The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Policemen trained in fresh approach to crime fighting

    Policemen trained in fresh approach to crime fighting

    For the first time since its establishment, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) took its personnel through a three-day special capacity building training, urging them to be proactive and a step ahead of criminals.

    The training, which was held in Lagos, was necessitated by the spate of criminal activities as well as the alarming number of police casualties during crises.

    Organised by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone II, Kayode Aderanti, 120 police personnel comprising 51 officers (ASP to CSP), 25 Inspectors as well as 44 rank and files drawn from various units within the zone were in attendance.

    Declaring the seminar open, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris stated that it was geared towards equipping the personnel with modern crime prevention/fighting techniques.

    He expressed the need to boost the professionalism and proficiency of policemen across the country for better service delivery.

    Idris, who reiterated his administration’s commitment to a better trained police force, stressed on the need for intelligence-led policing, improved public perception and professional ethics.

    He commended the AIG Zone II for keying into the force headquarters’ policy by organising the first bi-annual special training for junior officers and other ranks.

    According to Idris, the training was particularly appreciated because the participants are those who mostly interface with the public on daily basis.

    The police chief also canvassed the need for his men to always be a step ahead of criminals, hoping that knowledge garnered at the training would assist them in disarming and arresting violent hoodlums.

    He said: “The advent of technology and globalisation and its resultant effect on crime has made it necessary for security agencies to be on top in order to succeed in mitigating the ever-changing face of crime.

    “Obsolete techniques will not work for contemporary issues. We as security agents need to be at least a step ahead of criminals. This can only be achieved through requisite training and retraining.”

    In his remarks, Aderanti said it was common knowledge that the world was undergoing rapid changes, even as he urged policemen to step up their game.

    He said: “In line with the drive of the IGP, Ibrahim Idris, for democratic policing and international best practices, I took it upon myself to kick-start the process that has culminated in the actualisation of this training.

    “The public would begin to see a different, friendlier, more professional and more proficient police force. I urge you all to make this vision a reality. It is a collective effort that must be achieved.”

    Urging the participants to imbibe and share all they learnt during the training with their colleagues, Aderanti reminded them that they were the ones to spearhead reforms in the police.

    The guest lecturer, Dr. Charles Omole focused on improving public perception of the office through proactive initiatives.

    On intelligence-led policing, Omole said the police must systematically collect, analyse and utilise information gathered to guide operational and tactical decisions.

    He said: “Intelligence-led policing (ILP) aids law enforcement agents in identifying, examining, and formulating preventative, protective and responsive operations to specific targets, threats, and problems.”

    Commending the police high command for their nomination as participants, the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in charge of Victoria Island and Maroko, Segun Ajamoloya and Abdulmajid Isa respectively, said the knowledge they gained would assist them greatly in policing their areas.

    According to them, it would also help in correcting the poor image of the police, which they ascribed to ineptitude in handling cases.

    Ajamoloya said: “The misconceptions are as a result of the way cases are handled and suspects treated. But with this training, we have been exposed to global ways of doing things such as how to respond to distress calls; need to investigate cases first before prosecuting and not forcing evidence out of suspects. We were also taught how to use new technology in crime prevention and fighting.”

    Another participant, Chinedu Iwuozo, the officer in charge of Marine Unit, described the training as a period of self-appraisal.

    He said: “It was a period of stock-taking for us as policemen to commend ourselves where we have done well and condemn those things we do badly. The training exposed me to a lot of new and better ideas. There were things one would ordinarily take for granted but with this training, I have understood that no information is useless.”

    To Patricia Amadin, a Superintendent of Police (SP) the special training taught her the importance of perception.

    She said: “I am personally challenged. The world over, ethical standards have been raised. So, I will work with the personnel in my unit so that we can raise the standards in our own corner. I also learnt how to harmonise intelligence as regards investigation.”

    A Sergeant, Joy Obi of the human rights section said she learnt to be very tolerant and disciplined even when provoked by suspects or civilians.

  • Ogun community gets first monarch

    Following the recommendations by the prescribed authority of Olowu of Owu, Oba (Dr.) Olusanya Adegboyega Dosunmu and the validation by the Ewekoro Local Government Area, as well as  Abule Owu Descendants Union, the Ogun State Government has installed the erstwhile Baale of Abule-Owu, Chief  Wasiu Adeleke Koleoso as the first Olu of Abule-Owu in Ewekoro Local Government Area.

