By Alade Aromashodu

The Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Dr. Oluseyi Jakande, has marked his administration’s first anniversary in office with the unveiling of a ₦500 million Empowerment Programme for residents.

Speaking at the anniversary event, Hon ‘Seyi Jakande noted that the administration used its inaugural year to convert promises into practical projects under HEWA Agenda: Health and Environmental Sustainability; Education and Empowerment; Works and Security; and Agriculture, Tourism and Culture.

According to him, the administration has strengthened healthcare delivery through medical outreaches and the introduction of Electronic Medical Records to improve efficiency, reduce medical errors and enhance healthcare outcomes.

He also announced that 1,500 residents had benefited from free health insurance coverage under the council’s medical health insurance scheme. The administration, he added, had sustained environmental sanitation, public sensitisation, tree planting, removal of illegal structures and drainage interventions across the LCDA.

In education, Dr. Jakande reiterated that the council implemented a Back-to-School Initiative, distributing school bags and learning materials to pupils in public primary schools, saying “the council’s Jako Jollof Initiative provides nutritious Jollof rice to pupils every Friday, while deserving students have received free GCE forms and bursaries.”

He further added that the council had invested in vocational training, ICT and human capital development. As part of the anniversary activities, the chairman also commissioned the Kayode Primary Healthcare Centre.

Continued: “Our goal is not only to empower people today, but to create people who will, in turn, empower others tomorrow,” urging beneficiaries to make productive use of the opportunities.

“The flagship ₦500 million Mega Empowerment Programme features a ₦250 million interest‑free loan facility for small and medium enterprises and individuals, branded ILE‑OWO. The programme will also bankroll the graduation and empowerment of more than 600 vocational trainees, provide support for small businesses, extend assistance to 302 street assistants, supply nine commercial buses to qualified residents and award empowerment grants to entrepreneurs and households.”

In her submission, Ms. Ogabi Folaremi, Council Manager of the LCDA, commended Jakande for his commitment to the development and economic empowerment of residents, describing his first year in office as a period of purposeful leadership, service and tangible impact.

She said: “The celebration was an opportunity to highlight the administration’s achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, empowerment and community development during its first year in office.

“The event was held under the theme of celebrating “One Year of Service, One Year of Impact, and One Year of Empowerment.”

Other activities of the event included the empowerment of beneficiaries with nine commercial buses and the commissioning of the Kayode Primary Healthcare Centre, alongside completed infrastructure projects.

However, Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, Chairman of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC), commended Hon Seyi Jakande positive activities in the community, especially in the area empowerment, urging him not to relent.