The Nation Newspaper

Category: Grassroots

  • Yuletide: Epe gifts food items to residents

    Yuletide: Epe gifts food items to residents

    The Chairman of Epe Local Government Council Area, Princess Surah Animashaun, has gifted the residents food items, chickens, and cash to celebrate Christmas and New Year.

    The initiative, according to her, aimed at alleviating financial burden many families faces during the festive season.

    The event which was held at the council Secretariat, Ita-Marun, Epe, attracted hundreds of women, artisans, vulnerable households and others across the eight wards and communities of the local government council area.

    “Indeed, it is a Christmas outreach, which cut across wards and communities and it is aimed at cushioning economic pressures and reaffirming the present administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people.

    Read Also: A cautious case for optimism: What Nigeria’s youth minister got right in 2025

    “As you can see, market women, artisans, the elderly people, and vulnerable households are among beneficiaries, as the initiative brings smiles and renewed hope to many homes,” Princess Animashaun said.

    She emphasised that Christmas is a season of love, sharing and unity, noting that no resident of Epe should be left behind during such a significant celebration.

    She also emphasised the importance of supporting one another, especially during challenging times, adding that the initiative was part of her effort to uplift women, artisans, and vulnerable people in the council.

    She said that the gesture further reflects her administration’s willingness and tradition of inclusive leadership and responsive governance, strengthening the bond between the government and the people.

  • Igando–Ikotun highlights achievements in 100 days

    Igando–Ikotun highlights achievements in 100 days

    In just 100 days of his second term, Lasisi Akinsanya, Chairman of Igando–Ikotun LCDA, has completed several projects. These projects highlight his drive for grassroots development.

    During a media briefing and tour, the council showcased results across multiple sectors, allowing journalists, officials, and residents to see the impact firsthand.

    Akinsanya told reporters the tour demonstrates his administration’s focus on transparency and accountability. He planned and completed all the projects in the last three months, reinforcing their commitment to faster development and better services.

    “Infrastructure is central to our development plan. It shapes mobility, security, and the economy,” the chairman said. “When completed, these projects will strengthen road links, ease traffic, cut travel time, prevent flooding, and improve local transportation.”

    Much of the tour focused on fixing roads and drainage in Ikotun, Ijegun, Igando, and Akesan. One completed project is the renovation of Muri Olosunde/Fatimo Street in Ikotun, including the installation of new solar streetlights to improve security and visibility.

    Other roads either completed or still under construction, include Adeotan Street and Alani Ige Street in Ikotun, Oyisa Street, Chris Bee Street, and Independence Way, all in Igando. It also includes roads in other areas of Igando, including Olanrewaju/Rabiat Akinsanya Street, Egan and Irepodun/Anuoluwapo Street.

    A key project is the 1.3-kilometre Lafunke Street in Ijegun Ward, now under construction with drains on both sides. Akinsanya said the road was once impassable, causing problems for residents.

    Read Also: NIN becomes automatic tax ID for Nigerians — FIRS

    “This Lafunke Road, about 1.36 kilometres, was once impassable,” he said. “About 500 people live along this road. We prioritised their welfare, so we awarded the contract. Work is progressing well. In two or three months, we hope to complete and commission it—coinciding with our 200 days in office.”

    He also explained that a concrete culvert at the entrance will direct floodwater into Ijegun’s main drainage canal.

    Former Vice-Chairman of the council, Mojisola Badmos, and a resident, called it a bold project. “Normally, a project this big should be handled by the state, not the local council,” she said. “But Chairman Akinsanya cares about Ijegun Ward, so he took it on. When finished, it will help. It’s the only road connecting nearly 25 streets to the main road.”

    Other achievements include the council installing a 500KVA transformer on Santa Maria Street in Egan, Igando, and restoring electricity after about 10 months without power. This restoration revived business and social activity.

    Chairman of the Santa Maria Landlord Association, Olatunji Soyoola, thanked Akinsanya for given the community 500KVA transformer.

  • Agboyi-Ketu unveils N10.1b budget

    Agboyi-Ketu unveils N10.1b budget

    The Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Adetola Abubakar, has presented a proposed N10.1 billion budget estimate for the 2026 fiscal year to the legislative arm of the council, pledging improved service delivery and accelerated grassroots development.