    Presenting the Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment at Abule-Owu Open field Itoro, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Jide Ojuko, on behalf of the state government, urged the people to remain faithful and reciprocate the gesture of the present administration that has counted the community worthy of deserving an Oba. This, he said, they could by mobilising themselves for the execution of useful self-help projects in order to complement government’s efforts towards the development of the community.

    Ojuko advised the new monarch not to go beyond his territory of Abule-Owu, adding that as a coronet Oba, he should abstain from installing any Baale over any settlement in the neighbourhood. He urged the monarch to always champion all efforts that will enhance peaceful co-existence with other neighbouring towns and co-operate with other royal fathers in order to justify the mandate and trust reposed in him by the government and to his ancestral home, Owu Kingdom.

    “For the record, I also want to impress it on you that as a Coronet Oba, your domain remains Abule-Owu. You are not expected to extend your authority beyond your community and you are not authorised to install baale over any settlement in your neighbourhood,” Ojuko counselled.

    The new Oba appealed to Abule-Owu sons and daughters to co-operate with him, stating that  his commitment is for the development of the land.

    “I want to assure the people of Abule- Owu that I will be fair to all and give everyone a sense of belonging,” Koleosho said.

  • How we’re developing Lagos, by Ambode

    How we’re developing Lagos, by Ambode

    Lagos is witnessing all-round development, which Governor Akinwunmi Ambode spoke off at the weekend. In this piece, WALE AJETUNMOBI examines the projects already executed and those being executed.

    Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Ambode is opening up inner city roads in various parts of the Lagos metropolis. With this, new areas are being opened up and motorists are getting a better experience.

    Speaking at a media chat on Sunday in Ikeja, Ambode also said the state government was taking the initiative to refurbish Federal roads and street lights in Lagos State, without necessarily asking for reimbursement from the Federal Government.

    “Some of these roads pose problems to the people of Lagos and they do not make us to be globally competitive. So it is in our interest that the roads are upgraded,’’ he said.

    The governor explained that his administration was also working on inner roads to link the ongoing flyover project at Abule-Egba.

    He disclosed that a new road was being built to link the Meiran/AIT Road to the Lagos State University (LASU) and the Lagos-Badagry expressway.

    The governor said the road was also being extended to enable motorists to link Sango-Ota without necessarily going on the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway.

    He said the state government was  also making plans to upgrade a major road leading to the airport.

    One only needs to go round the city to understand what the governor is talking about.

    The governor’s footprints are everywhere. From Surulere to Festac town, Agege, Alimosho, Ikeja, Kosofe, Epe and more and more, Ambode is boldly written everywhere in the forms of projects. It matters not to him who voted for him or not. He obviously does not care about which area voted for him during the election or not. All that matters to him is the development of Lagos.

    In 2016, he championed the construction of 114 roads in all the 57 local councils and LCDAs in the state simultaneously in six months. It was unprecedented in the history of the country. The development brought succor to residents through ease of vehicular movement. Man-hour lost to traffic grid-lock reduced greatly.

    In Apapa Local Government, the projects handed over by the governor include nine roads within the Apapa Business District, such as ultra-modern Liverpool Jetty, 12 block of classrooms at Methodist Nursery and Primary School and 4 block of classrooms at Arakan Barracks Nursery and Primary School with standard facilities such as modern toilets, sick bay, furniture, ceiling fans, ramps to accommodate the physically challenged, among others.

    The road inaugurated are Marine Road, Bombay Crescent, Randle Road, Ibikunle Akintoye Street, Commercial Road, Burma Road, Plateau Road, Zeek Avenue, Marine Road Extension and Connector Road; otherwise known as Bombay Crescent to Calcutta Road Phase III.The roads were designed to accommodate walkways, street light and drainage system.

    In Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government, some of the projects that are making the people happy are an Ultra-modern Court Complex and a 360-meters interlocking road with drainage situated in Aduke Street. In Ikorodu, an ultra-modern shopping complex at the popular Sabo Market, the Ota-Ona Dual Carriage Road as well as block of classrooms in Agbede, have won the hearts of the people of  Ikorodu for the governor of all.

    In Kosofe, the governor inaugurated road projects at Oladele, Shoyebi and Ademola Taiwo/Alamu Taiwo/Ogunsola streets.

    In Ifako- Ijaye Local Government Area of the state, the governor last year inaugurated Oluwasijibomi, Folorunsho Streets and Iju Primary Health Care Center, Lonlo and in Alimosho Local Government Area, the governor commissioned the Mosan Okunola Mini Waterworks after over 20 years of being moribund.

