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Tag: Ajala

  • Ajala champions campaign for successor

    Ajala champions campaign for successor

    • By Fahd Bagbansoro

    The Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA, Hon. Rasaq Ajala, has championed campaign for Seyi Jakande, his Vice Chairman and Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the council.

    The Friday event featured presentation of party flags to the candidates.

    The usually calm Ajegunle Street was transformed into a rallying ground, drawing residents from the community and beyond. Hundreds of party faithful stormed the venue, clad in branded T-shirts and face caps, waving brooms—the APC symbol—and distributing campaign flyers in a show of solidarity.

     Ajala, in a spirited address, hailed the candidacy of younger Jakande, describing him as the right man to sustain and elevate the council’s progressive momentum.

    “We have worked closely for nearly eight years. Jakande understands the workings of this council. I have no doubt his leadership will not only preserve our legacy but take it to greater heights,” Ajala said.

    Read Also: Apapa-Iganmu unveils campaign committees

    Jakande, expressed gratitude to the party leadership and the community for their unwavering support.

    He reiterated his commitment to the HEWA Agenda—a development blueprint focusing on Health and Environmental Sustainability, Education and Empowerment, Works and Security, and Agriculture, Tourism, and Culture.

    “This is more than a campaign launch. It’s a movement—by the people and for the people. I accept this flag not just as a symbol of candidacy but as a renewed pledge to serve, empower, and uplift every resident of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye,” he said.

    As each councillorship candidate was invited to receive the party flag, the atmosphere grew even more electrified. Supporters broke into songs and dances, with women’s groups and youth associations taking center stage in celebration.

  • Lagos ‘Band A’ residents plead Ikeja Electric over prolonged blackout, faulty transformer

    Lagos ‘Band A’ residents plead Ikeja Electric over prolonged blackout, faulty transformer

    Frustrated by the prolonged blackout caused by a faulty transformer supplying power, residents and business owners on six streets — Raji Oba, Awoyemi, Folarin, Ajala, Olonade, and Akinshola — in the Alimosho area of Lagos State have decried and lamented the over three-month power outage.

    According to them, the power outage which occurred since second week of March 2025 is crippling businesses and severely impacting the quality of life in the communities.

     The residents called on Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) to urgently look into the situation and address the prolonged power outage, especially fixing the faulty transformer.

    The aggrieved consumers said the streets fall under the Band A consumers’ category, and that they should enjoy a daily power supply of 20 to 24 hours. They complained that this has not been the case for over three months, since the transformer was removed.

    The residents said the prolonged absence of electricity has made them vulnerable to attacks from marauders who operate under the cover of darkness.

    READ ALSO: How we survived herdsmen attack that claimed 200 lives in Benue community – Residents

    One of the residents, Michael, said the lack of power supply had worsened commercial activities in the community, adding that access to water had also been affected.

     Michael said: “So, we are pleading as a community, as one, for Ikeja Electric and the appropriate authorities to listen to our cries to save our communities. Olonade-Akinsola and other streets have always been a good community, and we want it to remain like this.”

     “We have been struggling in darkness,” another resident who identified herself as Mama Chioma said.

     “We have been in total blackout for over three months, crippling businesses. We are pleading with IKEDC to urgently address this,” she further pleaded.

     In a letter dated March 16 and addressed to IKEDC by the Olonade-Akinsola community titled: “Urgent request for Band A intervention on prolonged power outage in our community”, noted that several efforts and reports have been made to IKEDC’s customer service and local office, but the situation remains unresolved.

    The community association noted that the sad situation had also grounded businesses and other activities that rely on electricity.

    It partly reads: “The power failure has severely impacted our daily activities, businesses, healthcare services, and overall well-being in these six streets.

    “We are yet to receive a clear response regarding an estimated time for restoration. The continuous blackout has caused significant discomfort, economic losses,and  security concerns within our community.

    “In the light of the above, we respectfully request urgent intervention and a directive to the appropriate department to expedite the resolution of this issue.”

    The community further called on the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to urgently intervene.

  • Our medical mission model for all times – Ajala

    Our medical mission model for all times – Ajala

    The Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos, Hon Rasaq Ajala, has described the council’s free medical mission programme as a model for effective and impactful grassroots health care initiative.

