APC primary: Obasa urges tolerance, unity among aspirants ahead of Lagos council polls

Yomi Durojaye 

Ahead of the July 12 local government elections in Lagos State, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has called for unity and tolerance among political stakeholders in Agege and Orile-Agege, particularly those who contested in the recently concluded chairmanship primaries.

Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting held on Sunday at Central Primary School, Agege, Obasa appealed to aggrieved aspirants to trust the judgment of party leaders and accept the outcome of the primaries in good faith.

He acknowledged that all the aspirants were qualified to lead but emphasised that leadership positions are limited and governed by due process.

“There is none of the aspirants that is not qualified,” he said. “But we must understand that this is not a family inheritance—it is a political position governed by law and procedure, and only one person can occupy the seat at a time.”

Obasa urged aspirants who were not successful to channel their disappointment constructively within the party and not allow frustration to escalate into conflict.

“I was once a victim like some of you,” he added, “but it is important to keep our grievances within the party and move forward united.”

“But you must learn to exercise patience and have confidence in the process. You must believe in the judgement of our leaders. Everybody is qualified to be a leader but all of us cannot be a leader. Learn to trust the party and its leaders. We must not fight them. If we want to appeal, let’s start now.”

He observed that the forthcoming local government polls is a litmus  test on the 2027 general election reason all hands must be on deck to attain victory.

He added, “We must reach out to others. Let’s make them understand the need to come back. If they didn’t get it today, it will be their turn tomorrow. We must work together. We cannot do it alone. This isn’t the ultimate. We are much interested in the 2027 election. But we will use this to measure what will happen in 2027. This isn’t about the chairmanship and councillorship election; it goes beyond that. Our target is 2027. So, let’s bring everybody out to vote.

“If we can increase the number of votes, we had in 2023 during this local poll then we can go to rest. We must bring everybody together and the journey starts now. We must learn to tolerate one another. We must intensify our efforts and reach out to members of the community to come out to vote.”

Speaking on unity and cohesion among members of the party in the council areas, Chairman, Agege Local Government Area, Hon. Ganiyu Egunjobi, there are no aggrieved members in Agege noting that all members are one and united family.

He said, “We have only one APC in Agege. I don’t understand what you meant by disunity. All I understand is that during election period, many people aspire to the positions. There is nothing wrong in that. About 20 or 40 people can aspire for just one seat but after the primary, its important we bring ourselves together as one to support the party candidate.

“We have the crowd. These are party members. They came out of their desire, nobody forced them. All of these people you are seeing are from Agege. They are here for sensitisation. We want them to go back to their various homes and reach out to others on the need to come out to vote on July 12. There are no aggrieved politicians in Agege. We are one united family.”

His counterpart in Orile-Agege LCDA, Hon. Johnson Babatunde, described the gathering as solidarity and declaration of support to the party candidates.

He urged the winners at the primaries to be humble in victory while urging the losers to be sportsmanlike in defeat.

He said, “It’s a solidarity with our candidates in Agege local government and Orile-Agege LCDA. In Agege, our chairmanship candidate is Hon. Tunde Azeez while the vice-chairmanship candidate is Abdul-Ganiu Obasa.

“In Orile-Agege, we have Akinola Idowu as the chairman and Wale Fayemi as the vice-chairman. We are here in solidarity and to declare our support that we are solidly behind them. You can see the number of people that are here, that shows we have popular candidates on the ballot.”

Member representing Agege Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. (Dr) Wale Ahmed, described the gathering as an APC event to mobilise and sensitise the masses on the need to vote for the candidates of the party.

He stated, “The leadership of the party has successfully chosen candidates for the forthcoming local government polls. We are here to motivate and energise the people towards the July 12 local government elections.”

The NationOnline

SANWO-OLU INAUGURATES NEW BUS STATION IN ABULE EGBA ...Slashes Red Line train fares by 30 per cent

 

Yomi Durojaye 

 •Lagos expects delivery of CNG, electric buses third quarter

SANWO-OLU INAUGURATES NEW BUS STATION IN ABULE EGBA

Abule Egba suburb in Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has been integrated into the growing network of Lagos communities connected by modernised public bus stations.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday, commissioned the newly completed Abule Egba Bus Terminal to aid and enhance seamless mass transportation from the suburb to other parts of the metropolis.

The imposing transport infrastructure, which is strategically situated close to Lagos Red Line corridor, provides a convenient transport route for passengers to board, exit buses and connect to other forms of transportation.

Sanwo-Olu said the project was another milestone recorded in his administration’s ongoing efforts to upgrade the State’s public transportation system with modern and sustainable infrastructure in order to enable the facilities meet up Lagosians’ commuting aspirations.

The Governor said the new bus terminal reflected his commitment to continuously enhance public transportation systems, strengthening connectivity and improving the overall experience for commuters.

He said: “Six years ago, we made a pledge to the people of Lagos that we would upgrade the State’s public transportation system with modern, sustainable infrastructure to enable them meet up their daily aspirations. Today, we are here in Abule Egba within Orile-Agege LCDA to handover yet another modernised bus terminal to our residents in fulfillment of our promise.

“This is a public bus terminal that will aid seamless commuting from here to other parts of Lagos. This infrastructure reflects our commitment to continuously enhancing public transportation systems, strengthening connectivity, and improving the overall experience for commuters. We are dedicated to taking ongoing steps to advance and modernise transportation across the State.”

Sanwo-Olu said his administration’s vision was not only to enhance mobility but also to catalyse urban and economic growth through interconnected transportation networks where residents would have choices to commute by rail, water or land.

He disclosed that his Government was building two additional interchange hubs in Marina and Mile 2, while another bus terminal is at the advanced stage of construction in Iyana Ipaja axis.

