By Aderonke Ojediran
Lagos, Dec. 22, 2025 – In a decisive move signaling his administration’s priorities, the newly sworn-in Chairman of Agege Local Government, Mr. Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa, has unveiled an ambitious and specific infrastructure plan. The agenda, announced following his inauguration by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at Lagos House in Ikeja, directly targets the core pillars of community development: mobility, education, health, and security.
Obasa, who transitioned from Vice Chairman to substantive head after the resignation of the elected chairman, Mr. Tunde Azeez, due to health challenges, presented a quantified blueprint for his tenure. This shift from vague promises to concrete figures marks a significant step in local government accountability.
The Tripartite Core of the Development Plan
1. Mobility and Environmental Health (15 Road & Drainage Projects):
The commitment to 15 concurrent road and drainage projects addresses two critical, intertwined issues. In flood-prone areas of Lagos like Agege, poorly maintained drains lead to road deterioration and public health hazards. This integrated approach suggests a move beyond mere surface repairs to a holistic system that manages stormwater, reduces flooding, and extends the lifespan of road infrastructure. For residents, this translates to shorter commute times, reduced vehicle maintenance costs, and safer, drier neighborhoods during the rainy season.
2. Educational Infrastructure (14 School Renovations):
Renovating 14 public schools is an investment in human capital that goes beyond fresh paint. In practical terms, effective renovations should address leaking roofs, functional toilets, adequate classroom furniture, and improved lighting—factors proven to significantly impact student concentration, attendance, and overall academic performance. This initiative is foundational to the chairman’s stated goal of “improving human capital” and breaking cycles of poverty.
3. Primary Healthcare Access (10 Health Booths):
The deployment of 10 “health booths” is a strategic effort to decentralize basic healthcare. These facilities, likely aimed at providing first-line services like immunizations, prenatal check-ups, malaria treatment, and health education, are crucial for early intervention. By bringing care closer to where people live, the council aims to reduce the burden on central hospitals and improve community health outcomes, particularly for women, children, and the elderly.
Beyond Infrastructure: The Holistic Vision for Agege
Chairman Obasa framed these projects within a broader vision of making Agege “safer, cleaner, and more beautiful.” This includes:
- Intensified Environmental Campaigns: A focus on eliminating public health hazards through sustained sanitation efforts.
- Security as a Top Priority: Positioning safety as non-negotiable for economic growth and resident well-being, aiming to make Agege a top-tier local government in Nigeria.
- Poverty Reduction & Empowerment: A pledge to deepen “people-oriented programmes” through skills acquisition, entrepreneurship support, and other empowerment schemes designed to increase economic engagement among residents.
Governance Style: Inclusivity and Reconciliation
Signaling a conciliatory and pragmatic approach to governance, Obasa addressed the political landscape. He noted that reconciliation efforts within the All Progressives Congress (APC) have been ongoing since the primary elections. Furthermore, he committed to running an “inclusive government” that does not discriminate, emphasizing that development projects—from roads to schools—are universal benefits that all residents will enjoy regardless of political affiliation.
This comprehensive agenda, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), sets a clear and measurable benchmark for the Obasa administration. The true “life-changing” impact for Agege residents will depend on the timely execution, quality of implementation, and sustained maintenance of these projects in the months to come.
Edited by Ijeoma Popoola
