The Nation Newspaper

Category: Grassroots

  • Council distributes palliatives to residents

    Council distributes palliatives to residents

    By Muinat Ajibade-Alasela

    The Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area (LGA), Valentine Buraimoh, has distributed palliatives to residents to alleviate the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

    The food items distributed included rice, beans, eggs, palm oil, vegetable oil, yam and plantain, among others.

    The council boss noted that the palliatives were intended for the poor, the downtrodden, and those struggling to afford food during these challenging times.

    “This is our own way of providing aid to our people, and it is completely free. Considering the issue of fuel subsidy removal, we deemed it necessary to support our community,” he said.

    He said representatives were selected from various groups within the community to ensure the equitable distribution of the palliatives to their members.

    Read Also: DESOPADEC lifts 195 youths with multimillion naira skills, tools, cash

    “We have structured the distribution in a way that ensures all major stakeholders will be able to provide these supplies to their members who are in need. This aid is not intended for those who are already well-fed, but rather for those who are struggling to access enough food. We have taken the time to carefully examine all the groups within our local government council, including women, men, youths, the physically-challenged, and the downtrodden. We follow the same structure every time we implement programs like this,” Buraimoh added.

    Buraimoh said the distribution of palliatives would continue on a monthly basis until further notice, adding that a free medical programme would be available for community members for an entire week.

    He noted that simultaneous projects like road and school construction, customary court, were nearing completion.

    The chairman expressed his gratitude to the community members of Amuwo-Odofin for the trust they placed in him.

    He assured them that he would not disappoint them, stating that he was aware of the community’s needs and would prioritise addressing them witin the available resources.

    One of the representatives of the Community Development Council (CDC) of Amuwo-Odofin, Prince Abdullahi Akinsemoyin, expressed appreciation to the chairman.

    He implored him to expand his assistance beyond food distribution in order to alleviate further suffering by the people.

    The co-chairman of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) in Amuwo-Odofin, Evangelist Albert Ola, commended the chairman for his kind gesture towards the community.

    He acknowledged that the chairman’s efforts reached various segments of society and made a significant impact.

    A representative of the Spinal Cord Injury Association of Nigeria, Adejoke Afolabi, lauded the chairman for his commitment to ensuring the well-being of the residents despite the harsh economic conditions.

    She said: “It’s not easy nowadays; even affording food has become so expensive. With this distribution, we are grateful to him. He has promised that it will continue every month. In fact, we don’t know how to thank him enough, but God will surely reward him.”

  • Epe donates school materials

    Epe donates school materials

    The Epe Local Government Council has donated educational materials and furniture to some public schools in Epe.

    Chairman of the council, Ms Surah Animashaun, listed the beneficiaries of the educational materials and furniture to include Epe Grammar School, Army Children Primary School and Riverine Public Primary school all in the area.

    Read Also; Senate seeks declaration of emergency on narcotics use, others

     According to her, the students of Epe grammar school were presented with 50 bunk beds, with more being expected, while blackboards in the Army children school were replaced with standard white marker boards.

    She said the council also donated materials including math sets and textbooks to Upland and Riverine public primary schools.

    Animashaun assured that the council would do more in improving the academic standard of the pupils through provision of modern teaching and learning materials.

  • Group empowers 88 Badagry women

    Group empowers 88 Badagry women

    Hopewell Initiatives for National Development a humanitarian group passionate about ensuring economic wellness of the people across the localities in Nigeria, has empowered 88 widows in Badagry local government with various vocational skills to bolster their economic status.

    Driven by the intent to emancipate many indigents in the society, the group in collaboration with the Ability in Disability initiatives and the office of Women Development and Poverty Alleviation in Badagry local government held a 3-Day Skills Acquisition Training Programme from August 29th to August 31st, 2023, in Badagry.

    The Founder of Hopewell Initiatives for National Development Mrs. Bilquees Aiyepola while speaking at the trainee’s graduation ceremony held on October 11th,2023 said that the graduands have been well trained in five different vocations namely; Make up and tying of Gele, Soap and Insecticide, Tie and Dye, Ankara handcraft like bag and footwear and Catering.