    Abubakar said the appropriation, themed “Budget of a New Dawn,” allocated about 51 per cent to capital expenditure and 49 per cent to recurrent expenditure, describing the proposal as people-driven and inclusive.

    According to her, the budget was shaped by extensive consultations and stakeholders’ engagement across the LCDA.

    Read Also: NCTC boss: Coups in Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso worsen security in Nigeria

    “This budget is a reflection of the needs, wants and requests of the people of Agboyi-Ketu. We have held several stakeholder meetings, felt their pulse and listened to what they have been clamouring for. All these have been captured for implementation in 2026,” she said.

    The chairman assured residents of proactive governance and effective execution of projects, noting that the administration was committed to delivering tangible dividends of democracy.

    On internally generated revenue (IGR), Abubakar said structures were already in place to boost revenue collection and eliminate leakages. She said that revenue boxes would soon be distributed to area offices to enhance efficiency, while additional safeguards had been introduced to ensure that all taxpayer funds are duly remitted into the LCDA’s account.

    “This will ensure that every naira due to the council is accounted for, enabling us to adequately attend to the needs of our people,” she said.

  • Council empowers 550 residents with cash

    Council empowers 550 residents with cash

    By Ummusalamoh Kamorudeen and Kowiyat Dada

    Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Akeem Dauda, has empowered 550 residents with cash grants and empowerment packages, as part of his administration’s commitment to grassroots’ development.

    He said that the empowerment is for artisans, pensioners, youths, startup entrepreneurs, physically challenged persons, and low-income earners.

    “This programme is not a political gesture, it is an investment in our people, our economy, and our collective future,” he said.

    He urged the recipients to utilise the funds to boost their productivity and multiply their value.

    According to him, newly completed road projects – Shanu and Balogun streets –demonstrated his administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure and stimulating commercial activities.

    Council Manager, Taiwo Odubeko, praised Dauda’s leadership, describing it as transformative, with notable improvements in service delivery, infrastructure, and institutional growth. “Every project executed and every policy implemented reflects a shared commitment to the Ikeja Agenda and the Renewed Hope vision,” she said.

    Read Also: Countries understudy Nigeria data protection ecosystem

    APC Lagos State Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, commended Dauda’s performance, attributing the progress to improved federal allocations and reforms initiated at the national and state levels.

    He urged residents to continue supporting the APC, ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Deputy Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Adedamola Kasunmu, expressed confidence that Dauda would achieve even more before the end of his tenure.

    One of the empowerment beneficiaries, Oluwatoyin Salaudeen, expressed gratitude to the chairman, saying the cash support would significantly boost her business.

  • Why Lagos JOHESU joined nationwide strike

    Why Lagos JOHESU joined nationwide strike

    The Lagos State Chapter of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) said it joined the ongoing nationwide industrial action following what it described as prolonged inaction, unresolved welfare issues, and the failure of authorities to address long-standing demands affecting health workers in the state.

    JOHESU Lagos embarked on the strike after the expiration of a two-week notice issued to the Lagos State Government, with full withdrawal of services commencing on December 2. The decision followed extensive consultations among union leaders and members, in line with directives from the national leadership of JOHESU.

    He stressed that the industrial action is not targeted at the public but a necessary step to protect the integrity of the health sector and prevent further decline in service delivery caused by poor welfare, professional marginalisation, and loss of skilled personnel.

    According to the union, the action became inevitable after repeated engagements with relevant state authorities failed to yield concrete commitments on critical issues affecting healthcare professionals in Lagos. While the strike initially began at the federal level on November 15, Lagos and other states were compelled to align after continued neglect of both national agreements and state-specific demands.

    Read Also: NCTC boss: Coups in Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso worsen security in Nigeria

    Secretary of JOHESU in Lagos State Comrade Kabiawu Gbolahan, explained that the strike was driven by the need to correct structural and welfare imbalances within the state health system.

    Gbolahan, who doubles as the Chairman of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Lagos State Branch, listed the core demands of JOHESU Lagos to include the domestication of the Consultant Pharmacy Cadre, creation of a Directorate of Medical Laboratory Services, correction of anomalies in the payment of call duty allowances, review of retention allowances for other health workers, and provision of staff buses to ease transportation challenges faced by health personnel.

