The Nation Newspaper

Category: Grassroots

  • Council empowers 60 female youths

    Council empowers 60 female youths

    By Ganiyat Mumuni and Mariam Ololade

    The Chairman of Itire Ikate Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Dr Ahmed Apatira, has empowered 60 female youths with Keke Marwa (tricycles) under a scheme tagged Apatira Queens Ride.

    This, he said, was part of the council’s poverty alleviation intervention for the community.

    The programme, according to the chairman, was in two phases, which required 30 eligible participants each, to apply for the first and second batches ranging from 18 to 40 years.

    He said: “I reached out to various elders and leaders in the community, the leaders of each political party before coming about the numbers of beneficiaries for this training.”

    Read Also; Florence Ita-Giwa retires?

    He advised the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity given to them in making decent use of the tricycles.

    Head of Department, Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Oluwatoyin Onanubi, commended the chairman for bringing in TVS Company to train youths on how to ride, maintain and repair tricycles.

    Onanubi added that the intervention would help alleviate poverty amongst women in the community and as well break bias of gender disparity.

    She urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the opportunity for themselves, their family members and to the nation at large.

    A beneficiary, Rukayat Lasisi, lauded the council chief’s initiative for the opportunity given considering women as important figures in the society.

    Another beneficiary, Buelah Dickson, commended the work and everyone in support of the programme.

  • Alabi presents N6.4b budget proposal

    Alabi presents N6.4b budget proposal

    Bariga Local Council, Lagos Chairman, Kolade Alabi, has presented a budget of N6.4 billion to the Legislative arm for 2024 fiscal year.

    The appropriation bill, tagged, ‘Budget of Consolidation’, was meant to consolidate infrastructure in Bariga.

    He added that it came to address the infrastructural deficits and to consolidate on the achievements in other sectors.

    Alabi, who is the Chairman of Conference of 57 Local Councils in Lagos State, said he and his team “have been working day and night without minding the 18 months left in their administration, as we planned to leave behind legacy and life-saving projects.”

    The National President of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) stated: “We are going to fix some major roads, in addition to the roads we have delivered, as we are ready to complete the ongoing ones.

    “We have opened seven Roads, including Olorunfunmi/Olorunesan streets with a bridge element. We are on Olorunkemi Street, which is 1.1 kilometres; we have completed the drainages, we have also commenced the second phase, which will be delivered with precision.

    Read Also; Florence Ita-Giwa retires?

    “On Morounfolu Street, our contractor is working day and night, we are about to complete the drainage and it will be done with interlocking. Falade Road will be completed with precision, after which the contractor will be directed to move to Kusa Street. We have started Adewunmi and Ayinke streets, which will be completed by next year.

    “We decided to embark on the total reconstruction of Igbehinadun and Ajidagan streets, which will connect Olorunfunmi and Olorunesan streets, with the option of connecting Alfa Sanni Street, which is under construction. These roads will ease the traffic and gridlock on Famous Bus Stop. We planned to construct Taiwo and Emmanuel streets in Ward B.”

    Alabi promised to revamp the health centres, saying: “We conceptualise the idea of having health centers in our eight political wards, while we fix the wear and tear in the existing ones. Asogbon, Oloja, Eva Adelaja health centres are going to be remodeled and expanded, Ilaje health center will be giving a new facelift. During my campaign, I said I would bridge the gap between dreams and reality, and modestly, we are delivering. By the time we handover, we would have delivered.”

    He thanked the party leaders for given him the peace to strive.

    He hailed the Vice Chairman, Zainot Adeola Kuponiyi, legislators, the executive members and the management for their support and ensuring a good atmosphere for the council to thrive.

    Leader of the House Okanlawon Temitope, pledged a swift passage of the budget.

  • Fanfare as Ojodu holds carnival

    Fanfare as Ojodu holds carnival

    • By Halimah Balogun

    Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has held the second Ojodu Carnival.