    Mrs. Aiyepola added that the empowerment was targeted at building individual capacity of participants in order for them to be able to cater for their needs and contribute their quota in the economic development of their community as self -reliance is now the in-thing across the country.

    Read Also; Senate seeks declaration of emergency on narcotics use, others

      “A total of 88 enthusiastic women who are indigenes and settlers in Badagry kingdom from various backgrounds and age groups actively participated in the training programme. The diversity of participants reflected the inclusive nature of the initiative.

    “The training programme encompasses a range of practical and theoretical modules, including but not limited to Make up and Gele tying, Soap and Insecticide Making, Tie and Dye Making, Ankara Craft and Bag Making and Catering.”

    She added that the training helped in rekindling hope of widows and disadvantage women in the community and also open up source of making additional incomes and great hope of starting their business with little cash.

    According to Aiyepola the Royal fathers in attendance and Chairman of the local government Hon.Olusegun Adeniran Onilude were encouraged by the huge turnout and commitment of participants.

    She also commended the selfless contributions of the head of Women Development and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA)in Badagry local government Mrs. Titilayo  Alejo and the Supervisor for WAPA Mrs. Risikat  Hassan towards the success of the training.

    “We actively encouraged participants to provide feedback throughout the training. Their valuable input will be considered in the planning of future skills acquisition programmes.

    The group however, made recommendations owing to the assessment of the training, that on regular basis similar skills acquisition programmes should be organized to help upscale the participants. As well as ensuring an expansion of the scope and reach of future programmes to benefit more residents.

    Also, that the available network of commerce should be maximally explored to leverage available opportunities for partnerships with local businesses and industries to create employment avenues for graduands.

  • Badagry chairman advises students on drug abuse

    Badagry chairman advises students on drug abuse

    Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Mr Olusegun Onilude, has urged students to shun drug abuse in order not to undermine their future.

    He gave the advice during a sensitisation programme against drug abuse in Badagry tagged: “War Against Drug Abuse (WADA)”, organised by the  National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Seme Special Area Command .

    According to the chairman, drug abuse is a dream killer which must be avoided by students.

     “It stops one from achieving his goal in life. Any students indulging in drugs becomes a  problem to himself and the society. If you have a dream as a student, you have to avoid drugs because of the dangers inherent in it usage,” he said.

    Onilude said that drugs abusers were prone to engaging in cultism, thuggery, kidnapping, terrorism, armed robbery and other vices.

    Read Also: DESOPADEC lifts 195 youths with multimillion naira skills, tools, cash

    He urged students to stay focused and be committed to their studies.

    In his lecture, Chief Superintendent of Narcotics, NDLEA, Seme Command, Mr. Koya Afolabi, described drug abuse as the use of illicit drugs like cocaine ,cannabis or drug use without the doctor’s prescription.

    Afolabi warned students against drug abuse, saying its effects were deilirious.

    He said: “Students who persistently abuse substances often experience an array of problems, including academic difficulties and health-related problems.

    “Please don’t let your friends or relation drag to drugs. The repercussion is grave and can destroy your future. Don’t be a slave to drug, stop drugs abuse,” he said.

    The danger associated with drugs abuse is enormous. Drugs is a bad master, it will enslave and deprive you of your future and replace it with a shattered life.”

    Displaying of illegal drugs by the officials of NDLEA during the sensitisation programme in Badagry.

    Supervisor for Education in Badagry Local Government, Mrs Sewede Pot-Balogun, commended the officials of NDLEA for coming to lecture the students on menace of drugs abuse.

    She urged the students to always strive to be proud  sons or daughters of their parents, saying he hoped  the students   had learnt some lessons from the programme.

  • Lagos Island chair disburses palliatives

    Lagos Island chair disburses palliatives

    By Koribat Oshineye

    The Chairman of Lagos Island Local Government, Prince Tijani Adetoyese Olusi, has distributed more palliatives to residents and marketers in the council.

    The programme, held at the Oluwole Car Park, saw a massive turnout, and had medical experts on ground to conduct check-ups for the recipients and administer drugs where necessary.

    Supervisor for Agric/Youth and Sport, Ibrahim Dawodu, hailed the council boss whom he described as the man of the people, adding that he has sustained lives after the fuel subsidy removal.