    In Osodi Isolo Local Government Area, the governor inaugurated the popular Brown Street, Okota Road in Isolo and a Police Post in Ejigbo Local Council Development Area of the State. Brown Street had been in dilapidated form for years. Other projects commissioned are the upgraded Okota Road and the commissioning of Ashamu Police Post in Ejigbo. In Ejigbo, the governor commissioned the rehabilitated Ashamu Police Post in Ailegun, Ejigbo and handed it over to the police.

    In Ojo Local Government, Ambode last year commissioned the Usman Mogaji Road and the Data Capturing Centre.

    In Amuwo Odofin Local Government, the governor  last year handed over 10 passengers capacity fibre boats to Riverine Communities in Amuwo Odofin Local Government and Oriade Local Council Development Area in Ijegun Jetty to aid in conveying school teachers based in riverine areas.

    In Epe, the governor commissioned include blocks of classroom at St. Theresa’s College, Oke-Oyingbo, a Town Hall at Ita-Opo, Epe and Regional Water Scheme, Otta-Ikosi, while in Eti-Osa, the 1.9km Unity/1st Avenue Osapa London Road in Eti-Osa Local Government and block of 16 classrooms with modern facilities at Kuramo Primary School in Iru-Victoria Island Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

    In Shomolu Local Government, Ambode inaugurated a Primary Health Centre and Diagnosis Centre named after him and a 400metres road in Bariga Local Council Development Area. In Ibeju Lekki Local Government, Governor Ambode inaugurated the Origanrigan and Awoyaya PHC.

    In the next sixth month, the governor is going to make another history. This time, he is not championing the construction of 114 roads, but 181. Already, the bids have been advertised in the dailies and the Ambode I know will deliver and deliver excellently well.

    Epe is also witnessing massive make-over. From roads to the chalet and many more, Epe is wearing a new look. From whatever axis you enter the town from, whether Itoikin or Lekki-Epe Expressway, you are bound to have the feeling that something big is happening here and when you go into town proper, you are bound to give kudos to whom it is due.

    Abule-Egba’s story is certainly being re-written. By the time the fly-over bridge being done in that axis is completed, this urban renewal initiative will certainly go down in history as truly radical. The massive work will see the area being transformed and the spiral effect on property prices can only be imagined.

  • Lagos flags-off Ibile Youth Academy

    Lagos State Government on Monday flagged off IBILE Youth Academy leadership training for youths at the five divisions of the state.

    The divisions are Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, and Epe.

    Commissioner for Youth and Social Development Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf  said the IBILE Youth Academy (IYA) have been specifically designed to be a life changing experience for all participating youths in all its training centres across the state.

    Akinbile-Yusuf, who was speaking at the flagging off ceremony of the IBILE Youth Academy in Epe, said the academy in no limitations or segments will be giving a lifetime platform to youths across the state to be part of a life changing experience, also to help them grow through the training which would be held annually.

    She said: “IYA is all about helping the youths to chart a path for a progressive and prosperous adult life while it promises to be a life changing and once in a life time.”

    She noted that the best ten participants in each centre would be going on camping where they would be taken through different exercise which will produce one participant each as the ambassador for his or her division and will be opportune to be presented as youth Ambassadors across the state.

    She appealed to all 500 participants to be of good values, by being disciplined, punctual, team building effort, active participation, and to know the importance of social interaction.

    A participant, Funso Mojisola Jelilat (18), said she has been blessed being a participant at the academy as she her eyes is now open to so many things that seemed hidden to her before the commencement of the academy.

    She thanked the Lagos State government for paying utmost attention to the well-being of its youths knowing full well that when government builds its youths, it is this building the nation.

    The training will educate youths on self-discovery, volunteerism, goal-setting, creative thinking skills, team building, effective communication and public speaking skills, environmental responsibilities, sex, sexuality and relationships, adolescent health, entrepreneurship, employability skill, finance and investment, ICT innovation and review of Child’s Right Law.

  • Seven years after, Eruwon gets new monarch

    Oba Adebayo Jonshon Okubena has been installed as the Elerunwon of Erunwon in Ijebu North East Local Government of Ogun State seven years after the last occupant.

    The installation took place at the Epiphany Primary School, Erunwon, Ogun State.

    While presenting the staff of office to the monarch, Governor Ibikunle Amosun, who was represented by Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Chief Jide Ojuko, urged the traditional ruler to see his appointment as a call to serve.

    He noted that the Amosun administration regarded the traditional institution as partner in progress.

