Oto-Awori Chairman Unveils First-Year Scorecard, Commissions Projects, Empowers Residents
By Naomi Onome
The Executive Chairman of Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Kareem Azeez Abiodun (Asejere), has marked his first year in office with the commissioning of infrastructure projects, empowerment initiatives and other interventions across the council.
The anniversary celebration, held on September 16, 2026, featured the commissioning of projects executed under the administration’s Asejere Agenda, including roads, a 12-classroom school building and a solar-powered water facility, as well as grants to Community Development Associations (CDAs) and support for security agencies.
Presenting his first-year scorecard, Abiodun said his administration had prioritised roads, drainage, education, healthcare, security, youth development, women’s empowerment, sanitation, infrastructure and staff welfare.
He listed the rehabilitation and construction of roads, renovation of healthcare facilities, installation of solar-powered streetlights, construction of a legislative building and renovation of community facilities among the projects undertaken.
The chairman also highlighted social intervention programmes, including N5 million in cooperative support for women, grants to 100 women, cash and food assistance to 100 widows and elderly residents, 500 free JAMB forms, GCE support, youth empowerment initiatives, ICT training and free medical services.
Among the projects commissioned was the new Kareem Road in Shibiri, inaugurated by the Lagos State APC Chairman, Hon. (Pastor) Cornelius Oyefolu Ojelabi. The road is expected to improve movement, ease traffic challenges and boost economic activities in the area.
Also commissioned was a new storey building containing 12 classrooms at Community Nursery and Primary School, Ilemba-Awori, by the Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hon. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun.
The commissioner commended the council chairman for prioritising education, describing the project as an investment in the future of children and a contribution to providing a more conducive learning environment.
The Headteacher of the school, Dr. Mrs. Oriade Modupeola Deborah, said the project demonstrated the impact of grassroots development, noting that construction commenced immediately after the administration assumed office and was completed within a year.
The Education Secretary, Ojo LGEA, Hon. Kolawole Esrom Abiola, also commended the council’s investment in education, citing school rehabilitation, provision of furniture and monthly support for school managers among other initiatives.
Another major project commissioned was an industrial-grade, solar-powered water system at Ojota, a riverine community that has faced prolonged water challenges. The facility is expected to provide residents with more sustainable access to clean water.
In support of community development, the chairman presented N1 million each to 10 CDAs, amounting to N10 million, to support development initiatives across the communities.
The council also presented operational vehicles to the Oto-Awori Police Division, Local Security Joint Task Force and Community Development Committee.
Presenting the police vehicle on behalf of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Area K Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police Adeleke Smith, commended the chairman for supporting security operations, saying the vehicle would strengthen patrol and rapid-response efforts.
The anniversary also featured an empowerment programme through which residents received deep freezers, grinding machines, barbing kits, generators, popcorn machines, tiling equipment, sewing machines and hair-drying machines.
A free health mission, including eye screening and distribution of medicated glasses, was also organised for residents.
Speaking at the event, Lagos State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hon. Sule Tolani, commended Abiodun’s inclusive and people-oriented approach, saying the chairman had combined infrastructure development with human empowerment and support for education.
Similarly, APC candidate for Ojo Federal Constituency, Hon. Bolaji Kayode Robert (Bibiire), described Abiodun as a work-focused chairman whose interventions had covered infrastructure, education, healthcare and security.
The APC candidate for Lagos State House of Assembly, Ojo Constituency II, Hon. Surajudeen Olatunji Tijani (Emir), said the Asejere Agenda was reflected in the projects and programmes being delivered across the council, describing the administration as an example of purposeful grassroots leadership.
Hon. (Pastor) Cornelius Oyefolu Ojelabi, who commissioned Kareem Road, also commended the projects presented and said the APC would establish an assessment committee to verify the council’s reported achievements.
He urged residents to take ownership of the infrastructure by supporting maintenance, sanitation and security efforts, while advising CDAs to collaborate with PSP operators on waste management.
Entrepreneur, philanthropist and APC stalwart, Hon. Olawale Aganga Williams, also commended the chairman for his interventions in empowerment, security, market support and community development.
The occasion attracted a broad representation of the council’s political, traditional, administrative and community leadership. Those in attendance included the Vice Chairman and Supervisor for Works, Hon. Moses Olabisi Aina; Chairperson, Alhaja Nusirat AbdulKareem; Leader of the House, Hon. Audu Sulaiman Awoyemi, and other councillors; Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Ajose Ezekiel Tekobo; Chief of Staff, Hon. Mumuni Kabiru, supervisors and management staff led by the Council Manager, Mrs. Whenu Olamide.
The gathering also featured royal fathers, including Oba Momodu Afolabi Ashafa, Onijanikin of Ijanikin Kingdom; Oba Josiah Olanrewaju Aina, Oloto of Oto-Awori Kingdom; Oba Nofiu Odu-Owoiya, Elete of Ete Kingdom; and Oba Muritala Kayode Abu Disu-Kosoko, Elekunpa of Ekunpa Kingdom.
Also present were Baales, the CDC Executive Council and CDAs led by Mr. Bodunrin Mendes; security agencies; market men and women led by the Iya Oja General of Oto-Awori LCDA, Alhaja Risikat Amure; APC LGA Chairman, Mr. Hezekiah Olakunle Falade, and ward executives; APC leaders and party members; the Ex-Councillors Forum; artisans; road transport unions; and the NULGE Executive Council, Oto-Awori LCDA branch, led by Comrade Olamilekan Ashebeji Yaqub.
Council staff, residents and other well-wishers also attended the anniversary celebration.
Abiodun expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, council officials, staff and residents for their support, while calling for continued cooperation in implementing his administration’s programmes.
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