Kunle Adelabu
-As roads, PHC, jetty, education, empowerment top requests
-Empowers constituents with over N20 million
Representatives of different groups in Ikorodu Constituency II, were fully represented at the 10th Constituency Stakeholders’ Meeting organized by the Lagos State House of Assembly, which has become part of the government’s needs assessment in the state.
At the meeting hosted by the representative of the constituency, Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun (AMA), traditional rulers, political leaders and constituents openly acknowledged the quality and responsive representation of the lawmaker in two years, which has been described as unequalled in the history of representation in the constituency.
About 800 residents were in attendance at the event themed, ‘Consequences of Renewed Action: The Gains of the Governmental Agenda’, and held at the Golden J Event Centre, Oke – Eletu, Ijede, on Thursday, with all the attendees provided with N5000 as transport fare each alongside branded bags containing food, bread and other items.
125 constituents aged 65 upward across the three LCDAs in Ikorodu Constituency – Igbogbo/Bayeku, Ijede and Imota LCDAs, received N100, 000 each as support for senior citizens, while 15 persons with disability also got N100, 000 each for same purpose.
Hon. Aro, addressing the teeming constituents, said that the annual meeting has provided the House of Assembly in the state, the opportunity to resolve several challenges and bring development to every part of the state. He assured residents of the Assembly’s commitment to improvement of Lagosians’ welfare.
“I warmly welcome you all to this epoch-making 10th Annual Constituency Stakeholders’ Meeting convened by the Lagos State House of Assembly, which is holding simultaneously across all the 40 constituencies in the State.
“As you all know, this unique programme gives us a viable opportunity to render an account of our stewardship, as well as engage, interact, and strengthen our mutual relationship and solidarity. It also enables us to collectively address pressing matters affecting the growth, progress, and development of our great community.
“At our last stakeholders’ meeting, we addressed various challenges and proffered solutions. Today, we continue in our tradition of accountability, participatory governance, and practical engagement.
“On this note, the Lagos State House of Assembly remains steadfast and fervently committed to your welfare. We will not rest on our oars until the impact of governance is felt in every corner of the State “.
He said that the House of Assembly chose the theme for this year to espouse the impacts of the administration of President Bola Tinubu whom he said his tenure has brought about transformation and renewal of strong Nigerian spirit.
“This year’s theme, ‘Consequences of Renewed Action: The Gains of the Governmental Agenda’, has been carefully chosen to highlight the tangible benefits of governance, particularly the Renewed Hope Initiative of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This also reflects the strides we are making here in Lagos State and at the Lagos State House of Assembly in particular.
“Under the dynamic leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our nation has witnessed an inspiring transformation, a renewal of national spirit and a reinvention of the Nigerian State.
“Today, I stand before you to celebrate these tangible achievements, to affirm our commitment to good governance, and to reassure you that our Renewed Hope is not merely a slogan, but a call to action and a vision in progress”, he said.
After listening to different presentations by constituents, Hon. Aro informed them that he will see to the submission of all their requests/demands to the Assembly and ensure that they are included in next year’s budget. He added that he will personally take up some of the requests that he can handle on his own.
Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, chieftain of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) Lagos State, commended the lawmaker’s representation and highlighted his impacts – constituents’ empowerment, projects among others. The elder statesman charged all that have benefitted and will still benefit from his gesture, to make good use of them.
“We thank AMA for a good representation. He always gives feedback on his work so far”.
Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, another GAC chieftain, called for truly free education in Lagos for the children of the commoners to have access to free and affordable education. He also advocated for provision of ICT in schools across the state, to prepare students for CBT examinations.
The former Minister for Works also clamoured for an improved welfare package for traditional rulers.
Asiwaju Kaoli Olusanya, the Asiwaju of Ibeshe and a political leader, in his own submission, also affirmed the quality representation of Hon. AMA.
“I can testify to the quality and effective representation of Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun with evidence. Early this year, we commissioned a community sponsored secondary school facility and I called him to inform him about the school, and he asked about the population of the school which I put at about 200.