    He noted that despite several meetings with state commissioners, Heads of Service, and government negotiation teams, there had been no firm or actionable resolution to these demands, leaving health workers with no alternative than to join the strike.

  • Iba seeks infrastructural continuity at budget retreat

    Iba seeks infrastructural continuity at budget retreat

    The Chairman of Iba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Jubril Yisa, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustained development with the unveiling of the Year 2026 budget, themed “Budget of Infrastructural Continuity.”

    Yisa made known during a Budget Retreat at Crown City Hotel & Suites, Agbara-Atan, Ogun State.

    Describing the retreat as a strategic engagement rather than a routine administrative exercise, the chairman noted that the 2026 budget is designed to consolidate and expand on existing infrastructural projects across the LCDA. He emphasized that development is a continuous process that requires consistency, resilience, and a clear sense of purpose.

    Read Also: First Lady urges peaceful coexistence, says unity is key to Nigeria’s prosperity

    According to him, the administration has over the years made significant investments in key sectors such as road infrastructure, education, healthcare, environmental management, and community development. The 2026 budget, he said, is focused on sustaining these gains rather than abandoning ongoing projects.

    In the education sector, he said there were plans to continue the renovation and expansion of public schools to create more conducive learning environments for pupils and teachers. He stressed that quality education remains central to securing a brighter future for the younger generation.

    The chairman assured residents of sustained upgrades to primary health centres, with special attention to maternal and child health services as well as community health outreach programmes. He noted that accessible and efficient healthcare is fundamental to building a productive and prosperous community.

    The chairman also highlighted roads and transportation as a major priority of the 2026 budget. He said the council would focus on completing ongoing road projects while initiating new ones where necessary, adding that the era of abandoned projects must remain a thing of the past.

  • Eti-Osa proposes N6.8b

    Eti-Osa proposes N6.8b

    By Kowiyat Dada

    The Chairman of Eti-Osa Local Government, Omoba Alimot Adetoro, has presented the budget to the Legislative Council.

    The budget, totaling N6.8 billion, prioritises healthcare, education, youth empowerment, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and agriculture, aligning with the administration’s HEYIGA Agenda.

    She said it aims to promote fiscal sustainability, debt avoidance, and effective governance.

    She expressed confidence that the budget would drive progress in Eti-Osa, and sought the legislator’s support for its timely passage.

    Read Also: U.S. Embassy to put visa issuance on hold in Nigeria, 18 other countries from Jan 1

    According to her, “The outgoing fiscal period tested the resilience of local governance across Nigeria. Rising inflation, increased cost of service delivery, rapid population growth, security concerns, and infrastructural pressure in a rapidly developing urban area like Eti-Osa presents undeniable challenges.

    “However, through prudent resource management, strategic prioritisation, and sustained collaboration with our stakeholders, this administration recorded immense progress across key sectors.

    “Within the last three months, we focused on strengthening grassroots service delivery, particularly in environmental sanitation, primary healthcare, and education support, road rehabilitation and drainage intervention to address flooding and improve movement within our community. We organised our markets and sustained traders’ engagement, promoting orderliness and revenue growth, youth empowerment initiatives, skills acquisition programmes, and community-based employment opportunities, improved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) through digitisation, transparency, and reduction of revenue leakages, institutional reforms, staff capacity building, and restoration of confidence in local government administration.”

  • Surulere holds ‘colourful carnival’

    Surulere holds ‘colourful carnival’

    By Azeezat Adeshola and Kowiyat Dada

    The week-long Surulere Siesta Fiesta, organised by the Surulere Local Government, reached its climax on Saturday with vibrant ward displays at the National Stadium, Surulere.

    The fiesta, which commenced on Monday, featured a series of community engagement activities across the council area, culminating in the official ward-by-ward competition that drew a large turnout of residents and supporters.

    Wards across the local government, including Itire-Ikate and Coker Aguda LCDAs, participated in the colourful displays, showcasing elaborate costumes, traditional dances, choreographed performances and coordinated supporter turnout.

    Speaking at the event, Chairman of Surulere Local Government, Sulaiman Yusuf, said this year’s edition recorded a higher turnout compared to previous years.

    He explained that lessons learnt from last year informed key adjustments, including decentralising parade movements and assigning costume responsibilities to individual wards.