    “Our administration regards the traditional institutions as a partner in progress in seeing that all our efforts at developing Ogun State percolate down to the grassroots. To this end, we urge the traditional ruler to mobilise his people to support our administration particularly in the prompt payment of approved taxes, rates and levies on which the government relies to bring these dividends to the people of Ogun State, “Amosun said.

    He urged the monarch to see himself as the rallying point for his Dedenigbe ruling house and Erunwon community.

    The Awujale and Paramount ruler of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona, appreciated the Amosun administration for its respect for the traditional institution.

     

  • Ibadan City Marathon race: Organisers assures world class event

    Ibadan, one of Africa’s ancient cities, is set to welcome athletes from far and near, as preparations hit top gear ahead for the 9th edition of ‘Ibadan City Marathon Race’.

    The event, an annual 42.1km marathon race, has in the past eight years rewarded long distance runners, among up starters and veterans, while selling the message of good governance, transparency, and accountability.

    The event, which is formerly known as the ‘Splash Integrity Marathon Race’,  has been changed to reflect the organiser’ desire  to continue to put Ibadan on the global map of Marathon cities.

    According to the Chairperson, main organising committee of the  Ibadan City  Marathon Race, this year’s edition, Mrs Bisi Ashimolowo, said the race has been slated for April 9, 2017 would and will also witness a scale up in total prize to be won from N2 million to N3 million.

    Ashimolowo said the goal of the race is to unearth budding sport talents, especially in Marathon Race and instill the spirit of discipline which is necessary to stem the tide of corruption in our society.

    According to him, “Ibadan City Marathon Race has played active role in reducing corruption in Nigeria, create avenue for strong young men and women to harness their potentials in sporting events, encourage athletes to dare their dreams with resilience and aid the athletes with moral, psychological and financial incentives.”

    The Southwest Zonal Coordinator of Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports, Mr Yemi Usikaye assured intending participants and members of the public that as a strategic partner in organising the event over the past eight years, they are now poised to deliver a world class event that would match the high standard associated with the ministry.

    He called on intending participants to pick up their registration forms free at the ministry of Youths and Sports South West Zone, Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan.

    Registration has since commenced from the 1st of March 2017 and it is set to run till March 31st.

  • Lawmaker, wife hold APC Women Appreciation day in Lagos

    Member representing Ikorodu Federal constituency, Babajimi Adegoke Benson and his wife Olajumoke hosted the APC Women’s Appreciation Day. It was to celebrate women in politics of the ancient town.

    The event, which was organised by the iCare Foundation, was held at Regal Hall in Olo-Odo.

    The event was attended by former Senator Ganiu Solomon, and wife of Lagos State governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode.

    Mrs Benson thanked the women for contributing to the success of the party in Lagos, especially in Ikorodu division.

    She reiterated the commitment of her husband to fulfilling his electoral promises.

    Benson also thanked the women, who she described as the bedrock of the nation.

    He also appreciated Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for his compassion towards women. He also praised the Hope for Women in Nigeria Initiatives (HOFOWEN), a pet project of Mrs Ambode.

    ‘‘On our part in iCare Foundation, we prioritise and appreciate our women, a good number of activities have created ample opportunities for them to excel and be recognised in their respective in communities. We have the interest free loan scheme aimed at empowering our women to be self-sufficient; through the Start-up Ikorodu Initiative.’’

    iCare awards were presented to Princess Adenrele Ogunsanya, Princess Folashade Olabanji-Oba, Mrs.  Olabimpe Oluyemisi Carena,   Mrs Erogbogbo Tosan, the late Mrs Shokunbi Folake (Iya Kalokalo), Chief Iyalode Fausat Gbadebo and Comrade Kehinde Okeowo.

     

  • Agency praises Ooni for support

    The director of the National Images Agricultural Empowerment Training Scheme Project, Mr. Oluwaseyi Bamigbade, has hailed the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, for his support in empowering Nigerians.

    He described monarch as a lover of peace, unity, transformation and progress.

    Bamigbade spoke after he presented a proposal to the monarch that would enable the organisation train young school leavers and graduates in Osun State and other Southwest states.

    According to him, the training would lead to employment generation, economic empowerment and self- sufficiency.

    The programme, he said, aimed to train over two million less-privileged young school leavers and graduates in basic agricultural skills that would enable them have adequate knowledge on rice production, wheat, cassava, fish farming, vegetable, birds, among others, and promote export and tourism.

