Chair of Apapa Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State, Jimoh Saliu, has demonstrated his commitment to promoting qualitative education by distributing free notebooks to over 1,000 pupils in Apapa-Iganmu..
Speaking during the distribution at Ireakari Nursery and Primary School, Sari Iganmu, and Ireti-Owoseni Nursery and Primary School, Badia, Ijora, Saliu resolved to change the face of the council with sound education.
“The idea of ‘Catch Them Young’ has been part of it. And while I was campaigning, I said priority will be given to education during my tenure.
‘‘And I want to change the face of my local government in terms of education. I want the state to know that my community, my LCDA has educationally sound pupils,” he said.
The council chief pledged full scholarships for science pupils from the council admitted into higher institutions.
“My government will support science students with 100 per cent scholarship. I’ll pay their tuition from year one and provide stipends to sustain them. This will encourage more young people to pursue science-related fields,” he said.
He said 100 forms will be distributed annually, with 50 admitted science students benefiting. He further pledged to partner donors to sustain the initiative and strengthen.
“Free GCE forms will be given to those with good grades in mock test. Any pupil, who passes English, maths and five subjects will get free JAMB form,” he said. “If you meet JAMB cut-off, I will assist you in securing admission,” he added.
Saliu said he would soon sponsor free vocational training for pupils who may not want to further their education.
The Lagos State Government has flagged off a sensitisation programme for staff of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) on pension documentation and record updates.
The exercise, which began at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, and held simultaneously in Epe and Badagry, is designed to provide workers with the necessary information on processing retirement benefits and updating their records with Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) for seamless pension payment.
Declaring the programme open, the Head of Service, Olabode Agoro, stressed the importance of workers’ active participation in the Contributory Pension Scheme, which, according to him, guarantees financial security for public servants after service.
He said, “Today we gather to underscore the significance of our understanding of updates and changes affecting our pension scheme, which play a vital role in securing our future. The Contributory Pension Scheme was established to provide a sustainable retirement plan, ensuring financial security for public servants in the country. It is essential that we stay informed, check our payslips regularly, and ensure that our data is captured accurately”.
The Head of Service, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Oyebola Sunkanmi, urged workers to engage with pension administrators during the exercise to ensure their data is properly updated. This, he explained, would facilitate smooth pension payments at retirement and prevent unnecessary delays.
“Participation is key to maximising the benefits of the Contributory Pension Scheme. By working together, we can ensure that every public servant is well prepared for retirement and that our contribution to you is a secure future”, he added.
Director-General of the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), Babalola Omilana, described the sensitisation as a reflection of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to safeguarding workers’ welfare both in service and in retirement.
He explained that the initiative would bridge knowledge gaps, address common challenges, and prepare staff for a seamless pension process.
“Over the years, Lagos has been recognised as a trailblazer in pension administration. However, policies are only as effective as the level of awareness and compliance they command. Many public servants are unaware that outdated or incorrect data can cause avoidable delays. Through this data recapture exercise, LASPEC is working closely with PFAs to ensure every contributor’s record is accurate and up-to-date”, he said.
Omilana assured that with proper documentation, retirees would no longer face unnecessary delays.
“We are crossing the T’s and dotting the ‘I’s before retirement, so that once approvals are obtained, payments can be made immediately. There will never be any backlog in Lagos Pension payment is taken very seriously by Mr. Governor”, he added.
The sensitisation, which will run in phases, is expected to cover all 37 LCDAs during the week.
He spoke during 2024 World Tourism Day: ‘Tourism and Peace’, organised by the LCDA in Badagry.
Gbenu said: “By investing in tourism infrastructure, supporting local businesses and showcasing our community, we are laying the groundwork for a vibrant and sustainable tourism sector.
“Tourism is more than travelling and exploring new places; it is a tool for building bridges between cultures, promoting mutual respect and fostering peaceful co-existence.’’
Babatunde Ajose, guest speaker, said the World Tourism Day is an opportunity to come together ‘’and identify our potential.’’
Joseph Bamgbose, former lawmaker representing Badagry, hailed the ‘ showcase of our cultural background.’’
Samson Apata, chair of Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria in Lagos State, said Gbenu was nominated as best chair man promoting tourism in Destination Lagos Award next month.
Senior Special Assistant on Information, Tourism and Special Works to the Chair, Zosu Solomon, said the day was not just cultural performances.
He said: ‘’We showcased peculiarity of our council. We will have a symposium to channel our objectives towards a plan.’’
Viyon Awhanse, founder of Badagry International Film, Cultural and Sports Festival (BIFIF), hailed Badagry-West for being the only council in Lagos that always celebrated tourism day.
Agbado/Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area plans to source its Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR) next year through android phones of residents and business communities in the area.
This plan was made known by the council chairman, David Oladapo Famuyiwa, in an interview at the Year 2024 Budget Retreat on Thursday.
Famuyiwa said the digital process of sourcing the IGR of the LCDA will enable the government generate more revenue and block loopholes through which some earnings of the LCDA found its way out of the government purse.
