Kendoo as proving a real definition of grassroot development; Lagos State House Committee applauds Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Chairman

The Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government Administration, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development,led by its Chairman, Honourable Ganiyu Okanlawon Sanni, paid a working visit to Oshodi-Isolo Local Government,on 25thOctober2024. This critical visit focused on assessing the judicious use of resources, value for money, and the tangible impact of the local government’s initiatives on community welfare and development.

In a powerful and visually engaging presentation, Otunba Kehinde Adeola Almaroof Oloyede, the Executive Chairman of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government, outlined the local government’s impressive record of achievements across multiple sectors. The achievements, thoughtfully aligned with the Lagos State THEMES Agenda, were projected through slides that underscored accomplishments in infrastructure, health, education, and social welfare.

Honourable Okanlawon Sanni, deeply impressed, applauded the Chairman’s exemplary leadership, stating, “Among the 53 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas across Lagos State, Oshodi-Isolo has truly distinguished itself. The Executive Chairman, in only three years and as a first-time officeholder, has not only met but exceeded our expectations. To witness this level of development, particularly in human-centered initiatives, is indeed remarkable.”

The Chairman’s commendation emphasized that Oshodi-Isolo’s progress has set a benchmark within Lagos State, celebrating the leadership’s focus on community-centric growth, even as a relatively new administration.

Key Highlights of Oshodi-Isolo’s Achievements Include:

Health and Environment: The revitalization of Primary Health Centers equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities has transformed healthcare accessibility for the local population, emphasizing the government’s commitment to the health and well-being of every resident.

Infrastructure and Connectivity: The construction of 43 roads, all illuminated with street lighting, has drastically improved local mobility, making commuting safer and more convenient. This infrastructure development contributes to the state’s strategic goals of enhanced transportation and safety.

Water and Sanitation Access: In response to community needs, 25 boreholes were installed to provide reliable and safe water sources, addressing one of the fundamental needs of the people.

Education and Youth Empowerment: Demonstrating a significant investment in youth, the local government has distributed 4,000 free GCE forms and provided preparatory classes, breaking down financial barriers to education and nurturing Oshodi-Isolo’s next generation. Additionally, 800 young participants graduated from free summer vocational and technical training programs, acquiring skills in tailoring, hairdressing, makeup artistry, ICT, and household chemical production. The local government also introduced free school bus services and lunch for pupils, ensuring school attendance and nutrition, and launched a Back-to-School program that provided school bags, shoes, and exercise books to hundreds of students.

The Committee members also commended the Executive Chairman’s visionary idea of providing a free school bus service for pupils, recognizing its significant impact on improving access to education. They further advised that more attention should be given to sports development, as this is a vital area for harnessing and nurturing young talents. The Committee encouraged the Supervisor for Youth and Sports to collaborate with the Executive Chairman to design innovative programs aimed at promoting sports engagement and fostering talent development within the local government.

In addition to these achievements, the Committee urged the local government to further explore initiatives in key areas for continued growth and alignment with Lagos State’s vision:

Tourism Development: Promoting Oshodi-Isolo’s unique cultural assets to attract tourism, creating new economic opportunities.

Youth Engagement and Empowerment: Expanding youth-focused outreach programs to ensure social inclusion and opportunities for growth.

ICT Advancement: Modernizing ICT infrastructure to provide more efficient, globally competitive digital services.

The oversight visit concluded with a tour of the Legislative Chamber. Honourable Okanlawon applauded the leadership for its remarkable achievements, especially as a first-term administration, describing it as a model of transformative and sustainable community development.

This visit underscores the Lagos State House of Assembly’s dedication to fostering governance excellence and efficient resource utilization at the grassroots level, ensuring communities thrive under visionary and capable leadership.