    He said it would also allow them to become self-reliant and form a cooperative society that would make them access credit from reputable financial institutions.

    The scheme is being supported by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN); FADAMA, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and the Federal Institute of Industrial Research (FIIRO), Oshodi.

     

  • Makun Kingdom unveils Social Security Trust Fund

    The Makun Kingdom, a Remo sub ethnic group in Ogun State, on Saturday, February 25, unveiled what it tagged the Makun Social Security Trust Fund (MSSTF) as a self-help solution to the wide arrays of youth-related challenges threatening peace and stability in its communities.

    The event was the grand finale of the 19th edition of the annual Obaruwa Festival of Arts and Culture held at the Ansar Ud Deen Primary School, Sagamu, Ogun State.

    While declaring the programme open the Ewusi of Makun, Oba Timothy Oyesola Akinsanya, Orungba ii, noted that the dedication of the 2017 edition to the celebration of the youthful populace was an invention necessitated by “the need to urgently address issues relating to the youth in our communities where we can no longer sleep with our two eyes closed”.

    The monarch said: “The Obaruwa Festival is a celebration of the common ancestry and socio-cultural heritage of the Makun people found in over 150 towns and villages.”

    The Chairman of the occasion, Oba Adetola Emmanuel King, the Akile of Makun Kingdom, bemoaned “the criminal exclusion of a large chunk of Nigerian kids, teenagers and young adults by the orientation machineries of our system.”

    In his words: “Whether we like it or not, the young scavengers of today that our society has failed to cooperate to re-mould into a shape that would conform to the rosy future each of us desires for his or her biological children would, unavoidably, be part of the story of tomorrow”.

    The Akile, who is the Group Managing Director of ADRON Homes and Properties Ltd, declared that it was high time the country declared a state of emergency on youth affairs.

    The Chairman, Sagamu West Local Council Development Authority, Rafiu Awoyemi, applauded the Makun Development Council for its unrelenting efforts towards the maintenance of peace, law and order within the LCDA.

    The Chairman of the Obaruwa Festival Planning Committee, Mr. Oduguwa Adeboye, highlighted the nature and basic objective of the Fund as “a pool of public-private resources for the purpose of mobilising and financing the economic aspirations of the youthful populace of the Makun Kingdom”.

    Oduguwa added: “Social security, a general psychology of safety by which every individual member of a society, has no need to threaten or harm any other person in a bid to survive, would be achieved in all Makun towns and villages.”

    The MSSTF, which will be managed by a Board of Trustees in collaboration with an administration company, is scheduled for official launching in May 2017.

  • Ibeju-Lekki communities prepare to benefit from industrial growth

    The communities in Ibeju-Lekki recently met and agreed to jettison their diversity of interest as well as lack of common objective to enable their people enjoy the benefit of investments the area is attracting as a new commercial hub of Lagos State.

    With the rate of large-scale industrial growth that Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State is attracting, the over 150 towns and villages in the area have agreed to unite and work together to leverage on the change being witnessed for the benefit of their people and safeguard the future of their children through common objectives and goals.

    This was the crux of deliberations by stakeholders at a summit in the area, which attracted monarchs such as Onibeju of Ibeju Oba Rafiu Olusegun Salami; the Onilekki of Lekki, Oba Olumuyiwa Ogunbekun; the Onise of Ise Land, HRM Oba Abdul-Ganiu Adebowale Adegbesan; the Onimedu of Orimedu, Oba Hamzat Atiku; the Onitedo of Itedo, Oba Tajudeen Elemoro and others.

    Also at the event were civil servants, political figures and trade union members.

    It was organised by President and Founder of Ibeju-Lekki Development Foundation, Ademuyiwa Oniwonlu.

    Oniwonlu, who kindled the course of discussions at the summit, said the new commercial hub of Lagos State is shifting and heading towards the area.

    He told the people to be prepared, adding that it was time to put aside all their differences – be it political, social, tribal, communal and whatever.

    “It is time to rally round and stand together as a people from a common-front and speak with one voice for the greatness of our community.

    “We can only say that we have made adequate use of all these developments when the lives of our people are positively affected. When every man, woman and child can confidently say ‘I am proud to be an indigene of Ibeju-Lekki’.

    “It is time to sound the trumpet calling all our children, students, artisans, gifted, talented, boys, girls, men, women, young, old, skilled, semi-skilled, non-skilled, home and abroad to come together and be a part of this remarkable time in our history.

