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Gov. Abiodun: We’ll continue to provide needed infrastructure despite paucity of funds

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Gov. Abiodun

Gov. Abiodun: We’ll continue to provide needed infrastructure despite paucity of funds

…receives Ijebu monarchs’ endorsement for second term

Gov. Abiodun

 

Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, has declared that his administration would continue to provide infrastructure capable of opening up and driving the economic development of the state, despite paucity of funds.

Abiodun gave this declaration, on Monday, while speaking at the inauguration of the long stretch of Igan-Ishamurin-Odo Shikiti Road, in Ago-Iwoye town, Ijebu NorthLocal Government Area of the state.

 

Gov. Abiodun

 

 

“For us in Ogun, our goal is to put our state in the league of advanced economies and make it an investors’ destination of choice. To achieve this, we know the importance of modern day and world-class infrastructure. For this reason, we will continue to rehabilitate existing infrastructure, build new ones and also put them in a position where they will not only stand the test of the time, but serve as a catalyst for our socio-economic development.

“As an administration, we have identified our focus and have taken as a key priority, the development of infrastructure that will ensure the much-desired socio-economic development of the state.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“It is the desire to achieve this objective that makes us to commit huge resources to the development of infrastructure while not neglecting other sectors competing for the scarce funds of the State Government”, the governor stated.

He noted that the Igan-Ishamurin Odo Shikiti road was designed to improve the socio-economic life of the people of Ago-Iwoye, as well as the surrounding communities, by making transportation smooth and convenient for farmers when evacuating their farm produce to urban market centres.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abiodun observed that the road would serve as a link to Ago-Iwoye, Oru Ijebu and Ijebu-Igbo townships.

He added that the road handled by an indigenous contractors was completed and provided with streetlights, good drains, culverts and has four lay-byes on the stretch of the road to cater for the pedestrians safety.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While maintaining that the road commissioning would serve as a form of reassurance to other parts of the state, of his administration’s desire to keep and fulfill all electoral promises, the governor said work was at an advance stage at the Illisan-Ago-Iwoye road, abandoned more than 11 years ago.

Abiodun, however, called on the residents and motorists to take ownership of the road and desist from blocking the drainage or making a bonfire on it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Please, protect this road because it is yours. By doing this, you are helping us in building our future together’, he added.

Abiodun, who stressed that his administration would not allow the people to suffer unnecessary hardship, disclosed that the failed portions at the Sango-Ota-Ijoko road were being laid with asphalt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He disclosed further that he had awarded a contract for the repair of failed portions along the Abeokuta- Ifo- Lagos expressway, reiterating that his administration would continue to construct or rehabilitate any economic viable road in the state, whether it belongs to the Federal Government of Ogun.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ade Akinsanya, said the road which was started and completed by the present administration, would improve the economic activities of people living along the road, calling on the to good use of the pad and desist from dumping refuse on the drainage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A former deputy governor, Senator Sefiu Adegbenga Kaka, noted that the road was in a deplorable condition for long and commended the governor for putting it in good shape with good drainage system.

Also, the contractor that executed the road project, Joseph Adegbesan, lauded the governor for believing in the indigenous contractors, noting that the gesture, apart from encouraging the local contractors, also empowered the local people who supplied materials used in constructing the road.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While delivering the meessage of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Yinusa Adekoya, announced the endorsement of the Governor Abiodun second term bid, by all the monarchs in Ijebuland.

“You have worked assiduously these past three years and three months and you have justified why you deserve a second term in office.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“The message is clear. You have done very well by fulfilling the promises made to us in 2019. 2023 is sure and our people will vote overwhelmingly for you”, he assured the governor.

Speaking, the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Abdul-Rasak Adenugba, said ‘though I am not a politician, the people of this ancient town have come to tell me that it is Dapo Abiodun they want and not anyone else. You have restored confidence in government and for keeping the promises made to us during the electioneering campaign”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The monarch further appreciated the governor for embarking on reconstruction work on the road linking the university town to other Ijebu and Remo towns and villages.

The Orimolusi of Ijebu Igbo, Oba Lawrence Adebajo, reaffirmed the stance of other monarchs in Ijebuland, submitting that “in the short period I have been an Oba, you have changed my perception about politicians as liars. Your words have been your bond. I can see the development you’ve brought into our towns. We love you and our people have told me that year 2023 is yours without equivocation”.

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LAGOS DESERVES ITS 37 NEW LOCAL GOVERNMENTS: JUSTICE DELAYED, JUSTICE DENIED

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By Prince Adeyemi Aseperi-Shonibare

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” — Martin Luther King Jr.

