The Nation Newspaper

Category: Grassroots

  • Council retirees told not to marry another wife

    Council retirees told not to marry another wife

    • By Sumayyah Sikiru

    The Chairman of Ifelodun Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Olufemi Okeowo has advised retirees to give priority to their well-being.

    Speaking at Layeni Hall, Okeowo, who was represented by the Council Manager, Azeez Abiodun, thanked the retirees for their services to the council.

    He expressed the gratitude of the government for their immeasurable contributions to the Civil Service from inception till their retirement time.

    He said: “What we are giving you is not commensurable to your dedication to service of Lagos State and the Local Government system. It is just a token and a way of appreciation.”

    According to him, this is not the appropriate time for the retirees to take another wife or venture into any new business but a time to rest.

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    The council chief stated that retirement should not be seen as a death sentence but an opportunity to rest as a long years of service.

    He said: “You have attained the height of senior citizens; you have used your youthful ages to serve your country, it is now time for you to use your wealth of experience to serve your communities; be more relevant in religious activities and contribute your quotas in the family, join clubs of your likes and ensure that you are not idle or alone.”

    The Director, Post Service, Local Government Establishment, Training and Pension, Irewole Ogunsakin, told the retirees to focus more on their health and exercise their body.

    Human Resources Officer Isiaka Ijale told the retirees to always go for medical checkups at the Primary Healthcare Centres closest to them.

    The event featured presentation of discharge certificates and gift items.

    The retirees include Deputy Director Nursing, Mrs. Alice  Afolabi Oyedele; Monsurat Olayemi Onikoyi; Mrs Adenike Karamot Bello; Mrs Ngozi Ashinwo; Mr Sunday Olusegun Folarin; Mrs Bassey Uduak Etim and Grace Elizabeth Ajokpanovo.

  • Council boss names health centre after Senator Adebule

    Council boss names health centre after Senator Adebule

    • By Elizabeth Ebiniyi

    The Chairman of Iba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Jubril Yisa, has named a Primary Health Care Centre (PHC) after the Senator representing Lagos West Senatorial District, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule.

    According to him, this was done in a move to honour Senator Adebule for her political contributions to the state.

    During the inauguration of the centre, the chairman declared that the edifice would be known as the Senator Oluranti Adebule Building.

    He emphasised Senator Adebule’s significant political journey, from her tenure as the Secretary to the Lagos State Government (SSG), Deputy Governor, to her current role as the Senator representing Lagos West Senatorial District.

    He noted that the inauguration of the PHC building aligned with the council’s goal to provide accessible healthcare services and mitigate congestion at general hospitals.

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    Yisa expressed gratitude for the  support of the community in the realisation of the project and reiterated the council’s commitment to fulfilling promises made during their election campaign.

    He underscored the importance of bringing healthcare closer to the grassroots.

    According to him, the health facility would operate 24 hours daily to cater to the health needs of the community.

    He said: “We executed this project in order to bring health care closer to the people at the grassroots as you will agree with me that we cannot visit general hospital on every complaint so as to avoid been congested.

    “More also, at the Primary Health Care Centre, we have what it takes to take care of patients because competent doctors and nurses are available to attend to your complaints. We will continue to appreciate and be thankful for your immeasurable support towards actualisation of this Primary Health Centre at Okokomaiko.”

  • Ajala distributes Yuletide gifts to 2000 residents

    Ajala distributes Yuletide gifts to 2000 residents

    Over 2000 residents of Odi-Olowo-Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA) have benefitted from the yuletide package distributed by the council.

    Wife of the council Chairman, Mrs Muyibat Ajala, said the package was thoughtfully curated, encompassing live chickens, rice, and an array of other essential food items.

    Mrs Ajala said festive season was meant to share love.

    She enjoined residents to continue to be law-abiding.

    “They should tidy up their surroundings and celebrate in moderation. Above all, let’s be prayerful,” she said.

    Vice-Chairman, Seyi Jakande, hailed Ajala for his transformative programmes to uplift residents.

    He said the council boss recently introduced the sale of subsidized chickens, spreading the joy of Christmas celebrations among the residents.

    “Today’s programme is a further testament to the administration’s commitment to various impactful initiatives. Each participant will receive a live chicken, a 5-kilogram bag of rice, and other complementary packages.

    “This government truly connects with the people, allowing the chairman to meet expectations. It is reshaping the narrative around Mushin, which is truly commendable,” he said.

