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Tag: Amuwo-Odofin

  • Stakeholders laud building of roads in Amuwo-Odofin

    Stakeholders laud building of roads in Amuwo-Odofin

    • By Ummusalamoh Kamorudeen and Kowiyat Dada

    Stakeholders in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State yesterday expressed optimism and renewed confidence in governance as construction work commenced on South Avenue and adjoining roads in Festac Town and surrounding communities.

    The Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government, Lanre Sanusi, described the project as a major response to long standing demands by residents and community leaders, stressing that the work represents more than physical infrastructure.

    Sanusi, who said the roads would stimulate economic activities and bring ease to residents added that meaningful development can only be achieved through collaboration and active community participation.

    He lauded Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration for its commitment to inclusive development, people-focused governance and sustainable infrastructure delivery.

    “The construction of South Avenue and its adjoining roads is about improving mobility, enhancing safety, easing traffic congestion, stimulating economic activities, increasing property value and restoring the pride of this community as a vibrant and livable place.

    Read Also: Amuwo-Odofin presents furniture, JAMB forms to schools

    “We are here to listen, align expectations and ensure transparency and accountability at every stage. No meaningful development can succeed without proper consultation with the people it is meant to serve,” he said.

    Sanusi assured residents that clear timelines would be communicated, safety standards strictly enforced and environmental issues adequately addressed, adding that feedback from the engagement would directly inform the implementation process. He called on residents to cooperate fully with contractors on site and channel concerns through designated community representatives, known as the Lookout Men.

    The Oba of Amuwo-Odofin, Oluwatoyin Adewusi-Tayo, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Lagos State Governor for the rehabilitation of a major road in the community, describing the intervention as one that would remain memorable for residents and traders.

    The monarch urged residents to complement government efforts by keeping roads and drainage systems clean, warning that indiscriminate dumping of refuse could undermine the durability of the infrastructure.

    President of Festac Town, Mohammed Adegbenro, said the reconstruction of the two roads was long overdue, noting that residents had sought government intervention for more than 20 years due to the deplorable condition of the roads.

    “Today, we are pleased to witness a responsive government that has approved and signed the contract for the complete reconstruction of these roads,” Adegbenro said. “These roads are very dear to our hearts, and we assure the government and contractors of our full cooperation.”

    He added that residents had already been sensitised to see the project as a collective responsibility, pledging sustained support to ensure smooth execution and timely completion.

  • Free GCE Form for Amuwo-Odofin for the indigent

    Free GCE Form for Amuwo-Odofin for the indigent

    The Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government, Prince Lanre Sanusi, has presented free General Certificate Examination (GCE) forms to 500 indigent pupils in the council.

    He said the gesture was part of his commitment to fulfilling his promise to support and empower the next generation of leaders.

    Sanusi encouraged the pupils to take their studies seriously, while promising to place the best GCE candidate in the council, on scholarship.

    “You have been carefully selected because everybody deserves opportunity. We will not leave you all by yourselves. We are also working on the tutorial exercise so that you can be well prepared. The best among you will be under scholarship by the council. Take this very seriously, and make us proud,” he said.

    Read Also: Why Tinubu is committed to policy continuity, stability of governance, by SGF

    The council boss, also noted that the council is resolute in its commitment to education through scholarships, infrastructural development and empowerment programmes aimed at uplifting youths and securing brighter future for Amuwo-Odofin.

    A beneficiary, Aisha Ademide lauded the gesture, while expressing gratitude to the chairman.

    “I am very grateful for this. I am most grateful because a burden has been lifted off my mother’s shoulder. I promise to do well in my examination,” she said.

  • Amuwo-Odofin: PLS promises new beginning

    Amuwo-Odofin: PLS promises new beginning

    The newly sworn-in Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government, Prince Lanre Sanusi, popularly known as PLS, has pledged a new beginning for the council with a strong focus on infrastructure and inclusive governance.

    Speaking during his inauguration ceremony attended by traditional rulers, political party leaders, and council staff, Sanusi expressed gratitude to his predecessor, Mr. Valentine Buraimoh, for his service and outlined key areas his administration will prioritise.

    Top on the agenda, he said, is the rehabilitation of roads in Festac Town and other parts of the local government, which he described as being in deplorable condition.

    “No local government can grow without strong infrastructure. We will prioritise road rehabilitation, street lighting, and public utilities that make life easier for our residents,” he said.

