The Lagos State House of Assembly has commended the Executive Chairman, Ajeromi Local Government, Mr Fatai Ayoola, for rebuilding the secretariat that was destroyed during the EndSARS protest in the state.
The Chairman, House Committee on Local Government and Community Relations, Mr AdbulSobur Olawale, made the commendation during the oversight tour to Ajeromi LG and Ifelodun Local Council Development Area in Lagos on Saturday.
Olawale, representing Mushin Constituency II, noted that the secretariat was among those government facilities that were destroyed by hoodlums during the protest.
He said: “We have visited Ifelodun Local Government Development Area and Ajeromi Local Government and what we saw there were very encouraging.
“It is remarkable because we know what happened to the local government during the EndSARS protest.
“It is worthy of emulation that the council could quickly rise up to rebuild the Secretariat.
“I think that is commendable and the synergy that is existing between the management and workers is also commendable.”
Olawale said the oversight provided an avenue to interface with the local governments, understand the relationship that exists between the workers and the management of the council.
He said workers were the engine room of any local government and it was important to feel their pulse to know the kind of relationship that exists between the them and the council management then intervene where there were challenges.
Olawale said the oversight was to avail them the opportunity to assess the projects awarded to the local governments between 2017 and 2020; to know those that had been completed, ongoing and those that were yet to be done.
He noted that the committee was happy that the relationship that exists between the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and Ajeromi Local Government was mutual.
The lawmaker also applauded the Council Chairman of Ifelodun LCDA, Mr Shaibu Ajidagba, for building the legislative chamber during his tenure in office.
“We are advising other local government chairmen to emulate these gestures because the essence of governance is to put a lasting legacy for others to follow.
“We urge the local government chairmen to know that reward for a good job is more work. Those council chairmen should not relent in ensuring that projects are put in place,” he said
Responding, Ayoola applauded the members of the committee for their oversight visit for them to assess the work on ground.
The Ajeromi chairman, however, lamented that the secretariat was destroyed while several vehicles were vandalised during the protest.
Ayoola noted that the secretariat was rebuilt with the help of the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babjide Sanwo-Olu.
“Four months ago, Oct. 20, Ajeromi was attacked by hoodlums under the guise of EndSARS protest, 89 vehicles were destroyed and burnt but it took the efforts of people, the political class to get the secretariat back.
“We have been passionate about development of the youths through our monthly grant of N100,000 to assist in entrepreneurship.
“We have also taken the security of the people into cognizance and in this regard; we have donated security vehicles to the police stations around us.
“We are also building the first sports facility at the Maratana stadium and we are doing so to engage our youths to be the best in life.
“We have been able to showcase some of our ongoing projects and I think, the judgment is for members of the committee to make. We will continue to do our best as far as grassroots governance is concerned,” he said.
Also speaking, the Council Chairman of Ifelodun LCDA, Ajidagba, disclosed that his administration had been able to complete some projects, including building a comprehensive health centre which was commissioned by the state governor.
Ajidagba noted that the council had been able to positively influence the grassroots in the area of education, health care delivery, environment, infrastructure, and welfare packages, among others.
