HON SOB AGUNBIADE HAD A CONSTITUENCY STAKEHOLDERS’ MEETING ON TUESDAY, 10TH NOVEMBER, 2015 AT THE IKORODU LOCAL GOVERNMENT, IKORODU, LAGOS.

 

The notion of Town Hall Meeting consummate in 2009 with the setting up of an Ad Hoc Committee set up during the 6^th Assembly by Rt Hon. Adeyemi lkuforiji, former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. The Committee was mandated to fashion out modalities for the Hosting of successful Town Hall meeting in the 20 Local Governments in the State and reports its finding to the House and the report of the Committee gave birth to the hosting of first Town Hall Meeting at Ikorodu on Wednesday, 29^th April, 2009.

The 8^th Assembly led by the Rt. Hon Speaker Obasa M.A reinvigorated the idea through a resolution on the ‘need for constituency stakeholders’ meeting at the 40 Constituencies of the State” introduced at the floor of the House and passed on Thursday, 5^th November, 2015. The general import of the motion is a reminder to Members on their responsibly to their constituents which is representation and making Law for the Good Governance in the State..

The House thereafter directed Members to organize and hold simultaneously Town Hall meetings in the 40 Constituencies of the State, themed “Towards a better constituency engagement” from Tuesday, 10^th – Thursday, 12^th November, 2015 in order to interface with their constituents on various needs affecting them for onward transmission to the Executive arm for prompt action which is in line with the delivery of dividend of democracy.

The Ikorodu Constituency 1 in line with the directives of the House held its meeting on Tuesday, 10th November, 2015 at the Ikorodu Local Government Secretariat, Ikorodu.

COMMENCEMENT:

The meeting began with the opening prayer offered by Alhaji Yahya Osuala, Chief lmam of Oriwu Central Mosque at 11:15 a.m.

INTRODUCTION OF DIGNITARIES AND STAKEHOLDERS PRESENT:

 

In attendance the following dignitaries and stakeholders were recognized:

i.          Chief  Z.A Odusoga              -  Representing Oba KabiruSotobi, The Ayangburen of Ikorodu;

ii.         Prince Abiodun Ogunleye       -  Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State;

iii.        Alhaji Musbaudeen Gafar       -  The Vice Chairman, All Progresives Congress, Lagos East

                                              Senatorial District;

iv.        Chief Olatunji Aluko                -  Representative of League of Baales, Ikorodu division;

v.         Chief Abdul- Rasheed Shitta  -  Regent of Ipakodo;

vi.        Otunba Ayodele Elesho           -  Former Commissioner for Information;

vii.       Hon.Wasiu Adesina                   -  Executive Secretary, Ikorodu Local Government;

viii.     Prince Adeola Banjo              -  Executive Secretary, Ikorodu North Local Council

                                               Development Area (LCDA);

ix.       Mrs Mulikat Oyefusi            - Executive Secretary, Ikorodu West Local Council

                                              Development Area (LCDA);

x.         Alhaji Akibu Adewunmi        -  Former Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government;

xi.       Hon. Jide Banjoko                -  Former Chairman, Ikorodu West LCDA;

xii.      Hon. Femi Alu                      -  Former Chairman, Ikorodu West LCDA;

xiii.     Princess Jumoke Ademehin - Former Chairman, Ikorodu West LCDA;

xiv.     Alhaji Wahab Owokoodu       -  Former Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government;

xv.      Alhaji Sheriff Anipole          -  Former Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government;

xvi.     Prince Muyideen Jokomba    -  Former Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA;

xvii.    Prince Gbadegesin                -  Member, All Progressives Congress Ikorodu;

xviii.  Party Chieftains   in Ikorodu, Ikorodu West and Ikorodu North;

xix.    Alhaji Yahya Osuala              - Chief Imam, Oriwu Central Mosque;

xx.      Chief Imam Ikorodu West    - Representing Chief Imam, Ikorodu Central Mosque;

xxi.    Pastor Adegoke                    - Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria,(CAN);