    Sanusi also highlighted other focus areas including sanitation and environmental management, youth empowerment and education, improved healthcare services, social welfare for the elderly and vulnerable, and transparent governance.

    “This is a new beginning of progress and I promise: I am not here to rule. I am here to serve. Every ward will be carried along. Every voice will be heard. Every budget will be transparent. We will lead with accountability and integrity,” he concluded.

    Speaking earlier, the Amuwo-Odofin APC chairman, Apostle Ayo Ogungbiye, appreciated all royal fathers present, member representing the constituency at the House of Assembly, Hon. Wale Rauf, apex leaders of the party and the immediate past chairman of the local government, Engr. Buraimoh, saying ‘he has done his best’.

  • Amuwo-Odofin presents furniture, JAMB forms to schools

    Amuwo-Odofin presents furniture, JAMB forms to schools

    The Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government, Valentine Buraimoh, has presented ultramodern school furniture to public primary schools and Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms to individuals.Addressing the people, he noted that the gesture was in line with the vision of promoting the standard of education in the council, while creating conducive learning environment that enhances students’ engagement and success.

    He said: “We are providing this so that our children can study in a conducive atmosphere. We also gave all our common entrance pupils past questions.We also placed eight of them on scholarship throughout their secondary education.

    “We have been working in tandem with the education secretary of Amuwo Odofin to make education in our local government of standard.

    “We also distributed JAMB forms to our pupils. We are doing everything possible to improve the quality of education in our local government. We also conduct adult education for elderly ones. Our environment is an enlightened one.”

    Read Also: Amuwo Odofin LG charts path to peace

    He, however, urged school managements to take good care of the properties.

    Director of Education, Amuwo Odofin, Mr. Idowu Banjoko, described Buraimoh as a lover of quality education.

    “Our chairman values education and he is keen on educational development of the pupils. This is why he is ensuring all round development of education in the council. When the society is educated, it progresses,” he said.

    Head teacher, 152 road Nursery and primary school, FESTAC, Mrs. Daramoke Funmilayo, lauded the gesture.

    “On behalf of other Head teachers in the council, we are grateful to the chairman. He is replacing the old models for new ones.

  • Amuwo-Odofin council rallies residents on proposed budget

    Amuwo-Odofin council rallies residents on proposed budget

    Amuwo-Odofin Local Government, Lagos State has held its budget stakeholders’ meeting.

    The council Chairman, Valentine Buraimoh, highlighted some of his achievements in the outgoing year.

    “As we look towards the 2025 budget preparations, it is essential that we collaborate and gather insights from all stakeholders.Your experiences, needs and aspirations are invaluable in shaping a budget that not only reflects our vision but also addresses the pressing needs of our community.

    “Together, we have a unique opportunity to create a future that aligns with our shared goals for Amuwo-Odofin. I invite you to participate in this dialogue so that we can build up on our successes and address any challenges that lie ahead,” he stated.

    FESTAC District Head, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Revd Dr. Johnson Ogunyinde, urged the community members to maintain government properties and be security conscious.

    Read Also: GAC hails Amuwo-Odofin council chief

    Amuwo-Odofin CDC Chairman Prince Abdulahi Akinsemoyin, urged everyone to let the government know their needs.

    Community leaders, residents, civil society organisations spoke their minds.

    Some requested the establishment of a civic centre, road maintenance agency, facility for the elderly ones, and palliatives for people living in the riverine areas, among others.

    Dignitaries include the supervisors, SA’s to council chairman, Chief Otolorin, CDC Chairman, Prince Akinsemoyin, and Chief Ajayi.

  • APC leaders in Amuwo-Odofin, Oriade advocate unity for party growth

    APC leaders in Amuwo-Odofin, Oriade advocate unity for party growth

    Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government and Oriade Local Council Development Area have called on members to embrace unity and speak with one voice to strengthen the party. 

    The resolution was the focal point of the 2024 APC Amuwo-Odofin/Oriade Summit, themed “Unity in Progress: Bridging Gaps for a Stronger Future in Amuwo-Odofin and Oriade”.

    The event was co-hosted by Valentine Buraimoh, Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government, and Ramotalai Akinlola-Hassan, Chairman of Oriade LCDA. 

    The summit sought to foster cohesion and address challenges affecting the APC in the region. 

    In his keynote address, Fuhad Oki stressed the need to understand the unique demographics of Amuwo-Odofin and Oriade while advocating for deliberate policies to promote party loyalty and social inclusion. 

