In a compelling address delivered at a seminar held at Lagos State University (LASU) on Tuesday May 14, 2024, the chairman of Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA, Hon Rasaq Ajala (HRA), reflected on his 24-year journey in governance.
Speaking on the topic: “Grassroot Governance: Odiolowo/Ojuwoye Experience“, HRA highlighted his experiences, particularly focusing on grassroots governance within the LCDA.
Reflecting on his 24-year journey in governance, HRA emphasised the crucial role of local government in Nigeria’s political landscape and detailed the challenges and achievements encountered during his tenure.
HRA outlined the evolution of Mushin’s governance and the birth of 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) initiated by former Governor and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He emphasized the significance of these local governments in driving community-focused policies and programs.
Highlighting the local government’s constitutional duties, he stressed the importance of education, healthcare, infrastructure, and community services, all essential for bridging the gap between the governed and higher tiers of government.
He narrated his entry into political activism, campaigning for Chief Dapo Sarumi’s gubernatorial aspirations and later supporting the MKO presidential project.
Read his speech in full:
“With deep gratitude, I extend my appreciation to Dr. Abdul Wasiu
Moshood, Acting Head of Political Science in the Faculty of Social Sciences at this institution, for the opportunity to speak at this significant event.
Dr. Abdul Wasiu is among the select few leveraging their expertise to
showcase Mushin on a global stage, inspiring our youth with hope that
they too can achieve international success despite any challenges associated with their birth environment.
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the organisers of this exceptional seminar, with special appreciation to the Principal Host, Prof. O. A. Lawal, for their unwavering commitment, dedication, and investment of time and resources in creating this valuable learning platform.
This seminar provides an invaluable opportunity for students and guests to gain deeper insights into the practical aspects of governance at this critical level of government.
In pursuit of the objectives outlined in this seminar titled “Practical Governance: The View from the Insider,” particularly focusing on the sub-topic assigned to me, “Grassroot Governance: Odiolowo/Ojuwoye Experience,” I aim to share my 24-year journey of governance involvement within the defunct Mushin Local Government and Odiolowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area.
To simplify and enhance understanding of the sub-topic being discussed, I will divide it into the following segments:
- DEFINITION & ROLE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT
- THE BEGINNING OF AN EVENTFUL JOURNEY
- THE BIRTH OF 37 LCDAS BY THE FORMER GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE AND PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, HE. PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU
- MY SUPPORTIVE ROLE AS SUPERVISOR AND VICE-CHAIRMAN TO THE PIONEER CHAIRMAN OF ODI-OLOWO/ OJUWOYE LCDA
- UNLEASHING MY ADMINISTRATIVE ACUMEN AND POLITICAL SAGACITY IN THE GOVERNANCE OF ODI OLOWO/OJUWOYE LCDA AS EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
THE CHALLENGES OF GRASSROOTS GOVERNANCE
SUSTAINING A MODEL LOCAL COUNCIL WITH ‘THE FOUR GIANT DEALS IN FOUR BIG YEAR’ THROUGH OUR PHILOSOPHY OF ‘COMMON POOL FOR COMMON BENEFITS’
The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria recognises the Local Government as the third tier of government, with clearly defined roles and responsibilities that include but not limited to:
- Provision of functional and qualitative Primary Education
- Provision of Functional Primary Health System
- Construction of Roads
- Construction and Maintenance of Market, Garages, Cemetery
- Issuance of Birth and Death Certificates.
Due to its proximity to the populace, the local government serves as a vital bridge between the governed and higher tiers of government, facilitating the flow of essential information and intelligence necessary for formulating policies that prioritize the welfare of the people.
The Constitution of Nigeria lists 774 Local Government Areas; however, states like Lagos and Ekiti have established additional development areas to extend governance even closer to the grassroots level. This decentralisation aims to enhance local administration and ensure effective delivery of services to communities.
My entry into politics was influenced by my father, Alhaji Raheem Ajala, who was deeply embedded in Mushin’s political landscape, having held various positions within the progressive political system during the Third and Fourth Republics.
My journey into political activism began in the early 1990s when I actively aligned with and campaigned vigorously for the gubernatorial aspiration of Chief Dapo Sarumi. This experience marked the beginning of my active involvement in political engagement and community leadership.