    Former Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs Oyinlomo Danmole appreciated the efforts of Prince Olusi in packaging the food items at this crucial time, and barely a month after the previous distribution.

    Danmole enjoined him to make it a regular programme for the people, stating that in as much as he appreciated other infrastructure development, stomach infrastructure was paramount.

    Read Also; Senate seeks declaration of emergency on narcotics use, others

    The APC leader on Lagos Island, Alhaji A. G. O. Sodiq, advised that distribution of palliatives should not be centred in one location, adding that about a week ago, relief materials also came from the state and had been distributed to various wards/leaders.

    The Deputy Chairman, APC, Moshood Mayegun, said the distribution was a landmark achievement in the administration of Olusi.

    He assured everyone that there was light at the end of the tunnel, giving kudos to the council chief for taking the bull by the horn and heeding to the call of the people.

    He appealed to everyone to be patient and trust in the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration, assuring that the nation would experience transformation very soon.

    Olusi appreciated Lagos monarch Oba Rilwan Aremu Akiolu, the elders present, the Vice Chairman, Moh’d Rosul Eshilokun, whom he referred to as a loyal and dependable deputy, the Executive, Legislative and management members for their support.

    The package which contained yam, beans, rice, garri, yam fFlour, vegetable oil, palm oil, and ground pepper was distributed in four different locations – Aroloya, Isale Eko, Idumota (Eyin Eyo) and Oluwole.

  • ‘Focus on council development for sustainable national growth’

    ‘Focus on council development for sustainable national growth’

    The Federal Government has been urged to shift attention to empowering the local government system and operations, to ensure sustainable national development goals.

    The Director-General of the UK-based Diaspora Grassroots for Better Governance in Nigeria, Mr. Ade Adeshina, made the call on Sunday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    He said the primary purpose of the government, after ensuring the safety of life and property, was to guarantee improved conditions of the citizens wherever they live in the country.

    According to him, many Local Government Areas (LGAs) have not witnessed the dividends of democracy.

    He noted that rural communities had suffered the most due to poor governance.

     “Simple road networks cannot be built to required standards.

    “Local government council officials lack required scrutiny and, are in most cases, incapable of managing public pulse.

    Read Also: DESOPADEC lifts 195 youths with multimillion naira skills, tools, cash

     “Given Nigeria’s abundant natural and human resources, the current state of development is a source of concern.

    “We must heed the words of former Premier of the defunct Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who said that Nigeria should not be a poor nation given its vast resources,” Adeshina said.

    Adeshina added that the removal of fuel subsidies and the resulting high inflation rate had exacerbated the challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians.

     Similarly, he noted that the exchange rate of one dollar for N1,040 in the parallel market, as at October 12,  had also compounded the issue.

        To address these challenges and set Nigeria on a path to sustainable growth, Adeshina said the federal government must focus on infrastructure development across the 774 LGAs.

    He added that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration must reform the civil service to make every officer accountable for his actions and omissions.

    “The transition from a production-oriented economy, as our founders envisioned, to a consumption-based economy in the 1970s has hindered our progress.

    “We must return to a production-oriented path, growing and producing what we need locally and embracing our home-grown products.

    “This approach will reduce the demand for foreign currencies and make our Naira attractive to foreign investors,” he said.

    According to him, central to this transformation is the need for robust infrastructure development.

    He called for a standardised road and rail network to open up rural communities for business to enable economic inclusion.

    “The deplorable state of infrastructure across the 774 LGAs has hindered progress and economic growth. Basic road infrastructure and modern transport systems are essential to alleviate the challenges faced by our densely populated cities and to attract investment to rural areas,” he said.

    Adeshina, who is also the Director General of Bola Tinubu Support Organisation, UK branch (BTSO-UK), noted that with improved infrastructure, agricultural products would no longer go to waste due to bad roads.

     According to him, this will attract firms to set up production facilities, boost the economy, and provide employment opportunities.

    The D-G said the focus on LGAs was pivotal as it was at the grassroots level that the country could begin the restoration of its glory.

        “We must empower and hold local governments accountable for creating an enabling environment for investors and fostering development.

        “The restructuring of the civil service at all level of governance is equally vital,” he said.