“We have invited a resource person to lecture us on the process; and the area officers as well as others have been fully tutored on the processes. What the people needed is to link any of the local council accounts to their their phones,” he said.
The council boss asked all departmental heads to work towards laying foundation for better economic development of the people, which will lead to better financial base of the government to prosecute the programmes of Famuyiwa administration.
“We are targeting the Year 2024 template towards collaboration with private individuals and corporate organizations to ensure the success of the budget and improved infrastructural development expected of this administration,” he said.
He affirmed that the theme of Budget of Continuity for the Year 2024 Budget was to continue with projects and programmes of the administration that will solidify the base for economic improvement of the people of Agbodo/Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area.
The materials included textbooks, stationery, and other vital supplies.
According to the chairman, this initiative was part of his efforts to improve the educational sector of the LCDA.
He said: “The undertaking has included not only the distribution of educational materials to schools but also the provision of quality furniture, a plethora of books, and the renovation of public school facilities across various communities within the LCDA.
“The comprehensive approach to educational development demonstrates my commitment to enhancing the educational experience for local students.”
According to some stakeholders and leaders in the council, the chairman’s dedication to this cause is setting a remarkable precedent for educational development in the region. The school administration and the students expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the chairman for his dedication to education in the LCDA.
National Association of Agriculture Produce Dealer (NAAPD) has agreed to partner with 57 local government and Local Council Development Areas in Lagos in tackling illegal toll fees on food items on highway across Lagos state.
The National Secretary of the association, Kingsley Chikezie said this at an interactive session of NAAPD in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development with Head of Department Agriculture and Social Services in the 57 LG/LCDA in Lagos state on implementation of the federal government policy on Illegal and Multiple Levies and Taxes on Agriculture Products on Highway, Parks and Markets.
He said that the law is clear and states that no persons, no tax officer or representatives of the government has the authority to collect any levy on the road but only in the market where they are been loaded and downloaded.
“the association has received mandate of the federal government because they are serious on agriculture, food security and we have been given a mandate to work with security and law enforcement agencies to remove the roadblock on agricultural produce on the road” he said.
“the association is working on the tripartite agreement with Association of Local Governments of Nigeria over the stoppage of illegal tolls on farm produce across the country, the association is willing to work with all the 57 LG/LCDA in Lagos state because of the state willingness to end this menace”.
“our action is massive oriented. In the midst of mobility and funding challenges that we face. We want to ensure that nobody go to highway to collect tolls on agricultural products but should be at the statutory revenue based collection of taxes on food”.
He further said, the implication when illegal tolls are removed on our roads, the prices of food will be drastically reduced because as it is today most of the prices of food are high in Lagos because of multiple taxations.
“water melon in Sokoto that cost N50 but when its arrive Lagos, its increases to N500 and the reason is that traders passed through a lot on the road which should be addressed by everyone”.
“one of the findings of the discussion which the association will look into is to engage other stakeholders which include; Iya Oloja, traditional rulers, and politicians who add their bills to what is happening on the road and they are all illegal fees and its having its toll on the people in Lagos”.
Also, the Zonal Chairman of the association, Prince Adeyinka Bakare said that Lagos is the biggest market of all agricultural produce in Nigeria and that make it a focal point to discuss on how best to address the rate of illegal fees on farm produce on our roads which will be a model for the other states in the western region.
He said from the hinterland down to the market and to the city, a lot of things happen.
“A lot of agricultural produce are perishable and many farmers lose half of their products on the highway before its get to the market due to illegal taxes and fees”.
In his response, the Head of Board of Agricultural and Social Service, Lagos State, Bola Onigbajo said that the Lagos state is willing to partner with the association in addressing the problems of illegal fees on agricultural products on our roads in Lagos
“We will do a lot of consultation and enforcement of the law will be carried out on any illegal toll on farm produce on the road. We are concern about the people of Lagos and their welfare is our major concern”, he said.
Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Chairman Hammed Idowu Tijani is set to partner the Lagos State Employment Trust Funds (LSETF) to create wealth and jobs for residents of the community.
The opportunities, according to him, will come under a scheme tagged: “Matching “, where the local government will enter into a deal with LSETF to facilitate them.
The scheme, Tijani said, covers six sectors: health, manufacturing, garment making, hospitality, construction and entertainment. Trainees will receive loans to start their businesses after the training.
The loan, which comes under two categories are: start up, which can accommodate those who want to start their businesses with N50,000 to N250,000 and the second category is the micro enterprise that affords a minimum of N50,000, and a maximum of N500,000. The loans are expected to be repaid within 15 months after collection.
Further details of the programme will be made known to residents through an enlarged meeting and announcement, the chairman said.
The Chairman of Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State, Kayode Omiyale, has urged the residents to take care of the roads to prevent them from damage and ensure longevity.
The chairman said the mandate the electorate gave him remained sacred, adding that “it must be used to the advantage of the electorate”.
Omiyale spoke at the inauguration of two roads – Obadna and Ajayi-Bembe – to mark the 100 days of his administration in office.
He said: “During the electioneering campaign, I promised to operate an open-door policy. We have not deviated from this promise in the past 100 days we took over the helms of affairs.