“I also listed school bags and writing materials – exercise books, pen and others, as materials needed and I only informed him about a week to the programme and with great pleasure and joy, AMA accepted and made provision for all the children at the launching of the school.
“He added value to the lives of the children and showed respect for the political leadership. That is what we need when you are representing us. When we call you, we need you to respond”, Asiwaju Kaoli said.
The political leaders urged the lawmaker to assist Ibeshe community in providing an additional primary school to the two existing ones, because of the population of the community and the need to give affordable and quality education to children of Nigerians.
He also commended the Lagos State House of Assembly for sustaining the initiative which he said has been impactful.
Royal fathers present at the event – His Royal Majesties, Oba Mudashiru Agoro, the Ranodu of Imota, Oba Semiudeen Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo and Oba Richard Ogunsanya, the Olubeshe of Ibeshe, also commended the lawmaker for responsive and quality representation.
Oba Kasali, in his own remarks, demanded for the completion of Igbogbo/Bola Ahmed Tinubu/Igbe Laara/Gintin Road, rehabilitation of dumpsite at Elepe, construction of Oba Ijaolu Road, provision of health facilities and support for traders.
General Demands:
Ijede LCDA
High Chef Babatunde Ogunmuyiwa, the Odofin of Ijede, urged the lawmaker to use his position in government, to ensure the emergence of a new Alajede.
He also requested for the construction of the road from Igbodu to Ijede, completion of the abandoned Madan jetty and construction of Area N Ijede to Igbe Laara down to Gintin road. The traditional chief also requested for a slaughter slab which he said is lacking in Ijede, to be established.
A resident of Ijede also called for rehabilitation of Ipakan stadium, provision of security at Gintin, and appealed that the abandoned pacific company should be put into good use.
Imota LCDA
Dr. (Col.) Titi Onafowokan (rtd.), urged the lawmaker to ensure that the Oju Agemo jetty is commissioned for use and also that the Oba Oredoyin road that leads to Sabo in Imota, is constructed.
The retired soldier also requested that other parts of the state should consider Ikorodu in producing the next governor of the state.
The treasurer, Imota LCDA’s CDC, Mr Adeyemi Oye, in his own submission, called for security improvement, completion of the abandoned Mile 12 (commodity market) in Imota, and construction of link roads to Oke Agbo, Igbalu and other areas.
Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA
Alhaji Rasaq, the CDC Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, pleaded with the lawmaker to ensure that the Lagos State Government complete the Igbogbo/Bayeku Road which has been under construction for three years, and also rehabilitate the dilapidated PHC in Bayeku.
The Assistant Secretary, Igbogbo Development Association (IDEA), Mr Babatunde Afuwape, called on the government to compensate the property owners that lost their buildings to the creation of Right of Way for the ongoing Igbogbo/Bola Tinubu /Igbe Laara Road, construction of some access roads along the Adeboruwa palace to Cemetery and upgrading of Bayeku PHC to a comprehensive health centre.
A resident of Elepe community requested for the construction of Elepe Road in Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA.
Engr. Oludare from Ilado in Igbogbo, commended the lawmaker for providing his community with two transformers, and requested for grading and construction of Ilado roads.
Representative of Natoinal Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Saliu Akorede, called for a Youth House, powering secondary schools in Igbogbo with solar and more support for the youths.
Also in attendance at the event were Dr Nurudeen Agbaje, Special Adviser on Rural Development, Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe, former Head of Service, Pastor Ajetunmobi, Secretary, APC apex in Ikorodu Division, Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola, former Commissioner for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Hon. Nurudeen Solaja, former Lagos Assembly member, Hon. Saheed Hassan, APC apex leader, Ijede LCDA, Omo’oba Hammed Olalekan Aroyewn (HOA), Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Hon. Sunday Benson, Chairman, Imota LCDA, Hon. Wasiu Agoro, former Chairman, Imota LCDA, Hon. Gbenga Oshn, former Lagos Assembly member, Hon. (Prince) Jimoh Ogunmuyiwa, former Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Yeye Bolanle Basorun, former Sole Administrator, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Hon. Taiwo Orenuga, APC Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA among others.