        Adeshina explained that civil servants played a pivotal role in policy implementation, and their efficiency was paramount to achieving the goals of the Tinubu’s administration.

        “Restoring Nigeria’s glory and rescuing its citizens from hopelessness requires practical steps. It demands more than empty promises.

        “It necessitates the eradication of corruption, a commitment to grassroots governance, investment in infrastructure, and civil service reform.

        “Nigerians deserve a better future, and it is our collective responsibility to build the Nigeria of our dreams,”Adeshina said.

        He called on the Tinubu-led administration to focus on substantial infrastructure development, stressing that it was time for action.

  • Apapa-Iganmu gives out 10 mini-buses, tricycles

    Apapa-Iganmu gives out 10 mini-buses, tricycles

    Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area Chairman Dr. Funmilayo Akande-Muhammed has rolled out the first batch of the annual empowerment programme in celebrating her second year in office.

    The council chief donated 10 mini-buses (Korope) and 10 tricycles (Keke Marwa) to some indigents in the council.

    She said the buses and tricycles would cushion the effects of subsidy removal and help the beneficiaries fend for their family and dependants.

    She promised that more initiatives would be unveiled soon.

    Read Also: Apapa-Iganmu council mobilises for Tinubu

    Akande-Muhammed advised the beneficiaries to make good use of what was given to them.

    “They should use the buses and tricycles wisely to eke a living for themselves and fend for their families and love ones rather than selling it for a meagre amount. I promised to double we did in our first term in office by making the people of Apapa-Iganmu feel the impact of good governance,” she said.

    The beneficiaries hailed the council boss for the gesture.

    “I thank the Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu LCDA for remembering me after all these years. With this tricycle, I can start making money for myself and family. I ‘ll make sure I utilise this opportunity to buy more tricycles to add to this because I believe this is just the starting point of my life,” Adewunmi, a physically-challenged popularly known as Adex, said.

  • Ojokoro distributes 7,000 packs of food items

    Ojokoro distributes 7,000 packs of food items

    • By Halimah Balogun

    The Chairman of Ojokoro Local Council Development Area, Lagos, Hammed Tijani, has distributed 7,000 packs of food items to residents.

    The relief packages included essential rice, yam, beans, and garri.

    He also empowered over 70 women and youths who benefitted from the seven-day vocational training held in the council.

    Tijani said this was done to alleviate the impact of petrol subsidy removal on residents of Ojokoro.

    The council chief also donated 30 laptops to youths who participated in the intensive computer skill acquisition programme.

    Tijani said his administration was aware of the challenges faced by residents, hence, the many intervention initiatives to ameliorate their sufferings.

    He said: “Through the Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) Department, we organised a vocational training on production and packaging of Liquid Soap, Insecticide, Make-up/Make-Over and Gele-tying, Fabrics design and Catering.

    “We are empowering over 70 women and youths that benefited from the training programme with relevant equipment to enable them set up small scale businesses which will boost their daily income and improve their means to livelihood.

    “Moreover, cash palliative/empowerment of N100,000 was also given to some individuals to support their various businesses.”

    Tijani added that the administration recognised the importance of healthcare services and facilitated free health care for seven days.

    According to him, residents can avail themselves of services such as malaria treatment, high blood pressure screening with necessary medication, diabetes screening, and treatment of respiratory illnesses like cough.

    The council chief added that the government also extended its support to security agencies.

    “Our government has also provided fuel subsidy palliative in transportations to all the security agencies working within our council, such as the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Security (DSS) and the Lagos tate Neighbourhood Security Corps (LNSC). These security agencies shall be provided with free fuel, in order to ease their movement on effective security surveillance across various communities in our LCDA,” he said.

    Read Also: LASUTH holds free cataract surgery for Ojokoro residents

    The council boss appealed to residents to be their patient, emphasising that the distribution of relief packages and various empowerment programsme were just the beginning.

    Tijani added that the administration was determined to continue using available resources to mitigate the effects of fuel subsidy removal and ensure a more comfortable life for residents.

    Vice Chairman, who doubles as the Chairman of the Palliative Committee, Oladipupo Coker, said the beneficiaries were selected through the Community Development Council (CDC).

    Coker expressed satisfaction with the outcome and the impact it had on the community.