For over two decades, Lagos State has been unjustly denied the recognition of 37 additional local governments, which were legally created under the Nigerian Constitution. This is not a political maneuver—it is a legitimate demand for fairness, equity, and justice. The continuous refusal of the Federal Government and the National Assembly to rectify this anomaly is a clear case of injustice, and as the saying goes, justice delayed is justice denied.

THE CREATION OF 37 LOCAL GOVERNMENTS: A CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT DENIED

In 2003, then-Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in strict adherence to constitutional provisions, initiated the process of creating new local governments in Lagos. A referendum was conducted, all necessary legal procedures were followed, and the Lagos State House of Assembly passed the law establishing these local governments in accordance with the 1999 Constitution.

This legal process was supervised by Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, the then-Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Lagos State, who later became Nigeria’s Vice President. These local governments were not created arbitrarily; they were established to bring governance closer to the people, ensure equitable development, and address administrative and infrastructural challenges in a state with an exploding population of over 20 million people.

However, despite Lagos following due process, the National Assembly failed to complete its constitutional duty of amending the Constitution to formally recognize these local governments. Instead of supporting Lagos in this democratic exercise, the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo unlawfully withheld federal allocations meant for the existing local governments, crippling development efforts and punishing millions of Lagosians.

Even when the Supreme Court ruled in Lagos’ favor, declaring the withholding of funds unconstitutional, the Obasanjo administration blatantly ignored the ruling, further deepening the injustice against Lagos.

THE CONSEQUENCES OF FEDERAL INJUSTICE AGAINST LAGOS

1 WITHHOLDING OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ALLOCATIONS
In 2004, President Obasanjo unilaterally withheld local government allocations to Lagos State, citing the state’s creation of new local councils as unconstitutional. This action deprived Lagos of crucial funds needed for development.

2.FRUSTRATION OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
The Obasanjo administration was notorious for obstructing Lagos’ initiatives aimed at urban development, transportation, and infrastructure.

3.BLOCKING THE RIGHT OF WAY FOR LAGOS’ BRT PROJECT
The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, designed to ease transportation congestion, was actively obstructed by the Federal Government under Obasanjo. Despite the state government’s efforts to develop an efficient mass transit system, the administration refused to grant Lagos State the right of way on federal roads within Lagos.

4.THE LAGOS INDEPENDENT POWER PROJECT AND ENRON SABOTAGE
Lagos, being Nigeria’s economic hub, sought energy independence to ensure stable electricity for its industries and residents. However, the Federal Government, through the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), blocked Lagos from operating its own power grid, frustrating industrial growth and economic development.

LAGOS: THE ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE OF NIGERIA

Lagos is not just a Nigerian state—it is a global city with unique economic, commercial, and strategic significance. It is Nigeria’s primary gateway to the international market, yet it is treated unfairly in federal allocations.

DISPARITY IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ALLOCATIONS: THE LAGOS-KANO-JIGAWA PARADOX

Kano State, with a lower population, has 44 local governments.

Jigawa, which was created out of Kano, has 27 local governments.

Katsina has 34 local governments, even though its population is far lower than Lagos.

This imbalance is an insult to the principle of fairness. Local governments should not be created based on landmass but on population and administrative responsibilities.

LANDMARK SUPREME COURT CASES WON BY LAGOS AGAINST THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

1.CONTROL OVER PHYSICAL PLANNING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Attorney-General of Lagos State v. Attorney-General of the Federation (2003)

Lagos State won its right to control urban planning without federal interference.

2.ALLOCATION OF REVENUE FROM NATURAL RESOURCES
Attorney-General of the Federation v. Attorney-General of Abia State & 35 Ors (2002)

Supreme Court ruled in favor of Lagos and other littoral states for revenue allocation.

3.WITHHOLDING OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ALLOCATIONS
Attorney-General of Lagos State v. Attorney-General of the Federation (2004)

The Supreme Court ruled that the Federal Government had no right to withhold Lagos’ funds.

10 BENEFITS OF THE NEW LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

1 Closer governance to the grassroots

2.More efficient delivery of public services

3.Increased job creation and economic opportunities

4. Improved security and law enforcement

5.Better infrastructural development

6.Enhanced healthcare and primary education services

7.More equitable allocation of resources

8.Strengthened political representation for residents

9 Increased internally generated revenue (IGR) for Lagos

10 A model for other Nigerian states to emulate for balanced governance

CURRENT RESPONSIBILITIES OF LAGOS STATE

SECURITY: Lagos State has its own security network, including the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps and partnerships with federal agencies.

INFRASTRUCTURE: It has the largest number of roads, bridges, and transportation systems in Nigeria.

EDUCATION: Lagos has the highest number of primary schools and primary health centers in the country.

EMPLOYMENT: The state is the largest employer of labor in Nigeria.

TRANSPORTATION: Lagos has the largest car ownership and human population in West Africa to cater to.