    “It is time to stand up and be counted as we take this giant step towards the greatness of Ibeju-Lekki. It is time,” Oniwonlu said.

    According to him, Ibeju-Lekki is a “uniquely blessed community in Lagos State”.

    “Nature has endowed us with the very best of locations as we are proudly the custodian of beautiful lagoon fronts and gorgeous ocean fronts. Our beaches are second to none as they attract a massive amount of tourism year-in year-out. Many tourists have given good testimonies of our several relaxation centres and nice resorts.

    “Our people are most welcoming, peace-loving and friendly. This accounts for the many years of peaceful and harmonious co-existence between indigenes and non-indigenes within our communities. A great number of people from home and abroad have identified this attribute and are pouring into our communities to live, work and settle in for the longer term.

    “Our tradition institutions comprising of the Obas, the Baales, council of chiefs and community leaders have done very well in maintaining harmony among our people. They have been instrumental in setting all disputes within our communities and among our people,” Oniwolu said.

    According to him, change has come to Ibeju-Lekki and the communities have no better choice than to embrace it wholeheartedly and make the very best out of it for the sake of their children and generation yet unborn.

    “Ibeju-Lekki is now under the spotlight of development and the whole world is watching and watching us very closely. A lot of people around the nation are beginning to wonder and asking the question: what will the people of Ibeju-Lekki make of this great development?” he said.

    A member of the foundation’s Board of Trustees, Bolaji Isiaka, who is also an operator in the oil and gas industry, said the areas must brace for the effects of development it is attracting.

    He added that the communities must learn from the experience of the people of Niger Delta, so that industrial growth would turn to a blessing for the people and investors in the area, saying the ability of a community to attract investment is the catalyst to any feasible development.

    Isiaka said: “The Ibeju –Lekki Development Foundation will do all units capacity to ensure that the enabling and peaceful environment is place to attract investors from far and near. We will further see to it that all existing investors already on ground and operating within our local community receive our support and co-operation to the fullest such that they will be willing to increase their level of investment in our community.”

    Oba Adegbesan, who spoke on behalf of other monarchs, prayed that God should support the foundation, to enable it bring the envisage development to the communities and the people.

    He urged unity of purpose among the people.

    Other stakeholders, who spoke at the event, pleaded with the monarchs and members of the foundation to ensure that they have the interest of the communities and the people at heart.

    They also warned monarchs and members of the foundation not to compromise on the interest of the people in any dealing with government and investors.

    At the end of the deliberations, the people agreed that investors would be urged to sign agreements with the communities on what they can do to impact on the people, especially in the area of provision of portable water, drainage network, serviceable roads among others.

    They agreed that suitable qualified individuals will benefit from life-changing training schemes that will make them relevant and marketable in the every changing job market.

    Oniwolu, who read other areas of deliberation, said: “This development programme will cut across all levels from unskilled, semi-skilled training and job placements,” the meeting said.

    “The health of our people is the wealth of our community so, therefore, a great attention will be given to our existing primary health care centres and clinics across Ibeju-Lekki. The foundation will make every effort to provide equipment and encourage health care personnel to dutifully serve our people. Great steps will also be taken to establishment basic healthcare clinics where they do not exit.

    “The qualitative education of our children and wards will not be compromised in any form or manner.

    “Provision of qualified teachers and conducive learning environment is cardinal to achieving this goal and therefore will be pursued at the relevant quarters. Scholarship schemes will be made available but will be tailored towards developing our youth in the direction that will give them the best opportunities in the immediate job market and also facilitate the rapid development of our communities.

    “Ibeju-Lekki is blessed with a rich heritage, which includes awesome ocean and lagoon fronts. These natural endowments will receive attention and protection such that an excellent preservation level is maintained together with a high level of hospitality from our people to attract visitors from home and abroad.”

    However, the existence of Ibeju Lekki Local Government could be traced back to 1990 during the local government creation exercise by the then Nigeria head of state, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida. It was one of the four created in Lagos State and one of the 289 created in the country that year.

    The seat of the Ibeju Lekki Local Government was originally at Akodo before the recent Lekki Local Council Development Area was carved out, which necessitated the moving of the seat of government to the present Igando Oloja location.

    Lekki presently houses several estates, gated residential developments, agricultural farmlands, areas allocated for a Free Trade Zone, with an airport and a sea port under construction. The proposed land use master plan for the Lekki envisages the Peninsula as a “Blue-Green Environment City”, expected to accommodate well over 3.4 million residential population and an additional non-residential population of at least 1.9 million.