    A beneficiary, Ronke Olatunji, expressed gratitude for the council’s initiative.

    “I thank him (Ajala) for the exemplary leadership. His unwavering support for us residents, particularly individuals like myself, is commendable.

    “I had the privilege of participating in the recent skills acquisition program organized by the chairman, where I not only gained valuable skills but also received financial assistance distributed post-programme. Today, I am fortunate to have received another generous package. In this moment, I extend my heartfelt prayers for God to continually fortify the chairman and elevate him to greater heights,” she said.

    Another beneficiary expressed his enthusiasm for being included in the package, stating, “I extend my sincere appreciation to the chairman for introducing such a commendable initiative, particularly during this festive period.

     “I am confident that God will elevate him to greater heights, and I eagerly anticipate witnessing his potential candidacy for the next governorship.”

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    A leader of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye Branch, Pastor Akinsanya Olatunji, lauded and offered prayers for Ajala.

    He said religious leaders are pleased with his administration.

    Ajala thanked God for the success of all activities, programmes, and events organized in 2023.

    He extended appreciation to residents, council staff, and leaders for their support.

    He seized the opportunity to highlight the various programmes and projects executed throughout the year.

    “Our administration has implemented numerous initiatives to benefit LCDA residents. A notable example is the free health mission that assisted 952 residents, including primary school pupils, who will receive complimentary eye surgery,” he said.

    He emphasized that these initiatives were designed to alleviate financial burdens for the beneficiaries and their families.

  • Speaker inaugurates 80-bed hospital in Imota

    Speaker inaugurates 80-bed hospital in Imota

    • Hospital will aid healthcare delivery, says Council chair

    The residents of Imota Local Council Development Area, yesterday came out in hundreds as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, inaugurated the newly constructed 80-bed capacity maternal and child hospital in Imota, Lagos.

    The hospital which was facilitated by the House of Representatives member, representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency Babajimi Benson was constructed by the Office of Senior Special Assistant to president on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    Speaker Abbas said the hospital was not only about inaugurating a building but also reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of all Nigerians.

    “The commissioning of the 80-bed hospital signifies a significant step towards addressing the disparities in healthcare accessibility and quality, symbolizing the collective aspirations for a Nigeria where quality healthcare is a right for every citizen. The hospital stands as a beacon of hope and a crucial resource in the ongoing efforts to improve the health and well-being of the community”, he said.

    The Speaker lauded Benson, for his dedication and relentless advocacy, which made the hospital project a reality.

    He commended Benson’s commitment to the needs and well-being of the people of the constituency, stating that it epitomizes the spirit of service and dedication that every legislator and public servant should aspire to.

    Addressing the challenges facing the health sector in Nigeria, Abbas highlighted the inadequate health infrastructure, overwhelming hospitals and clinics, and unequal access to quality healthcare.

    He also underscored the shortage of qualified healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and specialists, as a significant issue impacting the sector, exacerbated by the attempted brain drain.

    He, however, noted that the newly commissioned hospital, purposefully designed for women and children is aimed at addressing these challenges by targeting the most vulnerable members of the population.

    He added that the hospital, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, is poised to provide essential maternal and child health services, tackle diseases, and respond to emergencies, thereby enhancing the lives of the people in the constituency and Lagos at large.

    He appealed to Nigerians to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the legislative arm of government is

    working hand in hand with all major stakeholders to bring dividends of democracy to the people.

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on (SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, assured the residents that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu would be felt by all citizenry irrespective of status, class or tribe.

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    She stressed the commitment of the Federal Government in providing basic infrastructure that will directly impact on the citizenry and bring development to the country.

    Princess Orelope-Adefulire said the centre is fully equipped to provide adequate Health service delivery for mother and child adding that it is aimed at reducing death rate during childbirth.

    She urged the community to make adequate use of the health facility and ensure proper maintenance.

    Benson reiterated his commitment to bring more developmental projects to his constituency.

    He also expressed gratitude to the Princess Orelope-Adefulire and constituents for making the project a reality.

    The Chairman of Imota Local Council Development Area, Wasiu Agoro lauded Benson and Princess Orelope-Adefulire for situating the project in Imota.

    Agoro said it would aid health care delivery to the residents and people in the environs.

  • Ojodu presents community-driven budget

    Ojodu presents community-driven budget

    Chairman of Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Segun Odunmbaku, has presented N3.5 billion budget to the legislative house at the council secretariat, Oke-Ira, Ogba.

