotion seeking fresh reliefs from the court to compel the claimants to desist from character assassination of his clients across all social media platforms.
“On Wednesday, December 18th, 2023, the court subsequently granted leave to the applicants to withdraw the suit against all the defendants with an order to the claimants not to use the social media to campaign against the business of Excellens Links International Company, Tunap Waste Company who are both listed as 3rd and 4th defendants in the suit as well as awarded the cost of N50, 000 each to same as compensation for filing processes and appearing in court.”
However, in what Fadile described as flagrant disobedience to the court, he revealed that the claimants have been granting several media interviews as well inciting other residents from paying for service rendered by his client.
“The notice by the OMSE group asking residents not to pay my clients for the months of January and February is totally in breach of the subsisting contract it has with LAWMA. As a law-abiding corporate citizen, my client is ready to take all necessary action to seek redress for the spate of unwarranted abuse by this tiny cabal trying to frustrate the good works of Excellens Links International Company. We therefore strongly appeal to Faleye and his co-laborers to stop this campaign of calumny or be ready to face the long arm of the law.”
Responding in an interview, the counsel to the claimants, Festus Ogun Esq. said insinuations that Faleye may have acted in breach of the court order was ridiculous because he was never a party to the suit instituted in the first place.
“Faleye is not a party to the suit so no judgment can be binding on him. Of course, as a responsible citizen, it is within his right to advocate for better service delivery from service providers if he feels strongly that things are not done properly. To the issue of withdrawal of suit and award of cost; that is normal in court process and it is not a judgment in itself,” he said.
The Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Alhaja Funmilayo Akande-Mohammed has donated 100 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) forms to indigent students for the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration.
The council boss said the gesture has been an annual programme since the inception of the administration.
She promised to continue to ensure that the students progress in their academic pursuit.
While quoting an adage that says “the progress of the world depends almost entirely upon education,” Alhaja Akande-Mohammed said “this adage serves as a motivating factor for our grassroots government to propel our indigent students to further their educational career and achieving their desirable goal in life.”
She added that the free UTME forms would encourage the beneficiaries to study harder.
According to her, the 100 beneficiaries had good grades in their O level results.
The council boss said free tutorial centers would be made available for the students so they can excel.
The council chair advised the students to be focused, to read and study very hard in order to make the council proud by coming out in flying colours.
A beneficiary, Mariam Abdulhafeez, hailed the chairman for uplifting the people in the community.
She also implored other students to stay strong, strive hard, to study well and pray very hard so that they can excel in their choosing career.
Another beneficiary, Abdulsamad Aliu, appreciated to the council boss.
“I am so happy and grateful that I am among one of the beneficiaries of free jamb form. The chairman is good towards the youths and she is always after our success, so I really appreciate all her efforts on us”.
A Non-governmental Organisation (NGO), Women’s Right and Health Project (WRAHP), has said that Alimosho Local Government has the highest incidence of domestic violence in Lagos, especially sexual and gender-based violence.
Its Executive Director, Bose Ironsi, said this in Lagos during a one-day stakeholders’ dialogue on SGBV for 60 traditional rulers and key influencers of opinion.
Ironsi said that WRAHP, in partnership with Canada Fund For Local Initiative, put on the Stakeholders’ dialogue to address SGBV in Alimosho Local Government Area (LGA).
She said girls and women are inappropriately affected by all forms of violence which include sexual assault and harassment, domestic, verbal, emotional and gender-based violence in homes and societies.
“Today, WHO estimated that globally about 1 in 3 (30 per cent) of women have been subjected to either physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime.
“Community risk is increased by lack of proper understanding of interventions for problems like SGBV.
Alimosho has the highest incidence of domestic violence in Lagos, especially sexual and gender-based violence.
“According to data made available by the Attorney General of Lagos State, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) received over 4,800 cases from September 2021 to July 2022 with Alimosho recording the highest number of cases for both adults and children.
