“Ajala ń ṣe bẹbẹ” — Residents of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA Hail HRA Subsidised Foodstuffs Initiative

Residents of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA have commended LCDA Chairman, Hon Rasaq Ajala (HRA), for his initiative in providing subsidised foodstuffs.

The council premises were bustling today as residents gathered to benefit from the subsidised items.

Adressing the people, HRA stated that the programme was made possible due to the support extended to the local governments by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, who are strong advocates of Local Government Autonomy.

“We believe that democracy is about the people, and therefore, we must ensure that all our policies, programs, and projects resonate with their needs,” he said.

“We were born and raised in this community, and we know their needs,” he added.

He emphasised that all the programmes of his government are aimed at fulfilling the political promises made when seeking people’s votes.

“When we were canvassing every part of our community seeking their votes, we promised them that with me at the helm and the support of my team, we would meet the people’s expectations and fulfill our electoral promises,” he explained.

He further stated that his government has performed well in fulfilling its electoral promises, citing the food program as one of the many successful interventions.

“We have made significant progress in road construction, education, health, capacity building, and sports,” he continued.

“While we acknowledge that we are not where we ought to be, governance is a continuous process, and I believe we have raised the bar of governance during our tenure,” he said.

He urged the people of the country to be patient with the present government, expressing confidence that things will improve.

“We must all be patriotic and believe in our leaders,” he emphasised.

“For those of us who were around when Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was the Governor of Lagos State, the same challenges we are facing today were also present during his first two years in office,” he pointed out.

“This is because some people did not realize that he was building a sustainable template for Lagos State,” he added.

“If Lagos State is working today, it is because of the sustainable template put in place by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and I am sure he is presently doing the same at the federal level,” he stated.

“The student loan scheme he has just introduced is a practice in advanced countries where tertiary education is not only for the children of the rich,” he noted.

“The credit facility program, which is in the pipeline, will allow people to access loans, similar to what is obtainable in other advanced countries,” he concluded.

Commendations from the Residents

Residents of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA expressed their gratitude for the subsidised foodstuffs initiative led by LCDA Chairman, Hon. Rasaq Ajala (HRA).

Mrs Taiwo Jubri from Idera Street remarked on the significant discounts compared to market prices. “This initiative is highly commendable. With this, Ajala has proven himself a true man of the people. I wish other leaders would emulate him so this kindness could spread throughout Odi-Olowo,” she said.

Another beneficiary, Bankole Ogidan, highlighted the cost savings. “If I bought these foodstuffs in the market, I would pay triple what I paid here. I appreciate Hon. Ajala for this kind gesture,” he declared. Ogidan added, “I bought garri, bread, and pepper. I pray that Almighty Allah continues to support Ajala.”

Elder King Solomon Folarin shared his experience, noting the affordability. “I only spent 13,500 naira to buy garri, bread, eggs, and rice, courtesy of Hon. Ajala,” he said. He praised the local government, stating, “This is one of the best local governments in Nigeria. The chairman is a great, kind-hearted person. The process is transparent and easy; you don’t have to know anyone to buy the items of your choice.”

Mrs Iyiola expressed her surprise and appreciation. “It really surprised me that a local government chairman could initiate a program like this. This is the food security the citizens are asking for,” she said, praying that God Almighty will continue to support the council boss.

Over 2,000 residents benefitted from the subsidised foodstuffs, all praising the council chairman for his initiative.