    He said: “Amuwo-Odofin and Oriade embody the intricate territory of Nigeria’s rich diversity. Our region can be aptly described as a living Nigeria, the melting pot of cultures, religions, and ethnicities, with its unique opportunities and significant challenges. We need to cultivate an environment that is ripe for growth and Unity.”

    Oki further highlighted the demographic composition of the region, saying ‘approximately 50 percent of the population is Yoruba, while other ethnic groups make up the remaining 40 percent.

    “The gender distribution is also significant, with women constituting about 40 cent of the population. Furthermore, 60 percent of our population are under 35 years old,” he noted.

    Oki urged party members and stakeholders to eschew grievances and embrace one another with an open arm.

    “Let us reflect on our shared responsibility and commitment to passing the test by prioritising values like equity and fairness, we are emphasizing the need to empower our youths and women. I urge you brethren to be forgiving so we can be forgiven by our creator; let’s forgive ourselves and be united. Though we have the numbers, we lack cohesion and bonding, let us not underestimate the power of the APC,” he added.

    Party Leader and member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) Musiliu Obanikoro emphasised the need for discipline and togetherness within the party.

    He said: “The leadership must play their part, and the followership must also play their part. That is the only way we can return our party to those glorious days.”

    Buraimoh restated the importance of unity and progress of the party, saying, ‘This must come at this particular time because we have issues within our party, particularly among our party members, our party followers that need to be addressed. Because we have been taking it for granted, it has reflected in our previous election and we don’t want to go into a new election with such a mindset.

    “We must come together as a body, we must unify our differences, so that we can commonly face our enemy. Rather than being divided, we face our common enemy.”

    The council boss also urged party members to resolve the differences in other to have a common agenda.

    Mrs. Akinlola-Hassan highlighted the challenges facing the party to include lack of unity and love. She also emphasised on the need for discipline within the party to serve as a lesson to other individuals or stakeholders found wanting.

    Read Also: 2025 election: Why Anambra should join APC, by Chukwuma

    She said: “If God gives you a small child to lead, you embrace that child and make the person relevant in most things, so that things will go on fine.”

    A two-time member of the Federal House of Representatives from Amuwo-Odofin, Oghene Egoh, emphasised the need for unity and cohesion within the party.

    Egoh, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, said the essence of the gathering is to ensure APC has greater figure in the next and future elections.

    “The reason why we are gathered today is to see how we can win elections in the future. We the new members have found out that there’s a lot of aggrieved bodies within the party,” he noted.

    The event was attended by various stakeholders, including party leaders, members, and supporters including

    Senator Idiat Adebule (Lagos West), represented by Chairman if Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA Razak Ajala; former Deputy Governor Princess Sarah Sosan represented by former chairman Ojo local government area Prince Yinka Durosinmi, among others.

  • GAC hails Amuwo-Odofin council chief

    GAC hails Amuwo-Odofin council chief

    Leader of the representative of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the highest decision-making body of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tunde Balogun has commended the Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government, Valentine Buraimoh, for his “outstanding performance”.

    Balogun made this commendation during a working visit to the local government with his team. 

    He praised Buraimoh’s leadership and urged all stakeholders to cooperate with him to bring democracy dividends to the people.

    The team also assessed the council chairman’s infrastructural projects and expressed their confidence in him. The CDC/CDAs across the local government also met with the delegates and assured them of their continued support for the government’s initiatives. In the same vein, two members of the GAC in Lagos, Alhaji Akanni Seriki Bamu, the Apase of Epe land, and former Lagos State Speaker, Adeyemi Ikuforiji have hailed the Chairman of Epe local government, Surah Animashaun for her “developmental projects embarked upon in the council”.

    Ikuforiji said, “going forward therefore, if we want to continue to enjoy this kind of life changing intervention in multiple folds in Epe Local Government, we should know what to do, let us support her emergency for second term in office.” Other stakeholders which include the traditional rulers, religious leaders, market women, students and political leaders, youth leaders, youth council, Olorituns, Baales, youths, men and women leaders, policemen, solidiers, local vigilantes, Igbo, Hausa communities and non-indigenes were thumbed up for the Chairperson in making the council proud among the committee of councils in Lagos.

    Read Also: Community to launch N500m fund

    Also, the artisans, market men and women, the Leagues of Imams and Alfas, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), ward Chairmen and excos, and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in council area have mobilised support for the electoral victories for the Chairperson, Ms. Animashaun, in the 2025 local government election in the state.