                                               Ikorodu and other Religious Leaders

xxii.   Alhaji Babatunde Rotinwa         - Chairman, Local Government Service Commission;

xxiii.  Alhaji Lawal (Decubano)           - Community Leader;

xxiv.  Alhaji Folorunso                       - Community Leader;

xxv.   Alhaja Taibat Abike Alinson-   Iyaloja General Ikorodu;

xxvi.  Comrade Sonibare-         Chairman, Community Development Council, Ikorodu Central;

xxvii. Prince Laja Martins               -   Chairman, Community Development Council, Ikorodu North LCDA;

xxviii.  Mr Amuda Azeez                          -   Chairman, Disable Association of Nigeria, Ikorodu;

xxix. Hon. Prince Ogunbela;

xxx.   Hon. Iyiola;

xxxi. Hon. Mathew;

xxxii.   Alhaji M.A. Sulaiman;

xxxiii.  Princess Oba;

xxxiv.  Representative of Commissioner for Commerce and Industry;

xxxv.Comrade Sanwoola-  Representing Hon. Jimi Benson, Ikorodu Federal Constituency;

xxxvi.  Comrade Fatuga;

xxxvii.    Otunba Waliu Daisi-  Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Ikorodu;

xxxviii.  Mr. Adetayo Abayomi-   Chairman, Road TransportEmployer Association of Nigeria(RTEAN) Ikorodu;

xxxix. Alhaji Kayode Anifowose;

xl.       Mr. DotunAdetunji       -  Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association(NBA) Ikorodu;

xli.      Alhaji Sanni                -  Coordinator Neighbourhood watch, Ikorodu;

xlii.     Mr Elebiju        -RTEAN;

xliii.   Alhaji Modu Jimoh;

xliv.    Mrs Toyin Salawu;

xlv.     Representatives of Igbo Community, Ikorodu Division;

xlvi.    Representatives of Arewa Community, Ikorodu Division;

xlvii.  Mr Afinni                                      -  NULGE;

xlviii. Secretary Artisans Association, Ikorodu;

xlix.   Lagos Television Crew;

l.          The Nation Newspaper;

li.         Oriwu Sun;and

lii.        Newswatch Magazine.

WELCOME ADDRESS:

In his address, Hon. Wasiu Adesina welcomed all stakeholders and the party leaders to the gathering. He acknowledged the Ikorodu Project which is of great concern to everyone residing in the community and Lagos State at large. He further stressed that, the programme is billed to collate all meaningful needs, complaints, agitation and suggestion for onward presentation to the state government, and eventually to convey government policies and programmes back to the populaces in a bid to facilitate a working synergy between the government and the governed. He singled out the convener of the Stakeholders forum, Honourable Agunbiade S.O.B, the Majority Leader of the House for his immense contributions and his passion for the development of Ikorodu Division.

He highlighted his own contribution in the last 9 months at the helms of affairs in the Ikorodu Local Government and also showered praises on the Ikorodu past heroes who have contributed  wisdom, strengths and virtues and their nobility towards the laying of good foundation for Ikorodu Division.

Lastly, he enjoined people to conscientiously contribute and follow the Ikorodu Project with good heart to better place Ikorodu amongst other divisions in the State.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS:

HON SANAI BOLANLE AGUNBIADE in his own address traced the success story of the Lagos State from AlhajiLateef Jakande era to the present day, he reminded the audience about the duties of legislature as follows: law making for the peace, order and good government in the state, representation, performance of oversight function on the agencies of government, authorization and confirmation of government appointments and approval of public spending.

