By Wasila Yakubu
The Chairman of Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area in Lagos State, Akinola Idowu, has pledged to complete 21 infrastructure and construction projects inherited by his administration, insisting that public investments should not be abandoned because of changes in leadership.
Idowu gave the assurance while presenting a one-year performance report at a media parley, where he outlined projects and programmes implemented since taking office in July last year.
He explained that his administration chose to continue the inherited projects to protect public funds and ensure that residents benefit from investments already made by the council.
According to him, the council has combined the completion of existing projects with fresh initiatives in road development, healthcare, education, sanitation, security and economic empowerment.
On infrastructure, the chairman identified road construction and rehabilitation works in Egbatedo, Dada Akapo Street and Bade Abiona as some of the major projects undertaken.
At Dada Akapo Street, the council constructed reinforced concrete drainage channels with covered slabs alongside road improvements to tackle recurring flooding in the area.
Other completed or ongoing interventions include the clearing of 12 drainage channels, construction of a primary healthcare centre on Gbadamosi Street, renovation of three health facilities and provision of a borehole on Adebayo Johnson Street.
The administration also undertook the construction of an area office at Oyewole, an entrance arch at Olakrokun Street, rehabilitation of the Independent National Electoral Commission office on Arigbanla Street and drainage works at Ejire Lane.
Idowu further revealed that the procurement process had begun for the rehabilitation of two additional streets, with the opening of bids conducted on October 12, 2026.
In education, the council has supplied furniture and learning materials to public primary schools. It also partnered with the Apata Humanitarian Foundation to distribute 500 school uniforms and writing materials to pupils.
To improve access to further education, the administration provided free Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) application forms and 500 General Certificate of Education (GCE) forms to support students and ease the financial pressure on their families.
The chairman also disclosed that 20 beneficiaries obtained opportunities for international training through collaboration with a Chinese renewable energy agency.
As part of its youth development programme, the council organised a free two-week skills boot camp covering photography, cinematography, graphic design, drone operation, coding, renewable energy, electric vehicle technology and artificial intelligence animation.
Idowu said participants were not charged for the training, adding that outstanding trainees had been selected for further learning opportunities in China and at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism.
On healthcare, he listed the council’s support for measles-rubella vaccination, maternal and child health programmes, routine immunisation, Vitamin A distribution and deworming exercises.
The administration also outlined measures to improve sanitation and waste management. According to Idowu, the council provides monthly financial assistance of N2 million to eight Private Sector Participation waste operators and has acquired two waste compactors.
In a move aimed at easing residents' financial obligations, he announced that outstanding waste bills covering January 1999 to December 2022 had been waived. A 50 per cent reduction was also approved for arrears accumulated between January 2023 and August 2025.
The council's economic support programme, he said, currently provides N100,000 monthly to 200 residents. A separate N12 million interest-free loan facility has also been introduced under the PSP scheme.
On security, Idowu disclosed that 4,000 streetlights had been installed across the LCDA, while discussions were underway on the introduction of CCTV surveillance to strengthen monitoring and public safety.
Reflecting on his first year in office, the chairman acknowledged that the council still had significant work to do, but maintained that completing ongoing projects and delivering new interventions through established procedures would remain central to his administration.
He said the media engagement was intended not only to showcase achievements but also to explain government decisions, provide updates on ongoing work and give residents and other stakeholders an opportunity to offer constructive feedback.
Wasila Yakubu
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