    The LCDA boss made this submission while fielding questions from a media team.

    “Our free medical nission was conceived and carefully executed in these past seven years plus with the single objective of ensuring that our people have access to quality medical care at little or no costs. 

    “Through it, and in collaboration with some health care organisations, we embarked on a programme of free consultation, free screening and free treatment of health related challenges such as hypertension, maternal and child health, ante natal, post natal,  nutrition and surgeries for the elderly.

    “Not only that. Our free eyes glasses, and free eye surgeries programme have impacted so much on the lives of our people, and its success has been acknowledged by all.”

    Beneficiaries attested to the successes of the Ajala- led administration’s free medical mission, citing the last free eye glasses programme in which over 200 residents were attended to.

    Nearly 100 people were said to have benefitted from the Free Eye surgery programme at a huge cost to the LCDA.

    The initiative boasts of a mobile clinic scheme, a programme executed through medical ambulances and medical personnel who take free and quality health care to the doorsteps of the people of the lcda

    “Through this programme, we take free medical care to the elderly and the weak who may not be able to go to the Primary Healthcare Centres in our Council,” the LCDA boss stated. 

    The  administration also embarked on the provision of free health insurance under a scheme conceived to ensure people have access to Medical care in all circumstances, including medical emergencies.

    Under the free medical Mission initiative,  people with disabilities are given  priority, with a scheme designed to take care of their special medical needs.

    Read Also: Medical professionals from US lift Delta communities with free surgeries

    “Honestly, the free health initiative of the LCDA is truly a model worthy of emulation by all councils in the country. The initiative has been rated as highly successful by the people because so many people have benefited from different aspects of the programme and access to health care here is seamless and at little or no costs,” a nurse and mother of two Helen Omogui, who resides in Coker Street, Ilupeju stated. 

    The LCDA boss stated that the free medical mission initiative forms a part of a comprehensive healthcare programme that places emphasis on the provision of quality healthcare through the upgrading of the existing health centres and providing modern medical equipment and essential drugs.

    “It comes as a total healthcare package, and  we have pursued the initiative with great vigour and, to God be the glory, we are not in doubts that we are leaving behind a legacy that will for long be remembered by our people in the health sector,” said  Ajala.

    Indeed, this may well be so. Investigations show that the Rasaq Ajala led lcda embarked on massive reconstruction and and equipping of many Primary Health Centres, PHCs and of particular note are those at Coker, Ayantuga, Anikulapo and Kajola.

    A resident of Ajisegiri community, Ganiyu Oluade, said: ” To call that facility a Primary Health Centre is a misuse of terms.  That Centre compares favourably with many general hospitals and the equipment and facilities therein are far more modern and more sophisticated than what you have in many  general hospitals. Honourable Rasaq Ajala will forever be appreciated by the people of this community for this project.”

  • Ajala unveils talent-hunt

    Ajala unveils talent-hunt

    • By Naimat Dauda

    The Chairman of Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Razaq Ajala, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing grassroots’ needs through a bursary scheme and a talent-nurturing sports initiative.

    The bursary, Ajala said, targets students in tertiary institutions, with N50,000 financial assistance to each beneficiary to help them achieve their academic aspirations.

    “Today’s initiative focuses on supporting our students, ensuring they can continue their education without undue hardship,” he said.

    Ajala outlined the selection process, which prioritized merit, and assured residents that selection was based on fairness and transparency, with no special connections required to qualify.

    He said: “Eighty percent of the beneficiaries were chosen based on a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.5. The remaining 20 per cent were allocated to key community stakeholders, whose contributions to our programs have been invaluable,”

    The council boss unveiled a sports initiative aimed at discovering and nurturing young talents in primary and secondary schools.

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    “This initiative goes beyond financial assistance. We are creating opportunities for students to channel their energy into productive ventures through sports. It is our goal to support inter-house sports activities and academic programs, ensuring every child in our community is empowered to thrive,” he added.

     Encouraging students to prioritize their education, Ajala described it as an essential tool for achieving success.

    “Whatever field you choose, education is the foundation. We will continue to support you in every way possible,” he said.

    A beneficiary, Azeez Oguntoyinbo, said: “This initiative will go a long way in helping students, especially in these tough times. Many of us struggle to pay our school fees, and this support is truly appreciated.”