    The stakeholders said victories of Mrs. Animashaun in next year’s local government elections would guarantee the sustenance of life-changing interventions in education, health, roads rehabilitation, security of lives and property, commerce and socio-economic developments of the area.

    They spoke separately at Epe, during the Local Government Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum for the Year 2025 Budget, held at Local Government Secretariat, Ita-Marun, Epe, Lagos State. One of the state party executive members, Kehinde Adeniyi and other stakeholders, expressed optimism that what they saw showed that Animashaun would do more for the council, if she is re-nominated for the second term in office. In his address, the Commissioner, LG Commission, Ahmed Seriki, noted that the Chairperson has performed excellently.

    According to him, the council boss has empowered youths in many areas, like bursary awards, provision of education materials for pupils in public schools and empowerment of police and local vigilantes to eradicate crimes among the youths and incessant killing of rival cultists.

  • Amuwo-Odofin charts path to peace, harmony

    Amuwo-Odofin charts path to peace, harmony

    Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, Lagos, has canvassed peaceful co-existence as the pathway to growth and development.

    It stated this at a breakfast meeting with ‘’top leaders and Ibo stakeholders’’ at Garden Top Hotel in the area.

    The event had as its theme: “Dialogue for change: Exploring a pathway to harmonious co-existence and collaboration in Amuwo Odofin”.

    Vice Chairman of the council, Mrs Maureen Achara, said she was miffed by the perceived discord and disharmony among residents after the last general election.

    Mrs Achara, who said she had lived in Amuwo Odofin for 30 years, stated that she observed that unlike before, the residents had divided politically. Noting that Amuwo Odofin is a miniature Nigeria as it is made up of various ethnic groups, she urged them to shun rivalry and unite for progress.

    “Politics is not enough to divide us. Let’s embrace peace and harmony, so we can have a long life. Because when you have trouble, life will be cut short,’’ she added

    Read Also: Lagos pushes on with projects despite weather

    She pledged the council’s assistance to collaborate with the various stakeholders in the state to attract the dividends of democracy to the area.

    She promised to hold the programme regularly and extend it to other groups.

    Moderator of the programme, Chief Afam Chukwuma, said the objective of the maiden dialogue was to rub minds with the residents, remove any animosity and suspicion, heal the wounds and uphold truth and reconciliation.

    “We want to see cohesion. Lagos has been good to the Ibo as it has provided us with an enabling environment to do business. We believe we should deepen the relationship,’’ he said.

    Chukwuma, also the Managing Director of International Supply Chain System Limited, added.

     Prince Abiodun Osujide, who represented the Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Gbenga Oyerinde, stressed love as panacea for peaceful living.

    Guest speaker, Prince Nixon Okwara, blamed the elite for the problems of Nigeria, noting that it is not about tribe or religion.

    He, however, suggested a proper understanding of our cultural differences to avoid chaos. He also suggested a better life for the youth, saying they should not be neglected because they constitute a higher percentage of the population.

    Obu of Nanka of Anambra State, Igwe Godwin Ezeilo, also stressed love. He however added that skirmishes among Ibo and Yoruba are the handiwork of touts. He urged the leaders to step in to such for them to move forward.

  • Adewusi remains our only Oba-elect, say Amuwo-Odofin ruling houses

    Adewusi remains our only Oba-elect, say Amuwo-Odofin ruling houses

    • Olamilekan Andu

    All the five ruling houses in Amuwo-Odofin Kingdom of Lagos State have reaffirmed the choice of Prince Adewusi Kazeem Olawale as the Oba-elect.

    Rising from an enlarged December edition of their family meeting, all the ruling houses – Ija-Oye, Idewu, Omo-Ola, Amogun, and Erogun – said Prince Adewusi remained their only recognised Oba-elect for the Alamuwo of Amowo-Odofin Kingdom.

    The ruling houses said they called the enlarged meeting following reports that another person, Tayo Toyin, was being paraded as another oba-elect.

    According to them, the united royal family had consulted the oracle – as had been the tradition – and Prince Adewusi was affirmed through Ejiogbe, the supreme voice of Ifa.

    They urged the members of the public, the Lagos State government, and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to disregard any information emanating from any other channels outside of the ruling houses on the kingship stool.

    The elders and other members of the ruling houses re-presented Prince Adewusi to the media and the public as the authentic Oba-elect.