He told the gathering that it is important for Honourable Members to meet with their constituents before the Government kick start its programmes for the year and also build a common consensus on the needs of the people so that such needs would be forwarded to the Governor for inclusion into the Y2016 Budget and those that cannot be accommodated in the year would be taken care of in the next Budget, as a representative of Ikorodu, he highlighted part of his achievements in the last 5 months as follows:

·         Initiating palliative measure on Ikorodu- Sagamu Road;

·         Liaising with the Public Works Corporation on the repairs of some roads that needs urgent attention in Ikorodu;

·         Facilitating employment of some Ikorodu indigenes into the State Service ;

·         Organizing a marathon race to keep people fit;

·         Loans to market women and community development association in Ikorodu;

·         Piloting of Ikorodu Renaissance project to repackage and advertise Ikorodu culture.

He implored the audience to help tackled the menace of Land grabbers (Ajagungbale) which poses serious threat to the peace of the Community. He informed the audience who are yet to submit their memoranda to do so between Wednesday 11^th  and Thursday 12^th  at the venue, while assuring  that all their requests would be forwarded to the Governors for prompt attention. He thanked all for honouring and contributing to the success of the meeting.

 

CHALLENGES FACING THE COMMUNITY:

The position of the stake holders of Ikorodu constituency 1 are listed below:

1.   CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS:

·   Construction of more intra connectivity roads in Ikorodu axis;

·   Construction of Culvert to connect Abiodun Ogunleye Street, Solomade to Dele Kuti Street, Ebute, Ikorodu;

·   Construction of Ojokoro/Eyita / Isawo Road to decongest traffic at Ikorodu Roundabout;

·   Construction and dualisation of Ikorodu- Sagamu Road;

·   Construction of Ita Oluwo/ Agbede Road to link Isheri North via Isawo as alternative route to decongest Sagamu- Ikorodu Road;

·   Linking of Inner Road with the outer Road to ease free flow of Traffic in Ikorodu Axis;

·   Extension of Construction of Itamaga Road to link Ijede;

·   Construction of Link Road From PZ Odogunyan to Lucky Fibre via Oke Ijebu  Road;

·   Construction of Drainages at Both sides of the Road at Idi-Iroko, Owutu, Ikorodu;

·   Rehabilitation of  Agbede Road, Ikorodu;

·   Rehabilitation of Owutu-Isawo Road which serves over Eleven (11) Communities;

·   Construction of Road Linking Eyita, Oriokuta and Isawo;

·   Need for the completion of abandoned Road at Oduguwa Street linking Shoderu Street, Powerline by First Bank Plc, Ikorodu;

·   Need for the construction of side drains and Rehabilitation on  Igbo olomu / Isawo Road;

·   Construction of Erunwen Road with drain on both sides which serves 7 Communities;

·   Construction of Mowonla – Egunfoye Road linking Babington Macaulay Road.

2.   SECURITY RELATED ISSUES:

·   Creation of State / Community Police  in order to boost Security in Ikorodu and its environs;

·   The activities of Land Grabbers (Ajagungbale) should be seriously look into by the Government;

·   The menace of Cultist activities have been rampant of recent and there is need to do something about it;

·   Vigilante group such as Onyabo should be encouraged to complement the efforts of Security agencies;

·    Construction of Streetlights for Security purposes at various LG and LCDAS in Ikorodu;

·    Provision of Marine Police Post to curb criminal activities on waterways;

·   Need to curb the activities of Okada Riders at Agric junction;

·   Provision of more Police Post at the New Developing Communities in Ikorodu.

3. TRANSPORTATION:

·   Traffic Congestion at Ikorodu Garage Roundabout as a result of LAGBUS and Molue Drivers activities;

·   Creation of more Motor Parks in Ikorodu;

·   Need to compel Road users to obey Traffic Laws as it affect issue of one way;

·   Need for the Government to commence operation at Ipakodo jetty;

·   Rehabilitation of various jetties to ease Water Transportation movement;

·   Need for the Government to curb the activities of Wood operators along Waterways;

·   Free Transportation for Senior Citizen and the people with Disability;

·   Need for Motorable Road  and Drainage at Losi Oba Community,

·   Need for the Channelisation of the Drainages Lucky Fibre to Parafa/Maya;

·   Need for the minimal activities of Okada and Tricycle Riders on the Road;

·   Urgent and Compulsory need to create Motor Park at Ikorodu West LCDA (There is a large expanse of land and space for this at the back of Ogboru Wharehouse.

