By Busola Akinyoade
The Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has distributed over 600 rams at a subsidised rate to low-income families under its annual Ramadan welfare scheme.
The initiative is part of the council’s strategic social intervention programme designed to support vulnerable households and ensure inclusive celebration within the Muslim community.
The council Chairman, Razak Ajala, emphasised the importance of sustainability and continuity in governance, assuring residents that the initiative would outlive his administration.
“This programme is not about me. It is born out of the desire of our people. Democracy is about the people, Before I got this mandate, I moved across every part of this local government to hear from the people. One of their key requests was for us to align our programmes with their actual needs,” he said
He explained that the council opted for a heavily subsidised model, bringing down the cost of rams to N75,000, compared to market prices ranging between N250,000 and N300,000. He noted that the intervention was particularly aimed at families at the lowest level of the economic ladder, saying: “We believe this gesture will give them a sense of belonging during this festive period, just like their counterparts elsewhere.”
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According to the council boss, a ticketing system was used to maintain order, while special consideration was given to elderly beneficiaries.
“Initially, we observed that many of the beneficiaries were youths. To balance this, I personally stepped into the line and picked elderly residents to ensure they were not left out,” he said.
To avoid crowd surges, the council installed barricades and designed a 250-metre walk-through system leading to the payment and collection points.
He disclosed that the incoming administration, led by the party’s current candidate and vice-chairman, has promised to sustain the initiative, describing it as “a collective effort, not a personal agenda.”
“With my vice-chairman—now the party’s flagbearer—on board, residents should expect a continuation of impactful and inclusive governance,” he added.
Ajala urged residents to amplify the scheme’s success to encourage other local governments to adopt similar models. He also reiterated that the programme was strictly for bonafide residents of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye, to ensure local funds serve the local populace.
“Our political philosophy is clear—common purse for common benefit. That’s the principle guiding our actions,” he said.