    The Council Manager, Adebola Adeyemi, explained that the programme was being rolled out in phases, with the current phase focusing on the community members.

    Adeyemi assured that subsequent phases would include workers and other stakeholders who fall under the category of poor and vulnerable households.

    “We have conducted a detailed analysis of the needs of our people. The distribution of these palliatives is just the first phase. In the coming weeks, we will extend our efforts to additional beneficiaries,” he added.

    One of the beneficiaries, who was given an equipment for fabric designing, Adebisi Onifade, lauded the chairman for organising the vocational training. She urged the council boss to continue with the initiative.

  • Youths urged to shun drug abuse, cultism

    Youths urged to shun drug abuse, cultism

    The Chairman, Badagry-West Local Council Development Area, Lagos, Joseph Gbenu, has cautioned youths in  against drugs abuse and cultism as he empowered 300 of them.

    Gbenu gave the admonition during an awards and youth empowerment programme in the council, to mark the International Youth Day celebration.

    The event was organised by the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Badagry-West Chapter, Lagos.

    Gbenu presented equipment such as rechargeable clippers, dryers, tile cutters, sewing machines, generating sets, shoe filing machines, vulcanising and grinding machines to 300 of the youths.

    According to the chairman, youths, especially those in primary and secondary schools, should stay away from cultism and drug abuse.

     “You must adhere to all your parents’ instructions and be obedient to them.

    “Stay away from drugs that are strictly prohibited in our society.

    “Always imbibe the spirit of discipline and tolerance, and ensure you participate in developing yourselves daily,” he said.

    He said his administration had promised to assist youths by providing tools and equipment to artisans who could not afford to buy tools to establish themselves.

    “But l believe that empowering our youths, who will be our leaders tomorrow, with equipment and materials will be a better option.

    “I promise that the next youth empowerment will be bigger than this year’s programme.

    “I am appealing to the beneficiaries of this empowerment not to sell the items for their selfish interest,” the council boss said.

    Read Also: Army begins three exercises to curb kidnapping, cultism, others

    Also speaking, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, urged youths to prepare themselves for any opportunity that could impact positively on them.

    Ogunlende urged them to take charge of their destiny to ensure they got to their destinations.

    The commissioner, who was the guest of honour at the event, charged the youths to be of good character and seek the counsel of elders.

    Coordinator, NYCN Badagry-West LCDA Branch, Mr. David Aladeotan, said youths in the council were working towards the betterment of their beloved communities.

    According to him, the NYCN in the council has awarded scholarships to deserving students and created platforms for young entrepreneurs to thrive.

    Aladeotan said the essence of the programme was to help youths who had learned a trade such as barbing, hairdressing and fashion designing to be self-reliant.

    He said the youth week and award ceremony marked the beginning of a new era of green skills and sustainable progress in the council.

    Mr. Samuel Enilari, one of the beneficiaries, thanked the council chairman for the gesture and promised to use the items for the progress of the council.

  • Residents appeal to govt on roads

    Residents appeal to govt on roads

    The residents of Agbovipe Community in the Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State have appealed to the government to help them with palliative measures on their roads after the heavy rains wreaked havoc in the community.

    According to the Baale of the community, Chief Thonda Peter, the heavy downpour on September 16 and 22 wreaked havoc on the roads in the community.

    He said: “The major road linking the community to others became impassable as the bridge and adjoining roads were flooded. The heavy rains on September 16 and 22 caused havoc on the road, making it impassable.

    “We are appealing to the government to come to our aid and help to clear the canal so that the road will be passable.”

    Read Also: Federal Govt now to build concrete roads

    A resident of the community, Thosu James stated that the bridge which was constructed by the Lagos State Government in 2016 was always submerged by flood anytime there was a downpour.

    He noted that some parts of the bridge had already collapsed.

    Another resident, Atewon Taiwo, also called on the government to help in constructing drainages to forestall flooding in the community.

    Taiwo pleaded that the drainage measure should cover the stretch of Ajara-Ikoga Road, with particular emphasis on the failed portion within Agbovipe community.

    The community, he said, serves as a link to many others. A community leader, Prophet Babatunde Tosi, called on the government to ensure prompt response as the current state of the road was affecting the livelihoods of majority of the residents within the community.