    Its Chairman, David Odunmbaku, said it was in fulfillment of his last year’s promise to establish the carnival as a yearly celebration.

    He said the significance of the carnival goes beyond entertainment but serve as a unifying factor for the local community and a platform to showcase the rich cultural heritage and values of the area.

    He emphasised the economic impact of the carnival, adding that it plays a role in boosting the local economy and supporting entrepreneurs within the council.

    He stressed the importance of providing a platform for local businesses to thrive and create opportunities for growth and development.

    Odunmbaku said:  “Ojodu Carnival is a platform that boosts our local economy; by positively projecting the brands and businesses within our LCDA. We create opportunities for growth and development. We recognise the importance of supporting our local entrepreneurs and creating an environment that fosters economic prosperity for all.

    Read Also: Ojodu screens 5,000 for free healthcare

    “In addition to its economic significance, the carnival serves as a source of entertainment and stress relief for our people. We understand the challenges and pressures of daily life, and it is our duty to provide moments of joy and relaxation.The musical festival, which is a part of this year’s carnival, will undoubtedly bring laughter, happiness, and relief to the masses.”

    The council chair expressed his gratitude to the organising committees and stakeholders for their  efforts and dedication in making the event a reality and highlighted the exciting activities lined up for the enjoyment of attendees.

    Odunmbaku urged the community members to embrace the spirit of unity, celebrate their cultural heritage, and support local businesses as they partake in the festivities of the Ojodu Carnival.

    He expressed his hopes that the event would bring joy, prosperity, and lasting memories to all who attend.

  • Ajala presents bursary to 200 students

    Ajala presents bursary to 200 students

    • 400 graduate from skill acquisition

    The Chairman of Odiolowo-Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Rasaq Ajala, has offered bursary to over 200 students of various tertiary institutions from the council.

       Each student got N50,000.

    Ajala emphasised that the bursary programme was aimed at supporting students to excel.

    The gesture, he said, aligned with the commitment to fulfill his electoral promises.

    He underscored the connection between the programme and the Federal Government’s decision to eliminate fuel subsidies, highlighting that the funds saved were intended to improve the well-being of the populace.

    Drawing parallels with the Federal Government’s objectives, he urged responsible allocation of funds from the federation allocation account, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

    “The motivation behind the programme is to ensure we walk our talk by fulfilling our electoral promises and to demonstrate to the world the importance of the policy of the Federal Government to remove fuel subsidy,” he said.

    Ajala advised students to cultivate a dedicated approach to their studies and emphasised the enduring value of education, even within a business context.

    He announced a substantial increase in the bursary awards, raising the previous amount of N20,000 to N50,000 for each qualifying student with immediate payment instructions.

    “Even if you choose to operate within the business environment, you must get yourself educated as this will differentiate you from those who did not attend school,” he said.

    Read Also: Ajala rolls out exciting welfare packages for residents

    Meanwhile, the council has graduated over 400 participants in the skill acquisition programme.

    The programme, spanning nine departments, showcased the diverse skills acquired by the participants.

    Ajala awarded N100,000 each to the top three students in every department, with the number of beneficiaries set to increase from three to ten in the next edition.

    “In every competition, there must always be winners and those who do not win this time could win in the next if they work harder. We are going to extend the number of the people who will be given cash awards from three this time around to 10 in the next edition,” he said.

    The programme coordinator, Mrs. Gbemisola Ajetumobi, expressed gratitude to Ajala for sponsoring the initiative.

    She emphasized the program’s impact in reducing unemployment, foreseeing the graduating students becoming future employers.

    The highlight of the event included the presentation of certificates and symbolic cash to the winners.

  • Sanwo-Olu hails Oshinowo for completing estate

    Sanwo-Olu hails Oshinowo for completing estate

    • By Zainab Olufemi

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has  commended the Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mayor Dele Oshinowo, for completing the first housing project initiated by the council.

    The project, named Greenwich Gardens Housing Estate, inaugurated by Sanwo-Olu last Friday, was constructed through a Public-Private Partnership initiative.