    “Last year, movement around Surulere was tasking. This time, we allowed wards to parade within their communities before converging at the National Stadium, where the judging took place,” he said.

    He added that judges were drawn from different sectors to ensure fairness and credibility in the assessment process.

    Read Also: U.S. Embassy to put visa issuance on hold in Nigeria, 18 other countries from Jan 1

    Yusuf also said that Itire-Ikate and Coker Aguda LCDAs were fully integrated into this year’s fiesta, with the councils jointly funding the programme.

    He commended the organising committee, led by Fuad Oki, as well as corporate organisations and political leaders for their support.

    The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Housing, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, described the fiesta as a platform for promoting unity, togetherness, cultural heritage and community engagement.

    According to her, the event brought together Surulere indigenes, including those in the diaspora, in an atmosphere of peace and celebration.

    In his remarks, Council Leader, Hakeem Abdulrahman, said the fiesta reflected Surulere’s identity as a sports and entertainment hub.

  • Ikoyi-Obalende presents N7.49B budget

    Ikoyi-Obalende presents N7.49B budget

    By Ummusalamoh Kamorudeen and Kowiyat Dada

    The Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has presented proposed N7.49 billion budget.

    The budget focused on infrastructure development and environmental sustainability.

    Chairman of the council, Bola Oladunjoye, described the proposal as a people-centred document designed to improve the quality of life of residents while aligning with the Lagos State Government THEMES Plus Agenda and the LCDA’s ELEVATE Agenda.

    The budget, themed Environmental Sustainability and Infrastructure, is projected at N7.4 billion, with revenue sources including federal allocation, Value Added Tax (VAT), state-coordinated revenue, and other FAAC inflows.

    According to him, the budget has been allocated to capital projects, particularly in works and infrastructure, health, education, social services, and environmental management.

    He disclosed that over N2.44 billion has been earmarked for infrastructure development, including road construction, rehabilitation, water supply improvement, and sanitation projects.

    Oladunjoye highlighted plans to strengthen the health sector through the construction of a new health centre, procurement of medical equipment, provision of drugs across primary healthcare centres, and training of healthcare personnel.

    Read Also: NCTC boss: Coups in Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso worsen security in Nigeria

    “In the education sector, the budget makes provision for school improvements, bursary awards for indigent students, and continuous teacher training,” he said.

    The council boss reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling flooding, poor waste management, and loss of green spaces, proposed initiatives include improved waste disposal systems, creation of parks and green areas, and climate change mitigation projects such as drainage and flood-control works.

    Oladunjoye emphasised the importance of staff welfare and capacity building, noting that adequate funds have been allocated for training, improved working conditions, and overall staff development.

    Leader of the Legislative Arm, Oladimeji Hassan, described the budget presentation as a memorable milestone for the council.

  • Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye inaugurates community projects

    Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye inaugurates community projects

    By Ummusalamoh Kamorudeen and Aishat Ahmed

    The Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has recorded another milestone in grassroots development with the inauguration of key community projects.

    The event coincided with the grand finale of its annual Sports Fiesta, a programme that leaders say reflects visible achievements rather than promises.

    Chairman of the council, Seyi Jakande, said the administration focused on building infrastructure while prioritising human development.

    “The road we passed through yesterday was not as smooth as today. We are building infrastructure, grooming leaders, creating jobs, strengthening health systems, empowering women, and unlocking youth potential. These are not promises; they are visible achievements,” Jakande said.

    He also announced the acquisition of a fully equipped ambulance for emergency response.

    “The Sports Fiesta, which brought together youths from all wards, was highlighted as a platform for unity, talent discovery and crime reduction,” he said

    Read Also: NIN becomes automatic tax ID for Nigerians — FIRS

    Jakande’s predecessor, Razaq Ajala, described the projects as a welcome development that gladdens the hearts of residents, youths and community leaders.

    He assured the community that the current achievements mark the beginning of broader development across all nine political wards within the next year.

    Vice-Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos Central District, Chief Abayomi Daramola, Jakande for its focus on youth empowerment.

    He noted that engaging young people through sports is critical, given their significance in Nigeria’s voter demographics.

    “What the chairman has done within the past 100 days is commendable and reflects similar efforts across Lagos State. I encourage him to continue on this path,” he said.