    Speaking with The Nation, Prince Adewusi explained why the public reaffirmation became imperative.

    He said: ”The major reason we called this meeting was to debunk the rumour that some people have chosen another Omo Oye (heir apparent) beside myself.

    “The family has reaffirmed that I remain the recognised Omo Oye of Amuwo-Odofin Kingdom and to let the world know the family’s position on the matter. There is no rancour on the matter. The five ruling houses today affirmed that they chose me.”

    Corroborating the Oba-elect, the Yeye Oba Amuwo, Alhaja Kafilat Abimbola Afolabi, said: ”I came for the normal family meeting, but on getting here, I heard there was another person claiming to be the Omo Oye other than the one we all had agreed to, that is, Prince Kazeem Olawale Adewusi.

    “There were three persons vying for the stool from the same family. There are three of them, all grandchildren. One is a grandchild from the father’s side; the others are grandchildren from the mother’s side. It’s the one from the father’s side that the oracle chose. That is, Prince Adewusi.”

    Also, the Iyalode Tolu from the Ija-Oye ruling family, Chief (Mrs.) Kashimawo Ajiwe said: ”I am the Assistant Secretary of Amuwo-Odofin Royal Family. We usually hold our regular meetings on the third Sunday of every month. So, the meeting was not unusual.

    Read Also: Amuwo-Odofin Rep member not our candidate, LP tells court

    “But we heard on a popular radio station in Lagos that some women had selected Toyin as the Alamuwo of Amuwo-Odofin Kingdom. That cannot be right. It’s true that the parents of Toyin and Prince Adewusi Olawale Kazeem are children of King Amuwo-Odofin. They have both expressed interest in the stool.

    “We had to consult the oracle because they are from the same fifth family in the royal lineage. The other four royal houses agreed for them to produce the king. The oracle that chose Adewusi was Ejiogbe, the king of Ifa divinity. The other oracle that chose Toyin was Ogberi Kusa, which is lower in divination to Ejiogbe. No Ifa divination supersedes Ejiogbe.

    “The development was among the major reasons we called the meeting, especially to intimate the media with the truth and our position on the kinship.

    Another elder of the royal family and the Aro of Isolo, Alhaji Lateef Akinosi, said: “The ruling houses came to me for the endorsement of the king and I endorsed Prince Adewusi Kazeem Olawale, like others. Later, Toyin came to me for endorsement. I told him that I had endorsed Kazeem Adewusi and that I would not change that.

    “I advised Toyin not to waste his money because we had all agreed and endorsed Princce Adewusi. He made some attempts to make me change my position, but I insisted on the general choice.”

  • Council hails Church for giving back to community

    Council hails Church for giving back to community

    Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State, Valentine Buraimoh, has commended the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Festac Mega Regional Headquarters, for practising what is preaches, through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CRS) programmes.

    According to Buraimoh, the efforts have positively transformed lives in the community and beyond, especially the Open Air Prophetic Praise scheduled for November 24 at the Lagos Trade Fair International Complex.

    Buraimoh, while speaking on different impactful projects and programmes undertaken by the church, including road rehabilitation, thanked the church for walking the talk.

    Regional Overseer of the Church, Pastor Irabor Enojiasun, while speaking on the Open Air Prophetic Praise programme, said the Church embarked on the projects in line with the General Overseer’s vision and directives that all MFM churches should touch lives and impact positively on their host communities.

    The praise programme is themed ‘Sacrifice of Praise’.

    Read Also: Church holds conference on new breed

    Pastor Enojiasun said: “MFM FESTAC Mega Regional Headquarters, Lagos, has given

    out 18 scholarships, comprising three university students, five secondary and 10 primary school pupils. The church likewise gave foodstuffs to over 1,400 families as palliatives, under its food evangelism programme.

    “In addition, the church provided free medical outreaches to the public and free hepatitis vaccination, and scholarships to indigent students within and outside the church and communities at large. To bring succour to the downtrodden, the church also gave cash gifts and free skill acquisitions to the widows, women and youths at large, as well as engage the youths through sporting activities, ICT workshops/seminars and enlightenment programmes to develop their skills,talents and purpose in life.

    “The praise programme is also in line with the Explosive Evangelism Initiative (EEI) vision of our General Overseer, Dr. Daniel Olukoya, to capture the world for Christ, as well as for healing of Nigeria out of the myriads challenges bedevilling her.”

    There will be free transportation from different axis in the state for participants at the event.