A CALL FOR JUSTICE: THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MUST RECOGNIZE LAGOS’ 37 LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

Lagos has been treated unfairly for too long. The refusal to recognize its additional local governments is an injustice that must be corrected immediately.

The National Assembly must amend the Constitution to recognize Lagos’ 57 local governments.

The Federal Government must release allocations meant for Lagos’ local governments.

Lagosians must unite to demand their rightful share of governance, resources, and representation.

Lagos is the heartbeat of Nigeria’s economy and the face of Africa’s global competitiveness.

THE TIME FOR JUSTICE IS NOW.

#giveusour37lgs

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Obijackson Foundation drives sustainable waste management, donates waste evacuation tools to Okija community

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The Obijackson Foundation, in partnership with the Okija Bu Enyi Brothers Assembly, has donated 140 pieces of waste bins, 2 compactor disposable trucks, 2 operational Hilux, 1 staff bus, bundles of brooms, and other waste evacuating tools to Okija community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The donation took place at the St. Mary’s School Field Okija, on Saturday, during the official launching of “Keep Okija Clean” Initiative to drive environmental and sustainable waste management for Okija community and environs.

The “Keep Okija Clean” initiative aims to address waste management challenges while creating economic opportunities for residents of Okija.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi, Founder of the Obijackson Foundation, emphasized the importance of collective action in driving meaningful change. “I am honoured to stand before you as we reintroduce, in collaboration with the Okija Bu Enyi Brothers Assembly, the ‘Keep Okija Clean’ initiative—a project that embodies our commitment to environmental sustainability and community development.

He said over 100 people have been employed for the project, adding that the gesture is another way to create jobs for the teaming unemployed in the area.

According to Azudialu-Obiejesi, ‘’This effort is a testament to the power of collaboration, as the initiative includes cleaning streets, roads, and public spaces while introducing a sustainable waste management system.

“The highlight of this programme is the future development of a properly engineered landfill for Okija and its environs, which will provide a long-term solution to waste disposal challenges. This project is expected to create employment opportunities for local youths while fostering a healthier environment when completed.

He stated that over the years, the Foundation has spearheaded several transformative projects in Okija, including: Education: establishing Gonzaga Jesuit College and Gonzaga Jesuit Academy with 100% scholarship programs for Okija children.

Others are Healthcare: Improving access to medical services through the Obijackson Women and Children’s Hospital (OWCH); and Tourism Development: Developing Acropolis Gardens and Residence—a world-class resort with a 10,000 seater international convention center designed to position Okija as a hub for business and leisure.

Azudialu-Obiejesi encouraged community members to take ownership of the waste bins provided by the Foundation: “These bins are vital resources for keeping our environment clean. By safeguarding them, we are ensuring a healthier future for ourselves and generations to come.”

“The Foundation remains committed to creating lasting changes through innovative initiatives that empower communities while preserving their environment.

Sharing his vision for a cleaner and more sustainable community,, Obiejesi said, as we continue our environmental initiative, we are not just cleaning our streets; we are building a legacy for generations to come. This initiative demonstrates that collective action can lead to meaningful change.”

“The “Keep Okija Clean” initiative reflects the Obijackson Foundation’s unwavering dedication to improving lives while preserving natural resources for future generations.

The philanthropist urged the community members to take collective ownership of the waste bins provided by the Foundation to keep Okija clean and green.

In his remark on behalf of the Anambra Government, the State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Felix Odimegwu, said the donation of the waste tools was timely as it will help with the ongoing policy of sorting waste in the state.

The event also witnessed the presence of the Managing Director of Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA), Mr. Mike Ozoemena, the Traditional ruler of the town, HRH Igwe Emeka Okezie among other top dignitaries within the state.

It was gathered that the Foundation was established in 2010 to tackle the challenges of poor literacy, empowerement, nutrition and healthcare in Eastern Nigeria, particularly in the rural areas of Anambra state

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Makinde Congratulates Chief Bisi Akande

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Makinde Congratulates Chief Bisi Akande

Makinde Congratulates Chief Bisi Akande

 

 

Hon. Abiola Makinde, representing the Ondo East/Ondo West federal constituency in the National Assembly, has congratulated Chief Bisi Akande, the former Interim National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), on the Lifetime Achievement Award conferred on him by the prestigious Independent Newspaper. In a release personally signed by him, he described Chief Akande as a leader of leaders who has not only moved forward the progressive family in the southwest but in the entire country, Nigeria. He described the award as well deserved because of his uncommon display of integrity, dedication, and forthrightness.

 

Makinde Congratulates Chief Bisi Akande

 

Hon. Makinde who was the Director General of the Campaign for the successful election of Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa of Ondo State, asked Chief Bisi Akande, not to relent on his efforts to continue to elevate the progressive family and to make Nigeria better.

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