By Precious Enaike

Residents of riverine communities in Kosofe Constituency have decried the lack of basic infrastructure, including roads, schools, healthcare facilities and markets, describing the situation as years of neglect and underdevelopment.

The concerns were raised during a campaign engagement by the African Action Congress (AAC) House of Assembly candidate for the constituency, Mr. Semiu Ogundele, who met with residents to discuss their challenges and present his plans ahead of the election.

Ogundele said his decision to seek elective office was driven by the prevailing socio-economic difficulties facing Nigerians, including insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, poor healthcare services and the rising cost of living.

According to him, these challenges have continued to worsen living conditions, particularly for people at the grassroots level.

“Our people are hardworking artisans, traders, transport workers and small business owners, yet many are still struggling despite the resources available to government. Public funds must be used to improve the welfare of the people,” he said.

The AAC candidate stated that housing, healthcare and security would form the core of his legislative agenda if elected into the Lagos State House of Assembly.

He pledged to immediately pursue initiatives aimed at addressing critical community needs and improving the quality of life for residents.

Explaining his choice of political platform, Ogundele said he was attracted to the AAC because of its ideology and the leadership of Omoyele Sowore, whom he described as a consistent advocate of accountability, anti-corruption and good governance.

Residents who spoke during the engagement highlighted a range of developmental challenges affecting the community.

A community elder, Mr. Akinsheye Felix, identified poor road networks and insecurity as major concerns, calling on government authorities to provide a police station and construct motorable roads in the area.

“We need good roads and better security in this community,” he said, expressing confidence in Ogundele as someone familiar with the needs of residents.

Also speaking, Mrs. Bolaji Ogundele lamented the absence of healthcare facilities, noting that women and children are often exposed to serious risks during emergencies due to poor access to medical services.

She explained that pregnant women frequently travel long distances or rely on boats to access healthcare facilities outside the community.

The Chairman of the Imole Oluwa Community Development Association (CDA), Mr. Ese Ramoni, described the community’s situation as the result of years of neglect.

According to him, the area lacks essential social amenities such as schools, healthcare centres, markets and accessible road networks, forcing residents to depend on neighbouring communities for basic services.

Ramoni said the community has received little benefit from democratic governance over the years but noted that many residents are supporting Ogundele because of his longstanding relationship with the community and active involvement in local affairs.

He expressed hope that greater attention would be given to the development needs of the riverine communities in Kosofe.