Eniola Ajose
In a bold and people-focused drive to close the urban-rural divide, the Lagos State Government has rolled out a wave of transformative projects across rural communities, delivering tangible impacts in infrastructure, electrification, clean water, and agricultural empowerment.
This was disclosed by the Honourable Commissioner for the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mr. Bolaji Kayode Robert, during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa-Secretariat, on Thursday.
Mr. Robert emphasised that Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu's administration is fully committed to actualising the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, ensuring that no sector or community is left behind. From the rehabilitation of rural roads to powering remote communities and supporting farmers, the projects are designed to uplift the lives of citizens in underserved areas.
He noted that the Office of Rural Development, led by the Special Adviser, Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, has consistently driven the Governor’s mandate to ease movement, enhance local economies, and make rural communities more livable. “Areas like Ijede, Ikorodu, and Ibeju-Lekki have witnessed critical infrastructure developments tailored to their specific needs.” He noted.
Stating the key achievements of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration over the past year, Mr Robert highlighted the completion of over 80 completed water projects, 42 transformers distributed across rural communities, over 2,000 citizens empowered through various initiatives, as well as extensive rehabilitation of rural roads, all contributing to the administration’s vision of making Lagos a 21st-century economy.
Mr Robert also hinted that work has commenced on newly awarded rural roads across the State, which includes, Alhaji Jimoh Street, Abudu Rasheed Street, grading of feeder roads in Ikorodu and Agbado/Oke-Odo respectively.
He added that several ongoing road projects across the State, nearing completion, are Ijake Street, Oto-Awori LCDA (66%), Ganiyu-Oduntan/Lamidi-Agoro Street, Ikorodu (60%), Ayubu-Bashorun Street, Ikorodu (20%), and Onishon Street, Ibeju-Lekki (30%).
Bolaji also hinted that the Office of Rural Development has installed over 42 transformers and solar-powered streetlights is lighting up rural areas like Elepe Estate, Lafiaji, and Igbogbo, improving night-time security and social activities with clean, renewable energy.
In the past year, the Office of Rural Development has also delivered 80 new water projects, rehabilitated, as well as 26 micro-water schemes, installed 54 new water schemes, 13 modified schemes and 10 solar-powered schemes.
Similarly In the agricultural space, Mr Bolaji affirmed that rural citizens have continued to benefit from Rural Agriculture Initiatives focused on Fish processing, Goat Rearing, Apiculture (Bee-Farming), Bio-Fortified Crop Production
Rural dwellers around hubs like Isheri Integrated Farm and Ketu-Epe Farm have received hands-on training, new orchards, and essential farming tools to boost food security and enhance rural incomes.
While responding to questions from the press, Dr. Agbaje also stressed on the Ministry’s continuous engagement with Community Development Associations (CDAs), being a cornerstone of community-driven development. With over 5,000 CDAs and Community Development Councils (CDCs) actively engaged, he iterated that the Ministry has deepened grassroots governance through platforms like the Annual Community Day Celebration.
In 2024 alone, the Ministry awarded buses and grants to several CDAs in recognition of their self-help projects that align with the vision of A Greater Lagos—affirming the government’s belief in community-led progress.
“These interventions reflect our unwavering commitment to a Lagos where every citizen—regardless of location, religion, or ethnicity—benefits from inclusive development. Our work is far from done, but the momentum is unstoppable,” said Dr. Agbaje.