4.   EDUCATION:

·   Prompt payment of Bursary to Ikorodu Indigene in Tertiary Institutions;

·   Shortage Of Classrooms and Teachers at Ipakodo Deaf and Dumb School;

·   Shortage of  Teachers who specialize in Muslim subject;

·   Need to improve the facilities put in place at various Schools;

·   Need for Central Library  and small libraries in order to enhance reading culture in Ikorodu;

·   Creation of Crossguard Corps to help Primary and Secondary Schools pupils crossing ever busy roads in Ikorodu;

·   Need to put in Place Basic Infrastructure Facilities at the only Primary School in Iyana Igbo Olomu, Agric, Ikorodu;

·   Establishment of the Public Secondary School at Oriokuta/Ajaguro;

·   Rehabilitation of Isiu Grammar School.

5.   HEALTH:

·   Up of Primary Health Care Centre and creation of additional ones to decongest the daily increasing population trooping to Ikorodu General Hospital for Medical attention;

·   Conversion of old Paediatric Hospital, Agbala in Ikorodu North LCDA to a Mordern Hospital for Ikorodu North LCDA;

·   Increasing the number and quality of Health Personnel;

·   Environmental Pollution as a result of waste emission from factories at Odonla/ Odogunyan should be curtail;

·   Urgent Rehabilitation of Primary Health Care at Ori Okuta Alaguro Ward, Ikorodu West LCDA;

·   Urgent need for the Completion of Primary Health Care Centre, Owutu;

·   Provision of more Cemeteries in Ikorodu;

·   Need to check the activities of Sand dredgers/ Miners in order to make the environment safer;

6.   MARKETS:

·   Creation of Modern Shopping Mall to take care of teeming Population of Ikorodu;

·   Creation of More Markets in Ikorodu Central, West and North;

·   Facilitation of More Loan to the Market Women.

7.   CHIFTAINCY MATTERS:

·   Payment of Salaries and Allowances to Baales as at when due;

·   Need to Capture the remaining 64 Baales in Lagos State Government Gazette;

8.   OTHER COMPLAINTS/ SUGGESTIONS:

·   Need for the Recognition and Approval of the Current LCDAS in the State by the Federal Government;

·    Need to increase the present Allocation given to Ikorodu LG and LCDAs;

·    Creation of Modern Recreation Centres across Ikorodu;

·   Request for the Approval of Open Space of Land at Fela Ahmed Area, Ikorodu West LCDA for Recreation purposes;

·    Recognition should be given to people with Disability;

·    Empowerment Scheme for Artisans Association;

·    Activities of Traditionalist Worshippers (Oro) should be look into as it affects Education and Business activities in Ikorodu.;

·   Need to empower the People with Disability.

RESPONSE BY HON. AGUNBIADE S.O.B:

Hon Agunbiade S.OB in his own response to various complaints and observations assured the stakeholders that Lagos State Government is already looking into some of the complaints such as the issues of Passage of enabling law to tame the menace of Landgrabbers (Ajagungbale); chaotic traffic situation; funding of LG/LCDAS; rehabilitations of roads; Completion of on-going projects; cult activities and other social disturbances; amendment of Neighbourhood law to reduce crime.

 He further assured that various suggestions noted at the meeting would be sent to the Governor of the State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode through the Lagos State House of Assembly for prompt attention. He thanked various Stakeholders for the advice and suggestions given at the meeting, while also promising that such meeting would be held twice in a year.

VOTE OF THANK:

Prince Adeola Banjo, Executive Secretary Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area expressed his appreciation to the constituents for their presence and contributions during the meeting.