As a youth activist with a strong focus on welfare ideology, I collaborated with like-minded individuals to establish a political association that played a significant role in supporting the MKO presidential project. Through these activities and other community engagements, we garnered support and inspired a majority of youth and
like-minded adults who shared our vision.
This led to the establishment of a platform that championed a movement pivotal to my emergence as a councillor representing a notable ward known for its unique characteristics and commercial activities within Mushin.
I was born and raised in Mushin, in Akala. Despite the name “Akala” possibly hinting at challenges, I was determined to redefine its narrative. Through my role as a councillor, I initiated and executed numerous life-
changing programmes aimed at supporting vulnerable families and encouraging students to pursue academic excellence.
Our Trade Assistance Programme, Free Tutorial Programme, and provision of 100 free GCE forms to indigent students in my ward are all focused on revitalising our community and forging sustainable paths to prosperity for our people. These initiatives represent my commitment to transforming our ward and empowering its residents for a brighter future.
It is crucial to highlight that the innovative initiative of offering FREE GCE forms significantly enhanced my acceptance and recognition within and beyond my ward. This programme garnered accolades from both local and international NGOs.
The Center for Community Education and Development in Australia, after reading about this initiative in the Guardian Newspaper and PM News, honoured me with an award, further acknowledging the impact of our efforts on education and community development. This recognition
underscores the importance and success of our initiatives in promoting access to education and empowering our community.
The creation and sustainability of 37 Local Council Development Area was championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu when he was Governor of Lagos State in 2003. As a visionary with strong advocate for people centric governance, he realized early enough that the best platform to resonate government policies, programmes and projects with people is through the local government, hence his strong agitation for additional local governments in Lagos given our population size and contribution to national wealth.
It is instructive to say that Kano with almost the same population as Lagos has 44 Local Government Areas, and Lagos State has only 20 Local Governments.
Equipped with fact of laws and surrounded by Legal Luminary of sound minds, Lagos State went to Court to challenge the withheld of local government fund due to the creation and Supreme Court ruled in favour of the state and directed President Obasanjo-led federal government to release the fund immediately but to the astonishment of global citizens, President Obasanjo never did until he left office.
Shortly after President Yar’adua assumed office, he complied with a Supreme Court order by effecting the payment. Like other local councils, Odiolowo/Ojuwoye is one of the local councils created, and its establishment has led to unprecedented transformation evident across all
sectors of the local economy.
The positive impact of this development is seen in various aspects of community life, marking a significant improvement in the area’s economic and social landscape.
The knowledge and experience I gained while under the leadership of Distinguished Senator Ganiu Olarenwaju Solomon during his tenure as Chairman of the defunct Mushin Local Government equipped me for
higher responsibilities.
This prepared me effectively for my role as the pioneer Supervisor for Works in the newly created Odiolowo/Ojuwoye LCDA, under the leadership of my brother and leader, Hon. Taofeek Adeyemi Alli, serving as the Executive Secretary.
With this foundation, I was able to seamlessly transition into my new
role and contribute effectively to the development and progress of our
community.
I was an elected vice-chairman of the council for three consecutive terms and I have an equally highly cerebral grassroots politician, Aremo Taofeek Adeyemi Alli as Chairman of the council. We have a similar policy and with him a formidable team was formed with the people as the focus of our governance policy.
The council provided a higher and bigger platform we focus on putting in welfarist programmes that have direct positive impact on the people.
I must highlight that while I reside in my Akala residence, Aremo Alli resides in his house in Ayantuga, situated in the heart of Mushin. Our collaboration was highly effective, forming the most formidable, united, and strongest Chairman/Vice Chairman team in Lagos State.
Remarkably, throughout three consecutive terms of three years each, there were no reported quarrels or disagreements between us. This harmonious partnership and mutual respect significantly contributed to
our success in governance and community development.
Upon my appointment as the Executive Secretary of Odiolowo/Ojuwoye Council, I was the unanimous choice of our people. Since assuming the role of Chairman of the council, the welfare and aspirations of our
community members have been the focal point of our administration.
