Lagos State Government says it has paid N269, 697,458.75 to families of deceased staff of Local Governments and State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) as insurance packages.
Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Dr. Wale Ahmed disclosed this at this year’s Ministerial Press Briefing to mark the second year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration in office, held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Lagos.
Ahmed disclosed that the money was paid to families of 160 deceased staff of LGs/LCDAs and SUBEB.
“In the year under review, the Ministry ensured the release of claims to one hundred and sixty (160) beneficiaries of deceased employees of SUBEB and LGAs/LCDAs, amounting to N269,697,458.75 by LASACO Assurance PLC.” He said.
The commissioner also said a total of 154 Marital Documents were released to LGAs/LCDAs, with 21 Special License Approvals, two Church License Approvals and two Renewal of Approvals.
He added that through the Local Government Administration Department, the Ministry was able to initiate and coordinate the flag-off of the 377 state-wide project by the administration of Sanwo-Olu.
Ahmed stated that the project covered 257 roads, 86 buildings, 23 electrification, nine boreholes and two jetties to link communities across the state, thereby making communities accessible and as a result, engendered socio-economic activities at the grassroots.
“As part of its responsibilities in ensuring adherence to guidelines on administrative procedures, the Ministry embarked on a strategic tour of LGAs/LCDAs. As at today, the Ministry has visited all the 57 LGAs/LCDAs.” He said.
He further said through Local Government Administration Department, the Ministry witnessed the inauguration of a 21-man Market Advisory Council by Sanwo-Olu, saying that the inauguration was borne out of the governor’s desire to make Lagos State a 21st Century Economy and to strategically position the markets in a way that it profits the State and sets it ready for the economic growth it would witness in the years ahead.
In the days ahead, Ahmed disclosed that the Ministry would be expanding her rural development efforts to other communities with the construction of Oba Oyediran Road in Badagry; Ramon Owoyemi Street in Egbeda; construction of Community Hall in Ikorodu, construction of dilapidated Community Hall in Toga- Badagry; construction, equipping and furnishing of Information Viewing and Community Centre in Otunla Community, Ibeju-Lekki.
He revealed that the Ministry would be sensitising LGAs/LCDAs on Local Government elections; training elected political Office Holders of LGs/LCDAs; commencing periodic tour of LGAs/LCDAs and presenting insurance claims to beneficiaries of deceased employees of SUBEB and LGAs/LCDAs.
In addition, he revealed that the Ministry would be investigating petitions received from the public concerning activities of LGAs/LCDAs, commencing technical tour of LGAs/LCDAs, conducting seminars for market stakeholders and upgrading markets across the State by providing toilet facilities and borehole and; Organising “Oloja Day” Carnival.
“Also, in the next 365 days, the Ministry will be training 1,140 vegetable farmers across the state on modern techniques in vegetable production. Twenty vegetable farmers will be selected from each of the 57 LGs/LCDAs.
“In the third quarter of year 2021, the State Government through the Ministry will be providing agricultural support to farmers across the 57 LGs/LCDAs in form of inputs across value-chain to augment agricultural produce for farmers. This is to assist farmers stabilise and attain sustainability to cushion the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic.” Ahmed disclosed.
He said the Ministry would engage in investigative visits, site inspections, sensitisation and that enlargement efforts would also be constantly undertaken to ensure that peace in the communities were maintained, subsisting issues resolved, thereby ensuring “Lagos remains the city of our dream.”
Ahmed also disclosed that the Ministry would engage organisations to undertake more Corporate Social Responsibility through its proposed Corporate Social Responsibility Forum.
According to him, “this programme is intended to further encourage Corporate Organisations to fulfill their various pledges to partner with communities in carrying out their CSR.”
The commissioner added that rehabilitation of community halls across the State would be carried out, as the upgrade would enhance the facilities and structure therein.
Folashade Kadiri
Director, Public Affairs, MLGCA
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