He added, however, that 50 per cent of the reports were made after 10 years of the subsistence of the marriage,” she said.
Ironsi said that WRAHP, through her project, titled “Improving Gender Equality and Protection from SGBV for Women and Girls in Lagos State through capacity building, awareness-raising and psychosocial support services”, with support from Canada Fund For Local Initiatives (CFLI), is working to prevent SGBV among women and girls in Alimosho LGA.
She said that the NGO also wants to increase access for survivors to quality care and psychosocial support services.
The Executive Director said that WRAHP has successfully built the capacity of 30 Community ambassadors and champions from different community structures which include, but not limited to, Youth clubs, faith-based organisations, women’s and men’s associations to effectively report cases of SGBV in their communities.
She said that this dialogue was part of our effort to bring together 60 traditional rulers and key influencers of opinion in Alimosho LGA to have a better understanding of the Lagos State SGBV Law, prohibiting all forms of SGBV and to develop effective strategies to enforce the Lagos State law in each of the six LCDAs in Alimosho LGA.
She said that discussions surrounding stakeholders’ effort in addressing SGBV in Alimosho will also be discussed.
A traditional ruler, Oba Kolawole Ajani Egundupe, said that the NGO had enlightened him on various issues and topics surrounding SGBV.
Egundupe said that it now behoves on him to go and preach it in his kingdom.
He commented WRAHP for the bold steps it embarked upon to bring SGBV to the barest minimum.
The Chairman of Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Dr Ahmed Apatira has urged Nigerian women to be prudent in the management of resources to survive the precarious situation triggered by the current economic downturn in the country.
The council boss made the appeal today at the Community Women’s Conference 2024, Themed: Surviving Though Times organised by the Department of Women Affairs and Poverty at the Council Secretariat.
Dr. Apatira said that the conference is aimed at supporting the council in the development of the state and its people by sensitising women to contemporary social issues that affect communities as well as proffering solutions.
He said: “I am particularly delighted to note the useful and credible intellectual conversations we have had today, and my solemn pledge is to build on the gains of this initiative to continue to serve as the platform to expand the frontiers of the society, thereby positively impacting the home and society at large.
“A peaceful home is the bedrock of a peaceful society. When we get it right on the home front, society is the ultimate beneficiary. Conversely, when we get it wrong at the level of the family, the larger society will be on the receiving end.”
The facilitator, Folawe Apanisile, a nurse and social worker, with 37 years of experience, enjoined women to always check your weight, dress well to look good, eat balanced diet, exercise regularly and get enough sleep.
Apanisile said they should also control your emotions, stop brooding over challenges, make themselves happy and smile always.
She said the above listed acts would women survive the tough times.
“They will also to avoid depression or hypertension which would affect their mental state and health if they follow above instructions,” she said.
The death has been announced of Alhaja Kudirat Abeni Oyadina. A statement by the family noted she was aged 82.
The late Oyadina was born on February 11, 1940. She had her primary school education at Christ Church School Ilaro from 1948 to 1955, from where she proceeded to the prestigious Queen’s College, Lagos from 1956 to 1961.
She bagged her Nigeria Teachers Grade II Certificate in 1974 at the St. Leo’s College, Abeokuta. The deceased was also a part time student of the Federal Advanced Teachers College Abeokuta now Federal College of Education where she got an Associateship Certificate in Education of the University of Ibadan in 1980.
Oyadina’s career started with a stint in the civil service as a Clerk in the Pay and Records office, Ministry of Defence, Apapa, Lagos from January to September 1962.
She got into the teaching profession in October 1962 and taught at various schools in Ilaro and Abeokuta, before she became a head teacher in 1996. She retired in 1997.
Oyadina was involved in various community services. She was a member of the Juvenile Court Panel, Isabo Abeokuta, member Remand Home Visiting Committee Abeokuta, Chairperson NUD Division 4, NUD Society Abeokuta, all between 1989 and1995. She was Woman Leader, Obantoko Central Mosque, where she was the Alatunse Adinni. She was member, Board of Governors, NUD High School, Oke Ijeun, Abeokuta from 1996 to 1999.
