By Matthew Johnson

Chairman of Ojodu Local Council Development Area, LCDA, Hon. David Olusegun Odunmbaku, on Tuesday marked the 100 days of his second term in office with the distribution of a wide range of empowerment tools and financial support to residents, in what he described as a decisive push to reduce poverty and strengthen small businesses within the council.

The event, held at the council secretariat, drew hundreds of beneficiaries, including traders, artisans, youths and Persons Living With Disabilities, PLWDs. The gesture formed part of Odunmbaku’s campaign commitments under his “HEYSRELOADED Agenda” covering Health, Education, Youth and Women Development, Social Empowerment and Infrastructure.

Among the tools distributed were poultry and fish feeds, grinding machines, industrial freezers and ovens, generators, solar panels, industrial gas and cookers, laptops, desktop computers, welding machines, hairdryers, weaving machines, carpentry and plumbing tools, goat, sheep and bird cages, vulcanizer machines and water pumps.
Commercial transport operators received fuel vouchers ranging from N10,000 to N20,000, amounting to N5 million, while solar solutions were provided for 10 small businesses.

In addition, 50 market men and women received N100,000 each, 20 PLWDs got N50,000 each, and graduates of the council-sponsored soilless farming programme also received N100,000 apiece from a N5 million grant set aside to support the initiative.

Odunmbaku, addressing the crowd, said the empowerment drive was only the beginning of a broader plan to build “a cleaner, safer, more prosperous, digital and smart Ojodu,” anchored on inclusive governance and sustained community development.

“In these 100 days, we have planted a seed of progress. Our vision for Ojodu is clear. A community where every citizen, young or old, feels the pulse of good governance. Let us continue to walk together toward the Ojodu of our dreams,” he said.

He announced plans to build a police station in Oke-Ira to enhance security, expand digital training for youths and continue infrastructural upgrades across the area. The chairman also expressed gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for approving key projects within the LCDA and pledged his administration’s support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

Beneficiaries who spoke at the event commended the chairman for delivering on his promises and providing lifelines to struggling businesses and vulnerable groups.

Since assuming office, Odunmbaku’s administration has expanded healthcare access with new and upgraded health centres, recording over six successful surgeries at the Oluwole facility. A recent large-scale medical outreach also provided free tests and drugs to thousands of residents.

On infrastructure, the council has constructed new roads and rehabilitated dilapidated ones, linking previously isolated areas and easing movement within the LCDA. In agriculture, youths trained in soilless farming recently presented their first harvest to the chairman.

The council has also supported hundreds of traders and entrepreneurs with interest-free loans ranging from N150,000 to N2 million in partnership with a microfinance bank. Over 60,000 exercise books and school bags have been distributed to pupils in public primary schools, while outstanding teachers have been recognized with cash awards.

Odunmbaku said the achievements were only a foundation for deeper development interventions in the months ahead.