To further make intracity rail transport accessible to residents, Sanwo-Olu announced a 30 per cent reduction in fares for Lagos Red Line service, bringing down the fares from N1,500 to N1,000.

The Governor said the State was expecting the arrival of new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and electric buses by the third quarter of the year to enhance bus services.

The addition, he said, would expand the State’s current fleet, while also increasing the availability of buses and reducing waiting times at bus stops for commuters.

Urging residents in the area to take ownership of the project, Sanwo-Olu said: “This infrastructure has been made possible through your tax contributions. I urge you to take pride in it, protect it, and ensure that it remains safe from any harm or damage. By safeguarding these assets, we can all benefit from their long-term value and continue to build a better future for our community.”

Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, observed that the State’s strategic transportation policy emphasised provision of modern infrastructure to reduce travel time, while ensuring safety.

The Commissioner who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Wale Musa, said the State’s transportation policy was built upon a foundation of inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation. 

“This policy embodies the government’s commitment to providing safe, reliable, and affordable transportation options for all residents, regardless of their socio-economic status or location within the state as well as the integration of our various modes of transport system,” the Commissioner said.

Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (LAMATA), Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, noted that sustainable infrastructure remained the backbone that would make seamless connectivity possible in a transport system.

She said: “Bus terminals are important because they offer central location for passengers to board and connect to other forms of transportation. To date, the Lagos Government has provided bus terminals in Ikeja, Oshodi, Ajah, Oyingbo, Yaba, Ojota, Ifako Ijaiye and now at Abule Egba. Iyana Ipaja bus terminal will soon join the list.”

Notable features in the Abule Egba terminal include loading bays, a terminal building with a customer service area, a waiting area, spaces for restaurants and other commercial services, offices for ground staff, public conveniences, a water treatment plant and provision for green energy, among others.

ACMAP Celebrates Johnson Babatunde on the occasion of his birthday

Yomi Durojaye 

The Association of Agege and Orile-Agege Community Media Practitioners(ACMAP) recently presented a birthday gift to the Executive Chairman of Orile-Agege Lcda, Hon. Johnson Sunday Babatunde on the occasion of his birthday held few weeks ago, the presentation which was planned to come on the exact date of his Birthday but was postponed due to an unexpected event which happened at that period. 

ACMAP Celebrates Johnson Babatunde on the occasion of his birthday

According to the Chairman of the Association, Comr. Oloyede Kolawole, while presenting the Gift on behalf of the Association; said, “ Hon. Johnson Sunday Babatunde has successfully made a masterpiece out of Orile-Agege Lcda. The Gift presentation is a confirmation of the Executive Chairmans unrelenting efforts to transform Orile-Agege Lcda. He said his popularity and credence as a performing Council Chairman who has continued to use the Councils resources for the common good of all.

“His exemplary leadership qualities have continued to redefine governance and leadership not only at the Grassroot level, but also in Lagos State-Nigeria at large. This has led to the birth of many laudable projects witnessed in the Local Council Development Area."

Meanwhile, ACMAP Chairman reiterated, Hon. Johnson Babatunde fondly called "Mr Project" has so far shown a firm resolve to creating a better reality for everyone in Orile-Agege Lcda, he has made Orile-Agege, a model Council area and Community of good governance and we are quite delighted that he is being recognised and celebrated all over the world. 

He also commended the efforts and contributions of members of his cabinet for the supporting Spirit.

 "The success recorded so far wouldn't have been made possible if not for the support and collective contributions of all the Cabinet members and other elected political office holders in Orile-Agege Lcda, the Councillors representating different political wards and other major stakeholders. The Synergy has brought so many people oriented developmental projects and achievements to to Council area,'' Oloyede said.

It is valid to celebrate and honour a man who has given so much to his community,  people and humanity.

While responding to the team, Hon. Johnson Babatunde appreciated the association for celebrating him and also for standing by him always. 

He said, the association has served as a watchdog over the activities of his administration and  report his administration activities without bias which has yielded so many positive results. 

Hon. Johnson Babatunde, promised not to relent on his efforts and mission to continue with his Infrastructural renewal drive and passion to impact lives and empowered residents of Orile-Agege Lcda. 

Members of  Agege and Orile-Agege Community Media Practitioners who made the special honour and celebration possible are, AgegeTvOnline, Political Platform 101, Agege, Agege Parrottv, Agege Pulse, Grassroots Times, HotnewsNaija, Agege Community Radio, Awarawa Tv. and Orile-Agege Media.

N100m Empowerment: Why I Gave N100k To 5-Visually Impaired Persons- Johnson Babatunde

By Ayodele Awosika 

Hon. Johnson Babatunde yesterday presented One Hundred Thousand Naira Empowerment form to Five visually impaired people in Orile-Agege LCDA.

 N100m Empowerment: Johnson Babatunde Presents N100k To 5-Visually Impaired Persons

Yesterday, the Executive Chairman, Orile-Agege LCDA, Hon. Johnson Babatunde presented 100-thousand Empowerment program forms to Five visually impaired people in Orile-Agege LCDA.

Babatunde said, the One thousand Naira will help the beneficiaries for the upkeep of the lives and promised to continue his support to make live better for them.

"Their challenges as visually Impaired requires all time check on them as live can be more miserable when we leave them on cater for".

The forms were received by Mr. Wale of 6, Hassan Adejobi Street in Papa-Ashafa, Orile-Agege, on behalf of his colleagues.

While receiving the forms yesterday, Mr Wale thanked the Chairman for his large heart and said the Chairman has proven beyond doubt that he’s truly a Man of the People. He thanked the Chairman for deeming them worthy enough to come to their Residents to Present them the Empowerment forms.