    The 101 housing units project at Ajelogo, in Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, comprises 66 units of two-bedroom flats, 20 units of three-bedroom terraces, 14 units of three-bedroom semi-detached houses, one unit of four-bedroom detached houses and 65 residential plots (sites and service scheme.)

    Arguably, the first housing project constructed by any local government administration in the country, it is said to represent the visionary ability of the administration to establish a new voyage for grass roots development in the country.

    Sanwo-Olu said the occasion represented purposeful governance at the grassroots.

    He said the efforts of the first chairman of the council, Mrs Yetunde Arobieke, who started the hard work were taken up by her  successor Obafemi Durosimi until the term of the chairman, Oshinowo.

    He said: “We are witnessing today a purposeful and good governance at the grassroots level, visionary leadership and continuity in governance that are driven by putting people first, because you can see that it’s only when you have continuity that people can build on what others have done and when you have clear vision, you know that indeed whatever are the successes of your predecessors, you need to build upon it and take it even higher.

    “I have reviewed this project with him a couple of times and each time I’ve been impressed with his commitments, steadfastness and visions. I am happy that I encouraged him, and that I gave him all the support. I’m also happy that we gave him the discounts, exemptions to make sure that it becomes a reality today.”

    Sanwo-Olu said the Greenwich Gardens will provide decent homes for Lagosians residing in the metropolis.

    “Unarguably, this estate will provide another legal community and it will add value to the ambiance of this environment. It will serve as a catalyst for improved economic activity in this entire community. If Agboyi-Ketu can get it right, there is opportunity for  other communities to do the same,” the governor said.

    Mayor Oshinowo said the housing project coincided with the 20th  establishment of 37 LCDAs in Lagos State.

    Credits, he said, be accorded to the visionary leadership of President Bola Tinubu, who as governor of Lagos State, created the 37 LCDAs in addition to the 20 Local Governments.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu to Muri-Okunola: your name remains in gold

    “With his (President Tinubu’s) leadership dexterity, it is a common belief that the economic challenges facing our dear nation will be seriously tackled under his leadership. Let me also leverage  this special event to commend the exceptional leadership style of our amiable governor, who provided the conducive atmosphere that enabled the necessary support for the commencement, development and actualisation of this legacy project of our administration,” he said.

    He added: “This is the second home coming of Mr. Governor to Agboyi-Ketu LCDA to inaugurate projects under the lifespan of this administration.

    “May I announce that there are many projects waiting to be commissioned; among them are Sterling Heights (106 Housing Units) and Raymond Estate (64 Housing Units)

    “It is clear that our administration is on to the right path to providing accelerated development, hence, I promise to sustain effective leadership till the last day of this administration.”

  • Iba LCDA inaugurates road

    Iba LCDA inaugurates road

    • By Ganiyat Mumuni

    The Chairman of Iba Local Council Development Area, Yisa Jubril, has inaugurated a new road at Ifelodun Street, Kembari.

    The road, Jubril said, is one of the cardinal objectives, which the administration places  high premium on.

    He promised to work on more roads to ease transportation.

    “This administration’s campaign promises are hinged on construction of roads that will ease the transportation of goods and people. I must say we will not relent. We promise to do more to develop our communities to an enviable height,” he said.

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    He also mentioned that there are few completed and ongoing projects in the LCDA, which include construction of Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in Okokomaiko; construction of a borehole at Cassidy bus stop, Okokomaiko; completion of Olanrewaju/Ajibola Street Road, Okokomaiko and construction of a culvert at Oduduwa Street, among others.

    Jubril urged the people of Kemberi to cooperate with the council, adding that the projects were underway.

    “We equally continue to seek your support, prayers, encouragement and constructive criticism where necessary. We promise to do our best beyond your imaginations. I congratulate the people of Ifelodun Street, Kemberi in particular on being the direct beneficiaries of this road that we are commissioning today,” he added.