    The appropriation bill was tagged “Community-Driven Budget”.

    Odunmbaku said his administration remains committed to enhancing the quality of life of the citizens through policy thrust with the focus on key components of the Health, Education, Youth & Women Empowerment and Social Infrastructure (H.E.Y.S) Agenda.

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    “We are mindful of the need to ensure continuous provision of dividend of democracy for our people as our own obligation for their freely given mandate to us. We are also determined to protect and consolidate on our achievements recorded so far,” he said.

    The proposed budget, he said, was well planned and clearly outlined people’s programmes and projects while wishing the legislators fruitful deliberations over the appropriation bill.

    Leader of the House, Opeyemi Apatira said the legislative will prioritize key sectors such as Education, Healthcare, Infrastructure and Social Services in its appropriation responsibilities based on feedback and needs expressed by constituents.

  • Iba disburses bursary to students

    Iba disburses bursary to students

    Chairman of Iba Local Council Development Area (LCDA),  Jubril Yisa, has disbursed bursary to undergraduate students.

    The gesture, Yisa said, was in support of their academic pursuits.

    According to him, the council has made it a priority to ease the financial burdens faced by students to reinforce the fundamental role that education plays in the overall development and well-being of society.

    Yisa emphasised the importance of a strong educational foundation in shaping future leaders, highlighting the administration’s “unyielding commitment” to providing qualitative education for the citizens of the council.

    He said: “Education forms the bedrock of development of any society and its importance to overall well-being of every individual. Any society whose educational foundation is faulty cannot produce good and worthy leaders. Thus, any government worth its salt must always strive to provide qualitative education for its citizenry.

    “This administration places a high premium on education and today’s event is an affirmation of this administration’s dedication to support our students with bursary awards to ease some financial burdens that some of our students go through.

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    “This administration will continue to contribute immensely to improve the standard and growth of education within the council. At this juncture, permit me to highlight some of my achievements in the education sector. We have been able to present 250 GCE forms to indigent students, procured 200 JAMB forms to the needy students, presentation of skills acquisition forms to students. Lastly, we resuscitated  the Adult Literacy Class for our aged men and women to improve their education standard.”

    He congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to serve as beacons of hope for the community and to continue striving for excellence in their academic pursuits.

    The council chair reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the standard and growth of education in the community and emphasised the importance of nurturing the potential of every student.

  • Monarch seeks more recognition for colleagues

    Monarch seeks more recognition for colleagues

    The Adegbajo of Odogbawojo Kingdom in Epe Local Government, Oba Maruffdeen Adelani Adeniyi, has appealed to the Lagos State government for more recognition and empowerment of traditional rulers with constitutional authority.

    Emphasising the integral role of traditional rulers in community governance and their proximity to the people, Oba Adeniyi underscored the necessity of empowering their leadership to address local challenges and drive meaningful development.

    He spoke at his first coronation anniversary and installation of chiefs at RCM Primary School, Epe.

    He called for the preservation of Odogbawojo’s rich agricultural heritage, “which faces threats due to diminishing farmlands amidst rapid urban development”.

    The monarch expressed the determination to transform Odogbawojo into a food-producing kingdom, highlighting the need for agricultural reserves to sustain and enhance the community’s farming legacy.

    “I am determined to preserve our agricultural heritage in Odogbawojo, even as farmlands diminish due to development. My focus is on creating agricultural reserves to make our community a food-producing kingdom. Achieving peace and curbing cultism are vital accomplishments, along with restoring lost cultural practices,” he said

    The traditional ruler noted that, in collaboration with political stakeholders, he had spearheaded efforts to bolster infrastructure in Odogbawojo, adding that endeavours to enhance road networks and expand access to electricity had been set in motion.

    He reiterated his commitment to elevate the standard of living for the kingdom’s residents and safeguard communal lands and assets.

    Oba Adeniyi extended his sincere gratitude to the state government for its support and  sought further collaboration to drive sustainable development in Odogbawojo.

    He emphasised the role of traditional rulers as catalysts for progress and implored for their enhanced empowerment to steer the trajectory of their communities.

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    He said: “Collaborating with politicians, I’ve initiated efforts for better infrastructure—roads and electricity. The battle against land grabbers is ongoing. My ultimate plea is for the Lagos State Government to empower traditional rulers with constitutional authority, recognising our proximity to the people in community governance.”

