By Mojeed-Ekelojumati Rahman

The political architect of modern Lagos local governance, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT)—who midwifed the creation of 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in 2003 from the original 20 Local Governments-would no doubt be smiling at the visible fruits of that bold initiative. Alongside his trusted lieutenants and apex leaders -Otunba Bushura Alebiosu (Lagos East), Chief Tajudeen Olusi (Lagos Central), and Oba Mufutau Hamzat (Lagos West, of blessed memory)-history continues to vindicate their belief in grassroots governance.

Despite their early struggles, including 22 months of federal allocation shortfalls shared with parent LGAs, the LCDAs have matured into strong vehicles of service delivery. Nowhere is this more evident than in Somolu and Kosofe, where women of substance—seasoned, capable, and responsive—have emerged as shining examples of effective grassroots leadership within just 100 days in office.

SAMMY IS BACK- WITH A BANG
Princess Samiat Bolanle Bada-Banjo, the Chairperson of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, has announced her return to office with unmistakable impact. In her first 100 days of a second term, she delivered three strategic road rehabilitation projects in the Olowora axis—connecting Adetuberu, Temitayo Obisanya, and Isaac Omole streets.

The overwhelming joy that greeted the commissioning of these roads underscored a key strength of her administration: thorough needs assessment and people-centred prioritisation. These newly rehabilitated roads now enhance connectivity, stimulate local commerce, and deepen community cohesion.

Guided by the council’s motto—“Ìṣe l’ó gùn Ìṣe” (Work is the antidote to poverty)- Mayoress Bada-Banjo returned with renewed commitment to poverty alleviation and social transformation. This builds on her widely celebrated first-term legacy, notably the SOT-Ikosi-Isheri Healthcare Centre, a state-of-the-art facility likened to a UK-NHS standard primary health institution, commissioned in July by Hajia Nana Shettima and named after Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

IYANIWURA UPLIFTS BARIGA
In Bariga LCDA, motherhood, humility, compassion, and tested leadership converge in the first 100 days of Hon.Adedeji Bukola Omope (Iyaniwura). Her administration has delivered multiple people-focused interventions within just three months.

Standing out prominently is the construction of the Bariga Sports Centre within CMS Primary School, Bariga-a landmark project that places Bariga on the map as a promoter of sport being a powerful global tool for youth development, unity, and economic inclusion. This initiative aligns seamlessly with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision of talent development and community integration through sports infrastructure.

Beyond sports, Iyaniwura’s strategic partnership with the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has empowered youths and women through market-relevant vocational and skills training. Beneficiaries received hands-on training in digital marketing, entrepreneurship, solar installation, agriculture, and fashion design,a practical skills capable of tackling unemployment and stimulating household income in today’s economy.

Triple “A” Raises the Tech Ladder in Agboyi-Ketu
Fondly known as “Triple A”, Mrs. Adetola Adunni Abubakar (née Oyedele), Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, has validated the popular saying echoed by Hon. Okanlawon Sanni, Chairman, House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs—that leadership qualities often transcend lineage( omo leader, leader naa ni o).

Her administration launched a youth tech empowerment programme, culminating in the graduation and certification of Cohort 1 trainees in data analysis, graphic design, and desktop publishing. Far beyond skills acquisition, this initiative equips young people with tools for economic liberation, nurturing a new generation of digital innovators.

Equally commendable is her community-wide free healthcare outreach, which brought specialised medical services directly to Agboyi-Ketu’s rural-urban population. The three-day programme included kidney function tests, tuberculosis screening, family planning services, blood pressure monitoring, and free BP machines-a significant expansion beyond routine medical consultations and a strong foundation for sustainable community development.

This brief snapshot drawn from only a fraction of their numerous programmes clearly demonstrates that these women leaders have introduced fresh ideas, uncommon perspectives, and dynamic governance, complementing the foundations laid by their predecessors .They stand today as compelling examples of women in leadership delivering results.

To ensure sustainability:
Residents of Olowora should take collective ownership of the newly rehabilitated roads, particularly as the projects emerged through a bottom-up, community-driven process.

The Bariga Executive Cabinet, in collaboration with the State Government and NDE, should fast-track post-training placement and resettlement for vocational beneficiaries.

Community stakeholders must actively support the management and utilisation of the Bariga Sports Centre.

State and local governments should provide continued enabling environments for the Agboyi-Ketu Tech Hub to flourish.

Medical records from Agboyi-Ketu’s outreach programmes should be integrated into the databases of existing primary health centres, while advocacy for a general hospital in the area becomes imperative to ease pressure on Gbagada and Ikorodu General Hospitals.

Ultimately, the achievements of these Amazing Amazons, alongside other performing council chairmen across Lagos State, underscore the impact of financial autonomy and clear administrative guidelines approved by the Lagos State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Mudashiru Obasa.

Together, they continue to position Lagos State as Nigeria’s benchmark for effective and efficient local governance.

Dr Mojeed-Ekelojumati Rahman, a Rural Capital Development and Poverty Reduction Policy Expert can be reached via [email protected].