  • 1,000 Ojuwoye LCDA residents get gas cylinders, burners

    1,000 Ojuwoye LCDA residents get gas cylinders, burners

    No fewer than 1,000 residents of Odiolowo-Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA) have benefitted from the Trash-for-Gas initiative of the council chairman, Rasak Ajala in collaboration with Smart Gas, a non-governmental organisation.

    Ajala said the programme underscored his dedication to creating a society “we can all take pride in. It aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwoolu’s sustainable development goals and our electoral commitments.”

    The gesture, he said, would go a long way in reducing poverty in the council and ensure safety at homes.

    According to him, there is a need to safeguard the planet, and ensure the well-being of our people.

    He urged the community to adopt fossil fuels for cooking over traditional wood and charcoal.

    “Fossil energy is an environmentally-friendly alternative. The government provides these items at no cost, allowing residents to allocate their funds elsewhere, thereby contributing to poverty reduction,” he said.

    Ajala encouraged the populace to embrace these items for a healthier and safer environment.

    “Health is wealth, and utilizing fossil fuels promotes a friendly living space. Through initiatives like Trash-for-Gas, we empower the community while fostering a clean and healthy environment,” he added.

    He enjoined the beneficiaries not to sell the items.

    Chairmen’s spouses empower residents

    By Halimah Balogun

    The Lagos State Council Chairmen Wives Association (LASCCWA) has empowered residents of the Epe Federal Constituency, comprising Epe Local Government, Ikosi-Ejinrin Local Council Development Area (LCDA), and Eredo LCDA, with working tools such as grinding machines, popcorn making machines, sewing machines, 6kg gas cylinders, and food items.

    The event was held at the Epe LGA Secretariat, Itamarun.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu donates 300 vehicles to security agencies

    Chairperson of Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA Mrs. Sijuade Anomo, in her welcome address, highlighted the commitment of LASCCWA towards socio-economic development of the communities.

    She emphasised the association’s dedication to poverty alleviation and expressed optimism about the far-reaching impact on beneficiaries and their families.

    Mrs Anomo urged the beneficiaries to leverage the tools they received, emphasizing the rare opportunity presented to them.

    The Chairman of Epe Local Government, Princess Surah Animashaun, commended the chairpersons for their dedication and expressed appreciation for their support in bringing joy to the people.

    The Chairman of Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA, Wale Anomo, hailed the chairpersons for enhancing their administrations’ efforts at reducing poverty in the councils.

    He expressed appreciation for choosing Epe as the program’s venue, highlighting the significance of supporting women, especially during the festive season

    Anomo’ counterpart at Eredo LCDA, Ismail Akinloye, said he was proud of the chairpersons, urging them to sustain the gesture.

    He emphasized the importance of husbands appreciating their supportive wives, as exemplified by LASCCWA.

    LASCCWA President, Mrs. Kehinde Ajala, acknowledged and appreciated the three chairpersons for their unwavering support, emphasizing the association’s determination to alleviate peoples’ burden.

    Ajala underscored the numerous association activities and stressed that their best efforts were yet to be revealed.

    Beneficiaries expressed deep appreciation for the support and materials provided valued at millions of naira.        

  • Chairmen’s spouses empower residents

    Chairmen’s spouses empower residents

    The Lagos State Council Chairmen Wives Association (LASCCWA) has empowered residents of the Epe Federal Constituency, comprising Epe Local Government, Ikosi-Ejinrin Local Council Development Area (LCDA), and Eredo LCDA, with working tools such as grinding machines, popcorn making machines, sewing machines, 6kg gas cylinders, and food items.
    The event was held at the Epe LGA Secretariat, Itamarun.
    Chairperson of Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA Mrs. Sijuade Anomo, in her welcome address, highlighted the commitment of LASCCWA towards socio-economic development of the communities.
    She emphasised the association’s dedication to poverty alleviation and expressed optimism about the far-reaching impact on beneficiaries and their families.
    Mrs Anomo urged the beneficiaries to leverage the tools they received, emphasizing the rare opportunity presented to them.
    The Chairman of Epe Local Government, Princess Surah Animashaun, commended the chairpersons for their dedication and expressed appreciation for their support in bringing joy to the people.
    The Chairman of Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA, Wale Anomo, hailed the chairpersons for enhancing their administrations’ efforts at reducing poverty in the councils.