She is survived by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
The Chairman of Ikosi-Ejinrin Local Council Development Area, Lagos State, Akogun Wale Anomo, has inaugurated a block of three classrooms at LG Primary School, Otta-Ikosi.
Anomo also provided chairs and desks, and other learning materials, including white marker boards, needed to make teaching and learning an enjoyable activity for both teachers and pupils.
Dignitaries at the event included Oba Rafiu Ishola Balogun, the Elejinrin of Ejinrin; Oba Elias Omoloro Adedapo (IJELU 1), the Olota of Otta-Ikosi; Oba (Bldr.) Asunmo Ganiyu Aderibigbe, the Alayandelu of Odo-Ayandelu; Oba Saheed Owolabi Momson, the Abowa of Agbowa-Ikosi; Oba Nelson Obayomi Ogunlari, the Olowu of Owu-Ikosi; Pioneer Chairman of the LCDA, Alhaji Ganiyu Adio Akintola; former Chairman Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA, Ganiyu Adetola; Vice-Chairman, Alhaji Wasiu Dehinsilu; SLG, Miniru Temitope and other members of the Executive cabinet; Council Manager, Mr. Sunday Awobajo and members of the management team, APC Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA Apex Leaders, Alhaji Haveez Thanni, Chairman Otta-Ikosi Indigenes Forum; Epe LGEA Education Secretary Shittu Aliu Idowu amongst others.
Anomo emphasized that the inauguration was in fulfillment of his campaign promise to invest heavily in education.
He said: “This newly unveiled block of three classrooms is not just about bricks and mortar. It is a symbol – a testament to our unwavering commitment to building a brighter future for Ikosi-Ejinrin, one where education thrives and every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
He highlighted various initiatives undertaken by his administration in the education sector since the inception of the administration, including the Ikosi-Ejinrin School Bus Shuttle, distribution of Ikosi-Ejinrin complete school packs, investment in teaching aids, distribution of brush-cutters, and rewarding excellence, as seen in the celebration of Miss Sofiat Mohammed, the 2022 Lagos State Spelling Bee winner from Baptist Day Primary School, Agbowa.
He appreciated various stakeholders in the LCDA for the support given to his administration.
He also commended members of the Executive council, Legislators, management team, and members of staff for their diligence in discharging and working collaboratively with him.
He reiterated his commitment to the progress of Ikosi-Ejinrin, saying: “I stand before you, not just with the accomplishment of this day, but with the unwavering commitment to serve you, to dedicate every ounce of my being to the betterment of our community. We will build more schools, equip them with resources, and empower our teachers.
“As we stand on the cusp of a new era in the transformation of Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA, let me assure you all that my commitment to discharging my duties to the best of my abilities remains unwavering.”
The special guest, Dr. Hakeem Shittu, Chairman of Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), appreciated the Chairman for being a worthy associate who is unrelenting in complementing the efforts of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in standardizing education in the state.
Dr Shittu retorted that the investment in basic education shouldn’t be left to the hands of the government alone, as primary education is the foundation and when the foundation is solid, whatever is erected on it will stand. He urged the beneficiaries to make use of the facility judiciously.
The Olota of Otta-Ikosi, Oba Elias Adedapo, commended the chairman for delivering the project and investing in the future of the community through the provision of quality education attesting to the numerous activities which the chairman has done as he offered heartfelt prayers to the chairman for staying true to Changing the narratives for good in Ikosi-Ejinrin.
APC Chairman Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA, Wittu- Ajenifuja, appreciated the Chairman for his numerous projects and programs and importantly for making the Party proud, carrying Leaders along and delivering on his campaign promises, imploring him to continue on the great path he has started.
Education Secretary Epe LGEA, Otunba Shittu Idowu; HeadTeacher LG Primary School Otta-Ikosi and other stakeholders who spoke showered encomium on the council boss for his heavy investment in education.