    Providing a glimpse into the kingdom’s historic origins, Oba Adeniyi shed light on the heritage of Odogbawojo as part of the community of Omoolowu, tracing its lineage back to the period of warfare in ancient times.

    He recounted the migration of the descendants of Owu, with Adegbajo, a son of Olowu in Ijebu, emerging as a unifying figure, who led and settled the people in the current domain.

    Oba Adeniyi also shared the captivating narrative of the kingdom’s namesake, Odogbawojo, which originated from the river where Adegbajo settled after being divinely instructed to seek a new settlement.

  • Lawmaker gifts constituents New Year’s package

    Lawmaker gifts constituents New Year’s package

    • By Elizabeth Ebiniyi

    A Councillor representing Ward E in Somolu Local Government, Mobolaji Teluwo, has distributed New Year’s gifts to artisans, widows, aged and others at Okesuna/Alase in the ward.

    Teluwo urged party faithful of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and residents of the ward to be very prayerful and stay out of trouble during the Yuletide.

    The lawmaker said he had contributed  to the development of his community, Okesuna/Alase, by constructing boreholes across the four zones of the ward.

    He also rendered support to youths through jobs opportunity.

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    He thanked the council Chairman, AbdulHamed Salawu, for providing a conducive atmosphere for people to thrive.

    He extended his gratitude to the leaders of the ward for their support.

    The beneficiaries appreciated him for hiS gesture.

    They described Teluwo as a grass- roots mobiliser and a philanthropist and prayed for God’s blessings and protection upon him and his family.

  • Ifako-Ijaiye lifts 80 with digital, graphic skills

    Ifako-Ijaiye lifts 80 with digital, graphic skills

    By Elizabeth Ebiniyi

    Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government, Lagos State has graduated 80 indigenes of the  area trained in Digital Marketing and Graphic Design. 

    Its Chairman, Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat,  said: “The graduates presented with certificates were trained on digital marketing and graphics design within the last four weeks by the Council in partnership with GIZ, Germany.

      “The graduands went through expert-led sessions, hard on practical and interactive sessions with GIZ Germany, our partner and gained valuable insights in latest techniques, trends and best practices in digital marketing and graphic design.

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     “It would be recalled that our Council on February 20, 2022 trained 20 members of staff at our Bead and Accessories Production Workshop at the Local Government Council and further exposed  participants to  intensive training and guidance under  world-class instructors in the jewelry-making industry in Canada.”

    Upon their return to Ifako-Ijaiye, the participants were equipped to transfer their knowledge to others. 

    These trainers of trainers (TROT) would continue to receive support from the local government and create a cycle of new entrepreneurs who are to be provided with the materials to access  shops, and financial empowerment to kick-start their entrepreneurial businesses and become self-employed too, the chairman added.

     “We are committed to nurturing the creative talents within our community,” the chairman added.  

  • Oriade chair vows to complete ongoing projects

    Oriade chair vows to complete ongoing projects

    By Mariam Ololade

    The Chairman of Oriade Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Rahmatallahi Akinlola-Hassann, has pledged to complete ongoing projects in the council before leaving office at the end of her tenure.

    She  assured residents of improved welfare and infrastructural development during the 2024 fiscal year.

    The council boss gave this assurance while presenting the 2024 budget tagged Budget of Realisation and Empowerment to the Legislative Arm of the council.

    The 2024 budget estimate is put at N4.9 billion.

    From the total budget, the Recurrent expenditure stands at N3, 135, 736, 163.17 while the Capital expenditure stands at N1, 764,739,701.29.

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    Speaking on the performance of 2023 budget, the council boss noted that Health, Education, Empowerment, Infrastructure and Environment took the lead with average of about 90 per cent delivery.

    Akinlola-Hassan expressed hope that the legislative House will accord priority and give accelerated passage of the budget.

    “I remain committed to improving the lots of the people and ensure that the council move forward. We will ensure adequate infrastructural and also stomach infrastructure to the people of the council during the coming year,” she said.

    While receiving the budget, the Leader of the Legislative House, Jamiu Shittu, promised accelerated hearing and quick passage of the proposal.

    He said the Legislative arm has been working as a team in the last two years to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Oriade LCDA and environs.

    Shittu expressed the need for the executive to increase the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) by blocking the leakages despite the rise in Federal allocation to the third tier of government.

    He enjoined the executive to ensure transparent implementation of the budget without fear or favour.