    Read Also: UHC Day: Tinubu unveils plan for massive investments in health sector

    He expressed appreciation for choosing Epe as the program’s venue, highlighting the significance of supporting women, especially during the festive season
    Anomo’ counterpart at Eredo LCDA, Ismail Akinloye, said he was proud of the chairpersons, urging them to sustain the gesture.
    He emphasized the importance of husbands appreciating their supportive wives, as exemplified by LASCCWA.
    LASCCWA President, Mrs. Kehinde Ajala, acknowledged and appreciated the three chairpersons for their unwavering support, emphasizing the association’s determination to alleviate peoples’ burden.
    Ajala underscored the numerous association activities and stressed that their best efforts were yet to be revealed.
    Beneficiaries expressed deep appreciation for the support and materials provided valued at millions of naira.

  • Kosofe holds retreat

    Kosofe holds retreat

    Some officials of Kosofe Local Government have held a retreat to deliberate on the state of affairs and way forward for the local government.

    This was to complement the council’s recent budget retreat that took place in Lekki.

    The retreat, which held at Banex Hotel, Anthony Village, was graced by the council chairman, Moyosore Ogunlewe, a representative of Senator Tokunbo Abiru, councillors, all Senior Special Assistants to the chairman, council officials, the All Progressives Congress (APC) party leaders,  also had the SSAs presenting a white paper to the chairman, specifying suggestions for moving the council forward.

    According to head of the retreat planning committee, Funsho Oduntan, “the retreat was to deliberate and assist the chairman as his think-tank, and also encourage his aides to work harder towards the success of the administration.

    Ogunlewe commended them for the initiative.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu donates 300 vehicles to security agencies

    “There are forty of SSAs and I’m very sure what they’ve put together in the white paper would have a positive impact on the people of Kosofe. Part of the reasons we’ve also brought them in is to encourage them and harness their ideas for the progress of the council.”

    Comfort Olafare, Legislative Assistant to Senator Tokunbor Abiru, who represented the Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, extolled the efforts of the officials for projecting the image of the council.

    Olalere urged them to work harder because “the reward of good work is more work, but you can be rest assured that somebody somewhere is watching and recognition and reward will come when you least expect.”

    Awards of commendation were also given to outstanding performers in the council, including the senator and the council chairman.

  • Ikorodu West meets stakeholders

    Ikorodu West meets stakeholders

    • By Muinat Ajibade-Alasela

    Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area(LCDA) has held its 2024 Budget retreat.

    The Chairman, Kazeem Olarenwaju, said the retreat was an avenue to plan and make policies for the economic growth and development of the council.

    “I am very positive that our administration has done its utmost to improve the lives and living conditions of our residents, business organisations, students, communities, and all the good people of this great LCDA despite our financial constraints,” he said.

    The council boss urged the residents to cooperate with the principal officials of the council to tackle the formidable task before them.

    He said: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. Revenue is the basis of expenditures to have meaningful economic growth and development in their LCDA.

    Read Also: UHC Day: Tinubu unveils plan for massive investments in health sector

    “We must all get ready to work assiduously to improve our IGR to complement the Federal Statutory Allocation. This year, we shall focus on education, health, social protection, and economic affairs infrastructural development, the construction and rehabilitation of roads and drainages, and staff welfare.”

    Olarenwaju further stated that the completion of on-going projects, all their resources shall be directed towards the achievement of these programmes.

    He said they decided to consolidate upon the feats to ensure the wheels of governance in their council are constantly oiled and fine-tuned.

    The council boss lauded the efforts of all other staff for their unflinching support throughout the year and implored for their continuous support for the success of the administration.