  • Ajala distributes rice to residents

    Ajala distributes rice to residents

    By Ummusalamoh Kamorudeen and Sahadat Jimoh

    The Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye, Local Council Development Area, Razaq Ajala, has distributed 15kg rice to the residents.

    This, he said, is a way of supporting the people, especially during the hard times.

    Ajala stated that the gesture cuts across all the political parties including the market women, artisans and the less privileged.

    He added that the sales of subsided food stuff has commenced. He said: “We have  commenced subsidising food stuff as from April. It is by 100 per cent. We are not limiting  to rice, other food items will be included.

    Read Also: Tinubu approves routing of 20% palliatives through religious, traditional leaders

    “We intend to sell rice, garri, vegetable oil, pepper and other commodities.

    “This would not prevent us from discharging our core responsibility of providing qualitative primary education, ensuring functional healthcare, providing good roads to ensure that residents and other road users experience pleasurable driving.”

    The Council Manager, Mrs Afolake Otenaike, urged the residents to support the government and do all that is necessary for the development of the community.

    A beneficiary, Bayo Babatunde, hailed the council boss.

    “I thank our governor for alleviating our sufferings; I appreciate the effort of our council chairman in giving out things to suppress the negative impact of subsidy removal,” he said.

    Another beneficiary, Saheed Yusuf, lauded the council chief.

  • Ajala distributes Yuletide gifts to 2000 residents

    Ajala distributes Yuletide gifts to 2000 residents

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

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

    Mrs Ajala said festive season was meant to share love.

    She enjoined residents to continue to be law-abiding.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Read Also: 2023 was arguably most challenging year for you, Mary Njoku tells Moyo Lawal

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

    He said religious leaders are pleased with his administration.

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

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

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

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

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

  • 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.

  • Ajala rolls out exciting welfare packages for residents

    Ajala rolls out exciting welfare packages for residents

    Residents of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area are in a joyous mood.

    This is due to many exciting welfare packages the council has embarked upon to make them enjoy dividends of democracy.

    At a briefing on Friday, the Council Chairman, Razaq Ajala, unveiled mouth-watering welfare programmes that would run till the end of the year.

    The programme started on Saturday when Ajala led residents, particularly youths, on an awareness/ fitness walk for the Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Sports Fiesta tagged: “Walk for harmony and prosperity”.

    The walk would be followed by sensitisation and stakeholders’ meeting for the 2024 Budget and distribution of palliatives to residents.

    On November 23 and 24, students of tertiary institutions who reside in the council area will collect forms for bursary while artisans and other interested small-scale business owners are also expected to collect forms for trade assistance and loans.

    According to Ajala, screening of applicants for students’ bursary, trade assistance and loans would take place on November 28 and 29. The deadline for submission is November 27.

    The council boss said skill acquisition programme for residents would hold between November 13 and 27, while the graduation holds on November 30.

    Ajala, who is Conference 57 Secretary-General, announced that quiz and debate competitions for public and private schools within the council area would takes place between November 27 and December 1, while the final is scheduled for December 4.

    Attendees from various segment, including religious leaders, Community Development Association leaders, traders students, artisans, and youths, gave Ajala a standing ovation when he announced the Trash for Gas programme where residents are expected to exchange refuse for gas cooker on December 1 and 2 at two centres.

    He said the payment and presentation of the end-of-the-year packages and allowances for teaching and non-teaching staff in public primary and secondary schools in the council area would continue while bursary for students in tertiary institutions would also be paid.

    He said: “It’s the turn of the security personnel in the council area on December 7, as they would be given paid end-of-the-year packages and allowances. Medical outreach for residents will hold between November 27 and December 2.

    “On December 11, the vulnerable people in the council area will get their palliative while December 12 will be for graduation and presentation of certificates to students who have graduated from the ICT training programmes.

    “The Christian Staff Fellowship Xmas Carol takes place on December 13; the trade assistance programme has been scheduled for December 15. The same day the councillors will have their day; the closing ceremony of the sports fiesta and presentation of prizes hold on December 16, 2023. The annual sale of subsidized festive chickens would hold on December 18, while the programmes climaxed with the payment and presentation of loans worth millions of Naira to the beneficiaries.”