We initiated programmes that have a direct impact on the people. We hold regular meetings with the Community Development Council (CDC) and visit the various Community Development Associations (CDAs).
We interact with them regularly, we feel their pulse all the time and the result has been very tremendous. My interaction, and close connection with the people have saved the situation in some very tight situations in the council. I will narrate two incidents. Prior to assuming office, there were fierce battles for supremacy among various youth groups in the Onipanu, Fadeyi, Jibowu axis, Idioro, Araba/Akinbode, and Ilupeju areas. These conflicts resulted in violence, loss of lives, and destruction of property.
Addressing and resolving these
issues became our immediate priority and served as the initial litmus test for our administration when I assumed the role of Chairman. With the grace of God, support from relevant stakeholders, and our strategic approach, we successfully rallied everyone to support our peace agenda. As a result, all communities within Odiolowo/Ojuwoye now enjoy a sense of calmness and peaceful coexistence.
During the EndSARS protest, we faced another significant challenge. However, leveraging our strong relationship with the youth, we encouraged them to take ownership and responsibility for government
properties, as well as secure business premises within and beyond the Ilupeju Industrial Estate. This proactive approach helped mitigate potential risks and safeguarded critical infrastructure during a period of heightened tension and uncertainty.
You will want to know what really endeared us to the populace.
Establishing direct contact with the community is essential, as is maintaining an open-door policy that grants them access to us. However, the most crucial aspect is implementing programs that directly benefit
and positively impact their lives. This approach ensures meaningful engagement and fosters trust and collaboration between the government and the community.
CHALLENGES
Our experience so far, whether it is the issue of managing public opinion
and citizen expectations to budget constraints and even to fill vacant
positions with a major challenge of innovation and effective service
delivery.
THE CONSTITUTION
While the constitution has undergone several reviews over the years, it has failed to address pertinent issues that hinder local government development. The constitution does not make a clear distinction between the powers and boundaries of the state and federal government regarding local government creation and operation. It has led to a continuous encroachment on how the local government functions.
INADEQUATE FINANCE
It is pertinent to note that much of the L.G funds come from the statutory monthly allocation from the federal government and grant from the state. The inadequacy of funds hinders development of project at L.G levels.
UNDUE INTERFERENCE FROM STATE
Government: According to constitution, L.G are empowered to impose levies on private establishments at the grassroots level for revenue generation saddled with providing good PHC and education but most states have taken over this responsibilities.
OUR GIANT DEALS
Despite all the aforementioned challenges we are able to achieve tremendous feat that time may not permit us to mention. Our programmes tagged ‘ FOUR GIANT DEALS IN FOUR BIG YEARS’ are mainly centered on having direct impact on the people, hence our political philosophy named ‘ COMMON POOL FOR COMMON BENEFITS’
There is no sector of our local economy that we have not established our footprint, hence, the level of acceptability we have enjoyed from the populace. It is instructive to emphasize that all our policies, programmes
and projects are designed with the ultimate objective of meeting the need of the various people we have on the economic ladder of our council.
The Construction and Rehabilitation of over 60 Roads are done with the intent of giving the upper and middle class good motoring experience on our roads. Our various social intervention programmes such provision of
functioning health centers, qualitative primary schools, commuting of students/pupils to schools and back home, provision of 148 boreholes and generating sets , subsidized food items – most especially during the festive period are few of the programmes designed for the residents at the bottom of the ladder.
Given the vantage position of the Youth in the political architecture of our LCDA, We implemented the following programmes which include Grassroots Talent Hunt Sport Fiesta Numerous ICT Programmes, Solar Technology Systems Installation Training Programmes, Free GCE, JAMB and Bursary Scholarship Programmes Mega Empowerment and Capacity Development Programmes and so on.
We also attended to the financial needs of MSMEs – Medium Small Enterprises by injecting 100 Million Loan Facility at ZERO INTEREST RATE and provision of GRANTS to over 2000 PETTY TRADERS within our LCDA.
For me, the experience has been exhilarating and very interesting but of
course, it has not been a bed of roses given the enormity of the responsibilities that are domesticated in the office. However, we can raise our heads high.
I thank you all for listening and hope that I’ve not bore you with my story.”