“Yaba LCDA prides itself as one of those with the highest number of higher institutions in Nigeria. It requires extra efforts to promote peace and harmony for the students not to be disturbed in their academic pursuit. This we are doing to the best of our ability.”
At the inauguration of two roads, Omiyale urged the residents to prevent motor mechanic from turning them into workshops or market places.
He handed over the roads to the community development associations (CDAs).
Omiyale said: “The topography of this environment makes it a flood-prone area. We have raised the drainage and the roads to discharge water into the big canal. We made half of Obadina Road to be interlocking because the soil in that area has turned to vegetation. We had to dig deep to get to the soil because of the huge deposits of domestic waste when the roads were not passable…”
…begins installation of surveillance cameras October
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday said that the 114 roads constructed across the 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas in the State was already impacting on the state economy.
Speaking through his Deputy, Dr. Mrs. Oluranti Adebule at the commissioning of Ketu Adaloko and Babalola Ilogbo-Oke Agbo road in Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area (LCDA), the governor said the State’s “Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has started increasing.”
He said the decision to embark on the 114 road construction across the state put at a cost of N19.4 billion was the multiplier effect it would have on the development of the state’s economy, especially from the grassroots.
He said the process for the road selection was done in line with international best practices, adding “we asked every council chairman to present roads within their councils that required the state government intervention. The list we received was in hundreds.”
Ambode also disclosed plans to link inner roads in the State to the Lagos Smart City Project, expressing readiness to commence deployment of Close Circuit Television (CCTV) Cameras in October across the State.
Speaking at Coker-Aguda LCDA, the governor said the government will complement the project with strategic security management driven by technology.
Represented by the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. Olufemi Odubiyi at the commissioning of 500meters Bolaji Banwo Street in Coker Aguda LCDA, he said security remained one of the cardinal objectives of his administration, and that technology will play a key role in securing residents.
Also in Coker Aguda LCDA, Ambode commissioned 580meters Opere Street through a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Surulere Constituency 1, Desmond Elliot.
Speaking to journalists, the Governor said: “One of the cardinal areas in which we focus on is security in the State and we have realised that the man policing we have in Lagos is not sufficient if you look at the ratio of the policemen that we have to the citizens of the State.
“We have come up with an initiative which is an ongoing project and it is called the Smart City Project. In the area of security, we are going to be deploying CCTV Cameras to ensure that when you are sleeping, you have a guaranty that you are being watched.
“The present administration is interested in making sure that this city is safe and technology is one of the areas we are looking at by deploying CCTV Cameras which will be linked to our Command and Control Centre in Alausa. We are going to have an eye over Lagos and this is because of the importance this government is paying to security of lives and property,” he said.
The governor also commissioned at least 14 other roads across seven LGs and LCDAs including Lekki LCDA, Lagos Mainland, Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Badagry LG, Ojo LG, Agbado Okeodo LCDA and Ifako Ijaiye LG.
The commissioning of the 114 roads which was flagged off last weekend is expected to end today with the commissioning of another set of 12 roads.
Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule inaugurating Ilogbo road in Oto Awori L.C.D.A on Friday. With her are Sole Administrator, Oto Awori L.C.D.A, Hon Kolawole Abiola (left), Hon commissioner for local government and community affairs Hon Muslim Folami ( 1st right), Lagos House of Assembly Member, Hon Lanre Ogunyemi (2nd right) .
L-R Sole administrator of Alimosho Local Government Area, Hon. Ganiu Quadri, Senator, representing Lagos west, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola and the Oba of Shasha land, Oba Babatunde Akanbi Ogunronbi at the commissioning of Jolaosho street/Balogun Oyebisi Link Alimosho, Lagos.
The Sole Administrator Egbe-Idimu LCDA Hon. Adedoyin Salami has advocated the tracking system in order to attain the revenue target of the Local Council Development Area.
Speaking during the stakeholders meeting on internally Generated Revenue for the Council, he said every revenue officer must be made to man certain section of the Revenue item. He reasoned that each point will be monitored by equally competent officers through internal mechanism , that is designed to trace revenue items and officers responsible for generating them Each officer assigned to a point will deliver on their target. They are expected to comb the areas for all revenue items and collect them.
Salami said it is obvious that the only option available for Local Government is to embark on aggressive internally generated drive.The allocation coming from the federation account has significantly reduced to an embarrassing level.
He appealed to his colleagues not to interfere in the revenue drive, stressing that Government is determined to use the money Generated to solve the immediate needs of the Council, such as Culverts, refuse collections etc.
The Head Of Administration Mrs Morenikeji Okwuonu stated that the Council was ready to carry out the instruction of His Excellency, the Governor of Lagos state. All contractual revenue must revert back to the Local Government. She charged the Council staff to brace up in order to justify the confidence reposed in them by His Excellency the Governor of Lagos State on their capability to improve the LGs’ lGRs.
The Council Treasurer Mrs Aguda Akoro assured the Members of staff that any Section that exceeded its target would be rewarded accordingly.
